Strange Cockatoo Behavior

[Cockatoo]

My Umbrella 'too Angel is sitting on the floor next to me, picking up bobby pins and tucking them into her back feathers. It's comical to watch, but I'm concerned. What does this mean?

 

[Kiwibird]

She's just playing, its nothing to worry about. In fact, this kind of "self entertaining" play should be encouraged, so she learns another positive way to keep her occupied and her brain going. Toos' are notorious for behavioral issues stemming from a need for attention, so the more positive/fun things you can teach her to do by herself, the better! Do keep an eye on her with the bobby pins though to make sure she doesn't accidentally eat one. Perhaps introduce something else she can play with that's more parrot-friendly. My dads goffin also does this little "game". He likes to take his peanuts or small wood beads and shove them under his wing pits, bounce them with his wings and roll them down his back. I think it may be a too' thing, because I've never seen any other species do it.

 

[Thingamagigs]

My corella puts food under his wings LMAO
Unfortunately that includes mash and soft foods
He stinks. He stinks bad. LOL So he gets a daily bath. He seems to be in love with his wings.

 

[MonicaMc]

Some cockatoos will use small toys as well. Some enjoy flipping the items off their feathers after placing them there.

I think someone once wondered if it was the birds way to take a "dust bath", since some birds have been known for bathing in fine sand or dirt. Some species (not parrots) will even take "ant baths" to get rid of parasites.


It sounds pretty "normal" as far as cockatoos go, but I don't know why they do it.

 

[Cockatoo]

Thanks guys, ahaha. It's good to know that she's not going crazy in her older age!