Thoughts on wrestling/sparring

[TRBLMKR]

I have a pineapple gcc female named Pebbles. Born at the end of December. Super playful, and loving. Lately we have been rough housing, sparring, or play fighting. She is normally the one who instigates. Should I not act on her karate kicks? As long as both parties are playing, there shouldn't be any negative habits formed, hopefully? Ultimately, I don't want to her to become aggressive to others in the household or visitors. She is too sweet! Whatcha think?

Also, what is the typical age most gcc mature?

 

[Niteldy]

I have a pineapple gcc female named Pebbles. Born at the end of December. Super playful, and loving. Lately we have been rough housing, sparring, or play fighting. She is normally the one who instigates. Should I not act on her karate kicks? As long as both parties are playing, there shouldn't be any negative habits formed, hopefully? Ultimately, I don't want to her to become aggressive to others in the household or visitors. She is too sweet! Whatcha think?

Also, what is the typical age most gcc mature?
View attachment 53301

I have to laugh - I have a cockatiel who play spar/fights. He is super sweet and when he is done its cuddle time- We have a great time!! His name is Angel but he sure has a devilish side!! Personally I dont have a problem with it. Maybe I am wrong but in a day- its all in good fun and he and I both love it.

 

[20brio19]

I had to think for a while but I think I know what you mean, it's like a playfighting thing.

For my Pionus, it's not a good idea. He usually escalates it and the gentle biting turns into hard biting and he gets angry.

 

[clark_conure]

If they like it, and it doesn't escalate, it's fine.

 

[SailBoat]

With our DYH Amazon it is a serious no, no! As it is far too common for him to escalates it into a war in which he will not step-down from. Truly a game of blood and guts, generally mine!

 

[clark_conure]

With a green cheek they enjoy it, and they grow out of it even if you always let them win. It's a good way to vent for them in a controlled environment. Like takeing a dog for a walk to get rid of excess energy. And it's a good bonding moment, you're wrestling, you're fighting and then they know you're not going to ever hurt them. You will gain more trust with a fight where they know you won't hurt a single feather on them......in my experience.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I have to laugh - I have a cockatiel who play spar/fights. He is super sweet and when he is done its cuddle time- We have a great time!! His name is Angel but he sure has a devilish side!! Personally I dont have a problem with it. Maybe I am wrong but in a day- its all in good fun and he and I both love it.

My female Budgie Rocky loves to play rough and we indulge her. I'm not sure I would if she were a much larger bird like an Amazon or a larger conure like a Sun or Nanday, but GCs are only about the size of a cockatiel.

 

[Free as a bird]

It's an individual thing, some birds like play fighting and hold no grudges others take it seriously and bite you.

I would say if it doesn't bite them it's fine. If it does bite then probably not

 

[wrench13]

My Amazon Salty loves to play fight. HE has amazing control and almost never escalates onto real fighting, very untypical for parrots and especially Amazons. We can play for awhile, more then 15 minutes sometimes, and he never chomps hard enough to even hurt much less bruise or draw blood, but he is perfectly capable of doing both. Careful observation before I attempt rough play gives me the feedback I need to know which way it will go. He will hang by one foot and try to get my fingers while i tease him behind his head. But really, you MUST know your parrot well before trying this.