Tim the Catalina has a thing for me

[Joi2fine]

Soo my 20 year old rescue Tim has definitely chosen me as his person, and has recently started showing me how special I am by regurgitating in my hand .. I usually take him from sitting next to me and put him back in his cage after he does this to let him know it’s not ok and he won’t get any more attention when he does this. I only pet and scratch his head, so I’m not sure what else to do to get him to stop. Is this a phase perhaps? Here’s a pic of Tim eating his favorite fruit!

 

[Cindylynn]

I don't discourage Pancho from regurging, it's natural macaw behavior. I also don't allow it in my hand, I just pull my hand back, he keeps it in his own mouth and eats it himself. I've read some who say that it is courtship behavior, but I don't see that with Pancho. He regurges for lots of people, toys, foods, and sometimes when he's super amused/happy, like a game of peekaboo. It appears to me to be a sign of extreme happiness and comfort and friendship. I don't think it should be discouraged and certainly not punished, but simply routed to where nobody ends up with a handful of bird puke.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

I think also if you shun him too much you may become a rival.

I love Tim's fire red lore

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

I don't discourage Pancho from regurging, it's natural macaw behavior. I also don't allow it in my hand, I just pull my hand back, he keeps it in his own mouth and eats it himself. I've read some who say that it is courtship behavior, but I don't see that with Pancho. He regurges for lots of people, toys, foods, and sometimes when he's super amused/happy, like a game of peekaboo. It appears to me to be a sign of extreme happiness and comfort and friendship. I don't think it should be discouraged and certainly not punished, but simply routed to where nobody ends up with a handful of bird puke.

Do you think we allow macaws to exhibit a bit more affection and give more to them than we would an amazon?
Don't know I just think the bond with a macaw is slightly different.
Or am I completely cuckoo?

 

[Cindylynn]

Do you think we allow macaws to exhibit a bit more affection and give more to them than we would an amazon?
Don't know I just think the bond with a macaw is slightly different.
Or am I completely cuckoo?

I've never had an Amazon, so I really can't compare. But I know Pancho is extremely affectionate, towards specific people anyway. Some family he only wants to play with. But to the ones he wants to cuddle, he's very very loving.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I don't discourage Pancho from regurging, it's natural macaw behavior. I also don't allow it in my hand, I just pull my hand back, he keeps it in his own mouth and eats it himself. I've read some who say that it is courtship behavior, but I don't see that with Pancho. He regurges for lots of people, toys, foods, and sometimes when he's super amused/happy, like a game of peekaboo. It appears to me to be a sign of extreme happiness and comfort and friendship. I don't think it should be discouraged and certainly not punished, but simply routed to where nobody ends up with a handful of bird puke.

Yum. Bird puke.
I have to say I'd MUCH rather a macaw puke in my hand than bite it!

 

[Joi2fine]

Thank you for all the replies!! He’s pretty affectionate to me, and I’ve stopped putting him away when he does it, I just keep a roll of paper towels nearby. He also rubs his tongue down my arm.( strangest feeling since it’s dry)... lol for a Macaw, he's very affectionate.. He snuggles up and wants me to pet his head..