Birds--General/lovebird

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Expert: - 4/14/2008


Question
About a year ago I adopted a saved lovebird. It had been negelected and it took time for it to get comfortable with me. I spend about two hours each evening letting fly around my apartment and perch on my shoulder. However, I have noticed that it is using its rope toy to masturbate with. I would not be concerned except that it is rubbing the feathers off and exposing the bottom part of it's tail feathers. Is there a toy I can get him that will keep him from using his perch? maybe a felt liner?  or stuffed animal?  I am at a loss. Thank you

Answer
Hi, Rohan,

This problem with your lovie is typical!  A parrot may masturbate on anything in its cage, such as the food/water dishes, side of the cage (against the cage wire), etc., even on your hand/fingers.....anything the bird can back up against.  Therefore, you can try different types of toys or whatever, but your bird will select the objects he desires to masterbate with.  You cannot stop this behavior.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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