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Birds--General/Male cockiteal

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Expert: - 6/18/2006


Question
Chrys,   This morning I noticed one of my  male cockiteals rubbing his genital area on the edge of a small bowl. When I returned from work this evening I noticed he would occasionally back up to the bowl and start rubbing himself. He doesn't seem to be in any pain but, this sweet "lovie" bird has turned into a "don't touch me" bird. Is this a hormonal thing or a stopped up oil gland (does this happen?)
thing. What should I do?

Answer
Hi, Wendy.  Thanks for posting.

Yes, it's an hormonal thing, i.e., your tiel wants to mate!  When he rubs his behind on the bowl, he's "mating" with the bowl, if you understand what I'm trying to say here (no stopped up oil gland)!  His behavior will pass as the summer progresses.  Just let him be his hateful self until it passes and he'll return to normal!  Be as normal to him as he'll allow until this phase passes.

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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