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Birds--General/new cockatiel

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Expert: - 6/14/2006


Question
Hi Chrys,

I just recently answered an ad for a cockatiel and I purchased the little guy. He has the strangest habits he tries to take food out of my mouth and eat it, he tries to feed me, and he has tried mating with my foot. Trying to rub is WHoo HOO on my big toe. What should I do? I dont yell at him I just say in a firm voice no and try to get him to stop.

Thanks
Denise

Answer
Hi, Denise.  Thanks for posting.

This is not strange behavior for a parrot who is bonded to it's human!  Parrots who are bonded to their bird mates, their humans, their toys, etc., behave in this manner...it's perfectly normal.  It's his/her way of saying s/he loves you and his/her way of showing his/her affection toward you.

You are handling this behavior correctly.  You can try to dissuade him/her, but don't discipline too harshly because your new tiel might not understand and think you don't love him/her in return.

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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