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Hormonal Issues in Pet Birds

It’s spring, which means some of you may have noticed your bird’s behavior has begun to change a bit which may mean, your bird’s hormonal cycle has begun to change. You can expect many changes but above all expect the unexpected.

One of the harshest realities to deal with is the aggression that you might not have seen before which is normal and probably won’t last a long time. Unlike other pets like cats and dogs, you really can’t discipline your bird for this. Hormonal behavior will happen when a parrot hits sexual maturity causing hormones to modify his or her behavior.

Eclectus and African Greys have the ability to breed year round, many times and never show changes in their behavior. They both reach sexual maturity around the age of three and eventually mature and grow out of it. Conversely, Amazon parrots reach sexual maturity between the ages of five and twelve. You can expect a great deal of aggression for one to two years during this period. The good news is Amazon aggression will settle down once they are no longer hormonal.

Although they pose less of a problem, Budgies and other smaller breeds can hit sexual maturity as early as six months. Larger breeds of parrots can wait as many as 16 years to reach sexual maturity. Generally as males come into puberty they will become more vocal and may do something as benign as displaying affection to the person they have chosen as their mate - you. Cockatiels may show off their plumage like the heart-shaped wings of a cockatiel male or spread their wings in a particular way. Males may also strut whereas females typically don’t. There will be, at the very least subtle signals that will help make you aware of the hormonal changes going on in your bird’s body.

Derbyan Parakeet head close up - Screaming

Catherine responded to a recent Facebook question we posted regarding bird owners hormonal issues with the following comment:

"Oh one more thing, now this is gonna sadden some folk, but also stop "beaking", meaning the rubbing the birds beak between your fingers, yeah it feels good. But it is a sexual/sensual thing to a bird.

Overall physical touch should be limited during these hormonal peaks because they can stimulate hormones, which is the last thing you want.

Even though it is hard, please don't forget, these are NOT children, they are wild animals, even if tamed to live with humans. And birds that have not been socialized with other birds when they are young or in their formative years, WILL think you are their are possible mates.

They become confused, and may be unable to relate to other birds later on. Supervised birdie "play dates" are a good way to allow birds to realize they are BIRDS." Even a just ride in a car.

It’s important to avoid handling your bird especially in the tail area and around its vent and certainly don’t pull on the tail. More importantly if you have not exercised your bird this would be the time to start, if you are already exercising your bird this would be the time to step it up a notch.