With breeding season rolling in, can you understand what signals your bird is sending you?
We think females are complicated. How about considering our feathered friends?
As spring draws closer and daylight patterns begin to change, birds of all shapes and colours start preparing for the next generation. Important factors for these birds to consider is the presence of a suitable nest environment, abundant food and, of course, a loving mate. If your bird can tick all these boxes – watch out! Your cuddly, relaxed, happy companion could suddenly morph into a beak-gnashing, territorial beast whose sole aim is to reproduce… with you!
In captivity, it is easy for us to accidentally encourage hormonal behaviour in our fellow flock members by providing a safe, stable home environment, a reliable high energy, nutrient rich diet, the presence of a suitable nest (for example – boxes, closets, a warm cavity under a blanket or down a shirt) and a mate who provides close physical contact and mutual preening opportunities each day.
A reproductive state can lead to life-threatening medical problems such as prolapses, excessive egg laying and egg binding in hens. Birds can become extremely territorial of both their perceived nest sites and their mates, and display aggressive behaviour towards other family members or visitors to the home. These birds may also scream excessively and could even damage their own feathers.
Reading your bird’s body language is an important skill to develop, as this is often not instinctive or intuitive to us. Similarly, your bird may misinterpret the signals you are sending him/her with every interaction you share. Learning to properly communicate and making some simple adjustments in daily routine with our feathered friends can prevent damaging, destructive and dangerous reproduction-driven behaviours from developing in your pet.
If you would like to discuss any of this information further, please do not hesitate to contact our practice. Our highly trained nurses will be able to
See the video below to watch what happens when “Sirocco”, a rare kakapo, doesn’t take no for an answer!