STEVE MARTIN
Parrot's overtures mean sexual frustration
 My sun conure laid an egg and spent a lot of time on the bottom of her cage. Being clueless, I went out and bought some nesting materials for her and also some fuzzy pals I thought she may like to snuggle with. Well, all of these things seem to have frustrated her. I removed everything from the cage, but now I can't pat her or hold her without her squawking in a strange way. She rubs against the cage and acts like she is looking for a mate. Is there anything I can do for her, or will this pass soon?
--Stephanie Zagranis, unityluv@mediaone.net
I understand that parrots are one-man/woman birds. My Quaker has chosen me. I don't mind being his master, but I don't want to mate with him! It usually happens when I'm holding him and talking to him. He starts to "preen" me, then he starts making little moaning sounds, then he tries to mount my face, arm, or wherever he happens to be. As soon as I see the signs that he's getting carried away, I put him back in his cage, and ignore him for a little while. But the next time I take him out, I have the same problem. What should I do?
--Loyce Hood, St. Petersburg, FL, lhood@tampabay.rr.com
 Next to survival, breeding is one of the strongest drives in the animal world. Nature tells birds to breed when certain conditions are right. This usually means when there is food, a nesting site, and, of course, a partner.
While wild-caught parrots may choose people as mates, hand-raised birds seem the most prone to imprinting on humans. In effect, the bird grows up thinking he’s people, too. When he reaches adulthood and hormones kick in with no feathered amor in sight, the confused parrot puts the move on his favorite person.
As with most behavioral problems, the best way to deal with this one is to avoid it to begin with. If you start with a young bird just weaned, make sure it’s handled by as many different people as possible. If possible, have every member of your family take turns caring for and playing with your parrot. This might discourage it from bonding with one person.
If your parrot already has a hopeless crush on you, let him down easy. Continue to care for him, but don’t send any signals that might strengthen the bond. As enjoyable as this activity is for both bird and owner, you should avoid prolonged mutual preening and cuddling sessions. Don’t scratch or rub him, especially around the vent. Try to keep your bird out of dark, confined areas it may view as a possible nest sites, including sleeping boxes in the cage.
If you’re lucky, the problem will be seasonal and your parrot’s frustrations will subside within a few days or weeks.
World-renowned animal trainer Steve Martin established one of the first free-flight bird shows in the country at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in 1976. His international consulting company, Natural Encounters, Inc., now helps zoos all over the world train all types of animals using positive reinforcement.
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