It could simply be that time of the year when they become very hormonal are looking to mate.
If you have a pet Parrot, the possibility is quite high that he thinks of you as his mate and may start to display mating behaviour.
This can include:-
Aggression – Some species use aggression to ensure their mate submits, or he may be aggressive to other members of the family, protecting his ‘mate’.
Regurgitation – He may want to feed you, preparing you for long hours on the nest! Noise – Birds can be particularly noisy at this time of the year and as well as the screeching, may include lots of wing flapping and showing off.
Plucking – This could be a sign of hormones and his frustration, but it can also be a sign of an underlying problem. If in doubt, contact your Avian Vet.
Trembling, panting or dropping their wings when touched, different postures, including for a female lifting her tail up when cuddling, or for a male moving his tail back and forth on your arm.
Egg laying is a sure sign your pet bird is hormonal!
This does not apply to all pet birds but it can be particularly bad with some species once they reach maturity.
How to live through it :-
Food – High Protein & Carb Foods can stimulate hormones, letting him know there will be lots of good food for feeding babies. Minimise these foods, providing instead lots of fresh Fruit & Vegetables. If you feed your Bird pellets, check the soy content as it can overly stimulate these hormones. Soft Foods can resemble regurgitated foods, so if he is exhibiting hormonal behaviour, limit these foods until it passes. If you have a female, you may wish to increase calcium at this time of the year, especially if she lays eggs.
Love – It is the time of the year to act aloof! Cuddles & kisses tell him it is on! Patting or stroking your bird, especially on the back can also advertise your willingness to mate.
Light – Indoor Birds can be tricked into thinking Spring is here because of extended hours of ‘daylight’ from lightbulbs. Make sure your Bird has at least 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep, by either covering his cage or moving him to a dark room. It is also important that they have some sunlight every day!
Nests – It might be time to remove his favourite ‘Tent’ or Box, or anywhere that might make a good nest as this can stimulate mating behaviour. It can also help to move the Cage and Toys around regularly to stop territory claims and assist in calming him.
Actions – Try not to do intricate dances in front of him or nod your head too much. Dancing could be perceived as part of the mating ritual and nodding your head could make him think you are about to regurgitate food for him!
Water – Spraying or misting your Bird with Water can imitate the start of the Spring rains, so keep this to a minimum for a while.
Distraction – This is a good time to work on training as a distraction and toys that involve foraging are a great way to keep their mind off mating.
Exercise – If he is able to fly, give him the opportunity (in a safe environment) as this will help burn off all that hormonal energy!
Above all, understand that his behaviour is totally natural and he shouldn’t be punished for it. If he is being overly aggressive, gently return him to his cage, keeping your voice
neutral and walk away.
If you minimise the stimulants he will return to normal in a few weeks. As he gets older, this yearly behaviour will lessen.
Remember he’s not angry with you, he just sees you as his mate! That’s love!