Understanding Hormonal Season in Pet Parrots: Signs, Solutions, and Care
Owning a pet parrot comes with many joys, from their vibrant personalities to the bond you form over time. However, during the hormonal season, parrots can exhibit behavioural and physical changes that can catch many pet owners off guard. This article will help you understand the hormonal season in parrots, recognize the signs that your bird may be hormonal, and how to effectively manage these changes, including the benefits of using Calcibird (liquid calcium) for their health.
What is the Hormonal Season in Parrots?
Hormonal season is essentially the breeding season for parrots, during which their natural instincts drive them to find mates and reproduce. Even if your parrot doesn’t have a mate, they may still exhibit hormonal behaviours that are driven by the changes in light cycles, temperature, and diet, which mimic breeding conditions.
For most parrots, this season typically occurs during the spring when the days grow longer and the temperatures rise. This is the same period in the wild when parrots prepare to nest and breed, and the same biological signals affect our pet parrots.
Clues and Indications That Your Parrot is Hormonal
Recognizing that your parrot is going through a hormonal phase can help you avoid frustration and confusion about their sudden change in behaviour. Some of the most common signs include:
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Aggression
Your normally sweet bird may start nipping, biting, or acting territorial. This aggression is usually tied to nesting behaviour and their instinct to protect their “nest” or mate. -
Regurgitating Food
Parrots may regurgitate food, a common behaviour seen when they try to "feed" their mate or owner as a sign of bonding and affection. -
Increased Vocalization
Hormonal parrots may become much louder, calling out more frequently, which is an instinctive way of attracting a mate. -
Nesting Behaviour
Some parrots will begin to shred paper or hide in dark corners, as though they are preparing a nest. Female parrots may also show signs of wanting to lay eggs. -
Frequent Wing and Tail Flipping
You might notice your bird flicking their wings or fanning out their tail in an unusual manner, which are physical displays of their hormonal state. -
Body Language Changes
Hormonal parrots may crouch down low or raise their tails. Males might show off by puffing up their feathers or performing mating dances.
Dealing with Hormonal Parrots During Breeding Season
Managing your parrot during the hormonal season is key to maintaining a calm household and ensuring your parrot’s well-being. Here are some practical tips for managing their behaviour:
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Reduce Daylight Exposure
Longer daylight hours can trigger hormonal behaviours, as it mimics the breeding season. You can reduce this by covering their cage earlier or reducing artificial lighting to help signal that it’s not breeding time. -
Minimize Nesting Opportunities
Remove anything in their cage that might resemble a nest, such as boxes, soft bedding, or paper shredding. Avoid giving your parrot dark, cosy spaces where they might feel inclined to lay eggs. -
Limit Physical Contact
Try to avoid petting your parrot in ways that may stimulate mating instincts. This usually means staying away from touching under their wings or their back. -
Keep a Consistent Diet
Parrots’ diets during this time should be balanced and consistent. High-calorie or fatty foods can stimulate their reproductive instincts, so avoid giving them too many treats or fatty seeds. -
Behavioural Training
Positive reinforcement training can help redirect some of your parrot’s hormonal behaviours. For example, teaching them tricks or playing mentally stimulating games can divert their attention away from their hormonal impulses.
Using Calcibird (Liquid Calcium) to Support Hormonal Health
Female parrots, in particular, are at risk of developing health issues during hormonal season, such as egg binding or prolapse. These conditions occur when a parrot is unable to lay an egg properly, leading to discomfort and potentially life-threatening complications. Here’s where Calcibird (liquid calcium) can play an essential role.
Benefits of Calcibird:
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Prevents Egg Binding
Female parrots often need more calcium during the breeding season to ensure that their eggs are formed correctly and can be laid without issues. A calcium deficiency increases the risk of egg binding, which can be dangerous. Administering Calcibird ensures your parrot has adequate calcium levels. -
Supports Muscle Function
Adequate calcium helps maintain healthy muscles, including the muscles used in laying eggs. By supplementing with Calcibird, you ensure that your parrot's reproductive muscles function smoothly. -
Prevents Prolapse
A prolapse occurs when a parrot strains too much to lay an egg, and the reproductive organs are pushed outside of the body. Calcium helps with proper muscle control, reducing the likelihood of such occurrences. -
General Health Support
Even if your parrot is not laying eggs, calcium supports overall health, helping with bone strength, nerve function, and cardiovascular health.
It’s important to follow your vet's guidance on how to administer liquid calcium, as too much calcium can also lead to health problems. Typically, Calcibird can be mixed into your parrot’s drinking water, making it easy to incorporate into their daily routine.
Conclusion
The hormonal season is a natural part of your parrot’s life, but it can lead to challenging behaviours and potential health issues. Understanding the signs of hormonal behaviour and taking steps to manage their environment, diet, and interactions can help ease the process. For female parrots, using a liquid calcium supplement like Calcibird can be crucial in preventing dangerous conditions like egg binding and prolapse.
If you’re ever unsure about your parrot’s behaviour or health during hormonal season, don’t hesitate to consult with an avian veterinarian to ensure you’re providing the best care possible.
References
- “Parrots as Pets: Understanding Their Breeding and Hormonal Behaviour.” Parrot Quarterly, Issue 24, 2020.
- Mattie Sue Athan. Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot, 4th Edition. Barron’s Educational Series, 2008.
- Jamie Gilardi. Hormonal Season in Pet Parrots: What You Need to Know. Avian Conservation Blog, 2021.
- Pet Bird Medical Care. “Egg Binding and Calcium Deficiency in Parrots.” The Avian Vet Journal, Vol. 12, 2019.
By understanding and preparing for the hormonal season, you can ensure your parrot stays healthy, happy, and comfortable year-round.