mones include: the formation of an intense pair bondwith onemember of the family, constant paper shredding, cav- ity seeking, loud vocalizations, feather barbering or feather picking and fierce territoriality.
In some individuals, these occur just seasonally, but in
others the condition progresses until it occurs year round. In these cases, problems such as chronic egg-laying, egg binding, cloacal prolapse and self-mutilation can occur. Obviously, many of these not only threaten the parrot’s physical health, but also its ability to remain in its home.
I believe that caregivers often get caught unaware in
terms of this issue.They adopt a young parrotwho demon- strates an affectionate nature, curiosity, and playfulness. Over time, the parrot changes into a mature adult whose behavior often bears no relation to that he once demon- strated. Some of the new behaviors he displays cause us surprise and laughter. We think it’s cute when he jumps into the sock drawer orwants to hang out in the closet. It’s funny when he regurgitates for his favorite toy.
Unfortunately, nothing has prepared us to recognize
these behaviors for what they are and we don’t grasp the potential for harmthat can come fromencouraging them. Not only dowe think that they are cute, but also there are many peoplewho, recognizing these as sexual behaviors, feel obligated to facilitate these because they believe that parrots need a sex life and will be frustrated if they don’t somehow provide for this.
The truth, however, is that wild parrots have evolved a
physiologic mechanism to control reproduction. They re- main “turned off” sexually for the majority of the year. Their sexual organs actually become inactive and atro- phied, which further serves to minimize weight so that flight is easier. Only when conditions for breeding are fa- vorable do the ovary and testes become active.
It appears as parrot caregivers thatwe have failed to rec-
ognize two key issues. First, parrots are normally “turned off” or reproductively inactive in nature duringmost of the year. Second, and most importantly, the conditions that we provide for them in captivity often result in a constant triggering of reproductive hormones.
TRIGGERING HORMONE PRODUCTION When living in the wild, parrots are triggered into be-
coming reproductively active by the presence of changing photoperiod, either substantial or sporadic (seasonal) rain- fall, the availability of a suitable nest cavity, adequate food and water, and a pair bond with another parrot.
In captivity,we unwittingly provide conditions that trig-
ger reproductive activity. As we might imagine, they are very similar: changing photoperiod, the presence of a per- ceived nest cavity, a strong pair bond, and an appropri- ately nutrient-dense diet. We must remember that our parrots are not domesticated and are driven to a large ex- tent by instinct. Sincewe are not able to safely neuter par- rots at present, they bring these instincts to reproducewith them into our homes. And, unfortunately, our parrots are remarkably good at teaching us to provide them with the very conditions that will facilitate this.
Let’s first examine how to set the stage for problems.
If we can see this easily, then the solution will be clearer as well.
It can be cute when our birds jump into the sock drawer or hang out in the closet. Photo credit: Barbara Heidenreich
One of the strongest triggers for increased hormone production is the presence of an intense pair bond.We,
Good Bird Magazine 27
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