Are You Sexually Frustrating Your Parrot? HORMONAL PARROTS | PARRONT TIP TUESDAY

[@Waste-Water-Management]

So you gotta friend-zone your bird lmao

[@isolatedwhispers-5172]

Cringy Nine Year Old ded

[@buggirl1015]

Isolated whispers *DEAD*

[@FREAKout59]

tru

[@fernandofernandez2286]

Lmfao

[@laurenkosanovich6159]

Lemon Supreme ...apparently I've been sexually molesting my female umbrella cockatoo for 12 years. FAIL!

[@DFX2KX]

*-learns what petting a bird on the back and sides means for the bird* *-Remembers the first large bird he felt safe around, and how much it loved being pet on the back. (White Cockatoo like Jersey)* "Oh..... Oh *NO*.... random pet store Cockatoo... I am so sorry...."

[@ingesadventures]

yeah, reacting like that too :'(

[@gxlorp]

You people are so stuck in your head. Stop being such dogmatic puritans. Animals reproduce. How did you think got here ya nut

[@classicmail8239]

Picasso is so quiet and well behaved, he just sits there and listens to what you're saying.

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

I agree, I think he is very mature and emotionally stab;e 💖💖💖💖 and pretty cute 💖.

[@classicmail8239]

MARLENE MC'COHEN I think Picasso is my favourite, and Jersey! All your birds are wonderful, Rocky is strong and independent, Vinny is funny and quirky, I don't know Cody too well I might have to watch the Cody files. But I love how Picasso will just sit there and be happy and content he clearly loves you. And Jersey, she's a darling, I always love the weakest of the pack (or flock in this case), plucker or not I just want to give her loves and cuddles she's a gorgeous bird. You do a great job your birds are all happy and free, and it's great to learn more about them and how you raise them.

[@sunnygupta970]

so the birds r friendzoned

[@mbirdy4021]

I miss Picasso 😭

[@taylor5365]

Well he used to

[@tii5150]

I've heard about this before (on reddit)... about how it's sexually stimulating. So weird, lol I never scritch his tummy or back anymore. He's not fully hand tame so most of the time he won't let me touch him anyway lol. Also, so many awkward creeps commenting on here (trying to be funny) about how hot Marlene is, yes she's beautiful and her advice is AMAZING but she doesn't want you so stop with your creepy comments.

[@gxlorp]

How do you know. Maybe one of the commenters is hung like a horse

[@Axqu7227]

I don't have birds and probably never will, because I don't have the temperament to give a bird what they need... but this was absolutely fascinating. I didn't realize how deeply emotional birds are. It makes sense considering that a lot of them mate for life and they're intensely social animals, but it's still surprising to me how much they feel things. Thank you for this video. :)

[@rizviwarrior1]

"if a mate has left and they're flocking around" idk if that was intended but I was cracking up

[@muheebyaseen]

Lmfao birds out here getting friend zoned 😂😂

[@raerae886]

Jesus I want a dude that's like a bird in the loyalty sense

[@ajomalley8682]

Hahaha I love this comment

[@ari1787]

Same grl same

[@kjmmd5758]

I want a girl that's like a bird in the loyalty sense too

[@mashedpotato5564]

😂

[@ImperialDigimon]

The caveat is that he's gonna want to sit on your shoulders all the time

[@michellecurran]

I just had this conversation with my regular vet. This video provides an enormous SERVICE for owners, and provides a tremendous ADVOCACY for the birds. Thank you for all you do in getting important information like this out there. Who knew there was a right and wrong way to pet a bird.

[@brandys8999]

just found this video, my green cheek conure does almost everything you said. he/she (idk) regurgitates at me, and tries to lift up my toes, freaks out if i leave him alone with someone else, attacks others, etc. After watching this i'm definitely going to start working to fixing this behavior, i only want the best for him

[@aubypie]

Brandy S i know this reply is late but your conure is adorable

[@jacquelineunderwood7115]

ByeBitch 《 no need to be a jerk, just because someone doesn’t know something doesn’t make them a bad pet owner, when they’re putting effort forth to learn about their animal and give them the best care. It’s impossible to know literally everything, there are always going to be some things that you learn along the journey with your animal.

[@donavindowney7369]

Hey! We are having the same problem with our Jenday conure! She keeps plucking too pretty bad and we feel really bad for her but she won’t stop. I’ll definatley keep working on the tips mentioned here but I’m curious as if it really worked for you as well! Or if there’s any other tips that might help our poor girl :)

[@maryquinn6661]

This is such critical information for anyone considering getting a bird! I adopted a four yr old umbrella cockatoo.. This was never explained!! He became soo aggressive and would bite my hands deep cuts that drew serious blood! I had to wear gloves and two thick sweatshirts and my arms were still bruised from shoulder to elbow it was out of control!! It was deviating to experience this and and took him to an avian rescue. This education should be a requirement for any purchase or adoption of a bird!! Thank you for educating people!! 🙏❤️

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's so important for potential bird owners to understand the challenges that can come with these beautiful creatures. Your story highlights why education is crucial before making such a commitment.

[@LittleSuzuBear]

My entire life, I have been very afraid of birds. I recently started watching your videos and I feel they've helped me see them in a different light.

[@AmberF524]

I'm a huge Picasso and Jersey fan!

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Thank you so much 💖

[@evanhollander6473]

amber ,buy a bird it will change your life.

[@jkl799]

We have a little parakeet named Sofia. My allergies to animals have gotten so bad as I've aged..so we (my two sons and I) decided to get a bird. We noticed that she started really wanting to be with my 12 year old and she was acting different. (We had already read that we shouldn't pet them all over and to only pet or scratch her head.) She started to arch her back around him and then she started to go thru the movements of regurgitating near his mouth. So... We evened out the time we each spent with her and discouraged the behavior. If she does those things he goes and puts her on top of her cage. (Her cage is open all day and only shut at night. She has perches all over the house and I trained her to go poo on or in her cage only. It feels good to hear that we dealt with it "correctly". We each are spending time trying to train her to do different things. We really like your videos, they are very helpful! Hugs from Minnesota.

[@elenalatici9568]

Fascinating. They really do choose their person. I guess it's like what Italians call "un colpo di fulmine" . Being struck by lightning, otherwise known as love at first sight.

[@drewjanes307]

I've had my african grey Congo for 22 years now. I did not know this. thank you. things make more sense now lol

[@cheapskatecraftingwithlehn8088]

oh my god I just got a cockatiel girl and I thought it was dieing so I started stoking her back and she was making this squacking noise the more she did it the more I cryed thinking it was dieing I am so happy to know she was just hony thank you I will make sure to just stoke her head from now on I am laughing right now she belonged to some one else before me I took her because she was not being cared for the way she should have been I cant tell you how much this helped I feel so dumb oh well I just learned something new which is good

[@k8h991]

cheapskate crafting with barb Don’t feel dumb! Now you know and you can pass on the knowledge!

[@georgelionon9050]

I always acquired my birds in pairs. And most of the times they bonded with each other. Yes, it's not as cool as bird bonded with you, as they won't get that tame, or won't learn speaking human words. But overall it was more easy. They were perfectly happy as long they got food, water and some time to fly freely in the house. Everything else was just extra. Some did get hand tame also, letting me petting their head for example, sometimes their partner getting jealous tough :) The main downside of this strategy tough is, when one of them dies, the other bird is suddenly in hugh stress and after a cool down period I got them a new partner... (and I was so lucky they always accepted them after a little while), but this "replacements" goes on and on.

[@jayc3069]

I don't have any birds, but your videos are so interesting and educational. I love your birds so much, thanks for making these vids :)

[@janescott3389]

Now I know why my friends bird was being "sick" when I stroked him😂

[@jkl799]

I really love the relationship you have with your birds. You can tell they love being around you and that you care for them so well. Such cuties!

[@brittneyvasquez8694]

I needed to hear this advice. This is how my cockatoo was acting with the screaming and aggressive behavior. It got so bad he had to move in with my mother while I am finishing school. Thank you so much!!! I am so excited to know how to not stress my bird out and keep him happy.

[@sammyg2000]

Thank you for being so open & honest about this topic, you did an amazing job educating on this ❤

[@penylayne]

Thank Goodness someone thinks more about what's good for their bird than what makes Them feel good! Well said, great information! :)

[@CharlieSpencers]

For all of those people that misspelled "partner" in the KZbin search-bar...

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

+James Humphrey that's funny!!!💜😆

[@LoreNzoEggboi]

Thanks a ton, that was seriously enlightening. Now I understand what's going on... Now I am able to fix that problem! Thank you thank you thank you! Nice video. (and babies)

[@dawncastrogiovanni3915]

My male Cockatiel in the past year has gotten very attached to me. He also has a box that he always wants to be in. It started out as a play thing then it slowly turned into a nesting thing. If he can't be in his box he screams. I would say he started changing when I retired. He wants to mate with my hand and will scream if he can't. The funny thing is that he always wants to go to the bathroom to do this. I try to take him out of the box and take him around with me while I go about my chores. Did I mention that he wants my hand in the box all the time. My husband says just go with it make him happy. He's 13 years old. He could live another 10 years. Do I want to be his mate for 10 more years. I love him dearly and he means the world to me. He regurgitates on me as well. He gets upset if someone he doesn't know comes in the house to to point of vomiting. What do I do?

[@snowleopard9907]

Dawn Castrogiovanni buy him a mate

[@snowleopard9907]

Buy him atoy

[@vaultgirl42091]

Hi i know i am a year late but I see no one really took the time to answer you so i figured I'd let ya know to go check out Bird Tricks KZbin channel, Jamie is an excellent trainer she will help you if you still need.

[@secret1swife965]

Marlene you are so smart when it comes to birds I love watching your channel🕊💙❤💮

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

I really appreciate that and your loyalty 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@glennrogers2711]

Excellent, have read a few books and watched dozens of videos, first time that this has been covered. Thank you, great job.

[@Honeyafun]

Your knowledge is so impressive, I will watch every video if I decide to get another parrot. I'll refer everyone who thinks they want one also.

[@elisheva5785]

Oh wow.. Just had my Patagonian Conure to the vet yesterday and he SAID THE SAME THING !!.... my parrot is a plucker !!.AND a chunky chicken..hahah.. But I was happy to find out he / she is still healthy !!.. his environment and conditions just have to change !

[@jermwerm2575]

learning this kinda makes me feel weird to touch my parrot now XD

[@jojoschauman6055]

Patting their head is completely fine

[@growingheart8039]

The owner of this channel is so special. I hope you come back and make more videos, the are so valuable to the bird community, in my opinion.

[@echaria]

When my 8 year old conure started with her agression towards me and craving for fat AGAIN , I remembered you had a video on hormonal behavior. I realize my own unwittting error and hope to prevent her from laying eggs. I don't want to separate the pair because they get along well for 3 years now free in a room together. I was thinking I could disrupt their nesting area, make it more vulnerable, less cozy. They get flight, light, fresh air, food and water, 1-4 hours of time with me, and 12 hours sleep in dark each day. Unfortunately, good for mating. An older meyers is in his own enclosure in the room, protected because he is non-flighted from injuries. He is brought out under supervision daily.

[@SamiMilone]

My IRN Noriel is super hormonal and aggressive right now, but we will get through this challenging time together. Thank You Marlene for this informative video… Sending sooo much love from the Dominican Republic XoXoXo!!!

[@bradyca04]

jursy is getting her fethers back

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

It looks like it right? 💖💖💖

[@bradyca04]

MARLENE MC'COHEN yes I would love to see her with full feathers she is a beutifull bird

[@kapuraftw]

cobalt blue66 just wondering....is there such thing as plucking to the point of no return? i had thought that there was, but then heard in another vid today that it takes 30 days to grow back....is that always true? or are some plucked birds going to remain bare forever, eventhough they dropped the habit?

[@nephilaedulis2073]

kapuraftw the feathers will grow back, the problem is the bird keeps plucking them out. If they drop the habit it should grow back

[@kapuraftw]

Nephila Edulis aha!! ok, thank you for that info! i was under the impression that some birds ruin the follicle, or w/e, and would lose chance of regrowth. thats good to know thats not the case....it gives a chance for some of these birds that get out of bad situations, to regain their abilities. speaking of birds in bad situations....i hate the thought that so many of us humans say we'd love the super power of flight, yet we also have an unforfunate amount of animal abusers who will neglect their companion to the point that it compells them to ruin their gift that we humans are so jealous of. i know birds pluck for very many reasons, im only referring to the most extreme situations here, ie. abuse. im not going anywhere special with this...it just popped into my head how ironic that is, and felt compelled to say it out loud. anyways...sorry for being such a downer! i only clicked again to say thanks for the info...i just dont know how to stop my rambling problem sometimes...

[@shaliachristerson8012]

This makes so much sense! My lorikeets always screams and freaks out when my dad leaves the room. My dad works week on week off too sis he’s probably been going through so much stress. :( my dad what’s pats her belly, back and neck. She also cuddles up to us all)

[@lisajahn6839]

Jersey is looking amazingly great, it is not easy stopping bad habits even when you want to and trying hard, people have a hard time stopping nail bitting even when they bite to the quick and bleed. You do awesome with the birds.

[@selmabathory951]

Ive actually learned some valuable things today. Im impressed ! Thanks ! Im still in the thinking process of having a parrot, If I ever move (my place is too small and I have a lor of pets already). Your channel has been a powerful source of info and insight to reaserch more. ! ♡ Much love thanks

[@Quickblades67]

I wish I could have watched something like this 5 years ago!

[@DocSeville]

Thank you for addressing a difficult but very neccessary subject.

[@cajungal2608]

I didnt know this was even a thing....Thank you for educating me!

[@gabby1568]

This is such an informative video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I never knew that petting a bird on its back is making it sexually frustrated >

[@seus2731]

excellent video. every single bird parent should watch it. And bird rescue centers should send the link of this video to every single person who adopts a rescued bird.

[@karenbrown4524]

Oh my gosh, Marlene! I didn't know that about the finger lift -- as well as other things you said. ty

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

You are very welcome!!!

[@selwazalmai669]

omg thank you so much for this video! Now I do understand my birds! I will follow your tips! thanks!

[@butterandjamtoast]

wow you are teaching something I never knew and probably never would have known had I not watched this...

[@mloubillings2308]

is this true for a male also

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Yes but in my experience males tend to do the hand thing where they stand on your hand or fingers and pick them up or move around on them. That is the behavior I would try not to encourage in a male.

[@TheSydguy30]

@@MARLENEMCCOHEN Do you think it is possible this applies to some (or even most) but not all birds? I had a red-tailed black cockatoo (female) and was patting her on the back, but never did anything else from what you mentioned (didn't like to cuddle at all for example) and I had her for many years.

[@classicmail8239]

Marlene is so beautiful. Dark hair, brown eyes, crazy parrot lady, what more could you ask for!?

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Hahahaha💖💖💖💖

[@Chaos1226DBD]

Classic Mail A TURTLE XD

[@funkymunky]

Tig ol' bitties.

[@jkl799]

Every time I see one of your birds I think that maybe that bird is my favorite. But then I see another one and then that one is adorable. So they ALL are my favorites.

[@carsonhope8766]

I love how Pecasso is just chillin poppin his pin feathers (idk how to spell his name correctly)

[@galeem713]

I put my birds to bed at 9pm and get them up at 11 am, all the time unless I have to go somewhere at a time where I won't be home to get them up. But they ALWAYS get at least 12 hours. My Green Cheek Conure Gazoo loves to be on me or walking the back of the couch. She loves the portable perch on my coffee table because that's where she goes when we work on old and new tricks. As for petting down the back, I use my whole hand and rub the side of the wings more than the top. This is how I get her used to being picked up, especially since she hates towels. It's handy to teach because there are times when she needs to go back in her cage but resists; this way she does not panic when my hand goes over her back and there is no chance of wing damage. Her fav way of playing with my fingers is a throughback to the way I trained her to take head scratches by putting her beak between my fingers. The shoves her beak between my fingers and I squeeze a bit or rub her beak. She loves it. She is 8 months old. She loves to curl up in my hand, hiding her face. She is the sweetest!!

[@CliffRooks]

I learned so much. I really appreciate this video!

[@angelmommasbodyguard8647]

omg i need to talk with you im doing everything wrong if that's the case i just love him so much and want him to be happy

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Your bird is beautiful!!💖💖💖💖💖💖 I do do private skypes if you ever need a session. Email parronttalk@gmail for details:)

[@lyndseyafrica1114]

hey! i have an african grey that i've had for about 5 years and he's around 6-7 years old. He hates everyone at home except for me and my dad (a bit) .He isn't anywhere near as comfortable as your birds or the ones i see with most youtubers with birds and its driving me crazy! Yet in my country there aren't any bird specialists of whatever. Can you help in any way too?

[@jamielescot]

You have just saved me so much research, thank you!

[@jojoschauman6055]

I aware to god if I see one more KZbinr sexually harassing their bird I’m gonna scream

[@cheekeebandito]

Hey Marlene , thanks for the excellent info As always! I went through an episode last summer with our 9 year old Scarlet ... I am her favorite human , no question ... she loves to be cuddled and scratched , and having recently lost our beautiful Blue and Gold "Tica", I was probably a little too accommodating with affection, routinely scratching her on her back , under her wings , etc.... she loves that ! One morning last summer, I noticed her straining , like she was trying to poo.... but no poo ! this went one for a couple of hours , and I was starting to wonder what the heck was going on ... I suspected that she may be trying to lay an egg .... I rushed her to a local emergency vet, and was soon informed that she was indeed , egg-bound.... they put her under, broke up the egg , and then extracted it ... she's fine now , but I learned a lesson through this , and will avoid "frustrating" Jessica in the future ... scary situation ! Love your vids , keep up the great work ! Cheers

[@katykat5099]

Wow, your videos are so great!! Thank you so much for the heads up! :D

[@bek9123]

Does she remind anyone else of Mila Kunis? Like, I have no idea why but she really seems so similar to me! Maybe it's the big doe-eyes?

[@JorlyWash]

MacWife no she's so much prettier , she does remind me of someone though I'm not sure who

[@LethalEmbraceX]

She does for me, I think it's her voice

[@mymangobango3533]

Desirée Yune yes i agree & the way she talks. Behavioral similarities greatly intensify the likeness

[@simonmcevoybenarroch1998]

She reminds me of the bad mom from the goonies

[@vaultgirl42091]

Nonono Mila is a queen 🖤🖤

[@angelinavargas8489]

I had a red parrot when I was very young. He was so bonded to me, that any other person that came near me he would bite. Now I understand why he did what he did .

[@NoName88]

Omg, my umbrella cockatoo has been having a problem. She's been going into heat randomly, when you approach her, and when you touch her. Shes 4 years old and we figured this was a habit or a phase so we stopped touching her below the neck and didnt cuddle her anymore. I uncovered her cage this morning and she layed an egg. Now shes fine and she didnt want the egg, she actually put it in the corner of her cage and wanted nothing to do with it so we took it away and she's fine now. She actually bit the egg too, it had like 2 holes in it (small holes)

[@desireewilliamson3316]

You don't have a male bird do you because that could have had baby bird inside of it

[@MrJdubz100]

@Desiree it could have been fertile but since it had two holes in it it wouldn’t have been viable. She didn’t mention a male so I doubt it. For people who are at wits end with their hormonal bird implants help.

[@samanthawarton3395]

My Dads bird refuses to let him scratch her head, hes only allowed to scratch her stomach, and she had been plucking a couple months ago (we believe it was because she was anxious around the dog because we normally let our birds outside in the summer but bring them inside to play with), so we've been sexually frustrating her and because that's the only area she'll allow us to touch, what can we do about it??

[@dananicole6756]

You should get her a mate

[@courtneysmith4524]

FBI • yes, that. Also there are other ways to control hormonal state of birds through how much light they get (less than 12 hr a day), making sure they have foraging toys as a main source of food (abundant food promotes hormones), make sure diet is low fat low sugar (NOT primarily seeds!), don’t let anyone feed the bird by hand, limit shoulder time, do not give her toys that she can tear apart bc that’s encouraging nesting behavior, do not let her have anything in her cage like a nest area, or let her get attached to any nest like area around the house.

[@xfrostyxcolax]

This is so helpful :) Thank you

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Thank you 💖

[@apricotpal]

Hey! One, Jersey looks so much better, and two, would you consider making a video on the "pecking order" system for birds? (basically "flock ranking")

[@stefanipollock]

What does it mean when our blue crown conure "purrs" at me? Is this a type of mating call???

[@meenax7197]

Marlene I know this video is a bit older but I've been told that kissing birds on the beak and having them on shoulders is a no no. The shoulders because of Peking order puts them at the same level as you, potentionally causing them to fall in love with your face and trying to mate on your shoulder. The kissing I was told is toxic and a mating habit too. I noticed you do both of these things and I'm starting to think that it's not bad to do. What is your take on this. I loved having my cockatiels on my shoulders before my vet told me not to and am hoping its all together untrue.

[@courtneysmith4524]

Army in Neverland ! I imagine the shoulder time at least might be okay as long as time is limited. If they’re on your shoulder almost every hour of every day, or at least like a big chunk of the day, I think that’s when even shoulder perching alone does run this risk. But that’s just been my personal experience w/ one bird, he got overly mated to me bc other conditions of how my gf kept him left him very hormonal year round 24/7, and I never touched him except feet and occasional head scratch, but I had him on my shoulder basically 24/7 bc my girlfriend told me “if you want him to stop screaming (which he did constantly. Didn’t have much foraging toys or any toys really and she didn’t pay him much attention) just put him on your shoulder (I work from home.)” so I can’t really speak to the kissing on the beak part bc I never did that, but I will say it sounds a lot like it could read as regurgitation related behavior to them?

[@cindys5915]

No. This video gives great information verbally but not great physically. The bird on the shoulder is a no. The cockatoo is way snuggled in. They should only be pet on top of the head- not under the neck or anywhere else. Again, the verbal info is good

[@NormalN-wk2th]

Your hair is amazing!

[@abbystambaugh2009]

Picasso did an adorable leg stretch in this video 😍

[@camilamartin2404]

omg i been watching this channel for the last couple hours... sooooooooo informational and very interesting info about birds and every thing there is to know about birds.. the best teacher by far.. ur the next HOT girl version of Jackson galaxy for the bird world... . come on animal planet give this girl a show on ur network for owners who have issues interacting with their birds... my flock from hell lol... i dont have a bird just four cats but watching this i wish i could have a little birdy but my cats are my BABIES just like ur flock, u would do whatever it takes to have ur babys happy.. GREAT JOB girly

[@Ford420]

Please help i lost my grandad and Tilly was his bird for 12 years she watched him pass at home and she got that stressed she pulled out most wing feathers she now has a bond with me I’ve been working for a year on this she seems a lot better but I’m worried as I have petted on the back she adores me

[@karenbrown4524]

Another excellent informational. oh! I hear Vinny. sooo cute!!!

[@karenbrown4524]

Jersey is a sweetheart and Picasso, I can't stop staring at him!

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

💖💖💖💖

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Oh yeah, Picasso is very yummy!!

[@noranawa4loans]

I don’t think a bird is for me. This video confused me even more about bird behavior. There is a cockatoo in our family and I will just love him from afar.😔

[@TheSydguy30]

I wouldn't worry too much, I've had a cockatoo and she wasn't much of a cuddler at all, I pat her on the back but she didn't do anything like the video said, so I think it is up to each individual bird. The video is for educational purposes as obviously it will apply to some (but not all) birds.

[@truedatdatdatdat]

*well said*

[@jordantrauscht9711]

Marlene! How long do you and the vet think it will take for jersey to grow back all her feathers? Does she still pluck? Can you just make a video about jersey 😅

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Yes, I really need to make a video about Jersey. If they don't continue to pluck, some feather can grow back in a few months, the problem is if they continue to pluck them. I actually think that Jersey has been looking better- there was a time when she didn't have a tail but truthfully, after they get used to the habit, it is very hard to break. Just as it is hard for us to stop nail biting or skin picking, it is the same for birds. I myself actually suffer from dermatillomania (severe skin picking). I consider myself to be a happy person but I am over sensitive and have never been able to stop. I see similarities in Jersey's sensitive soul!!

[@phernmiers6075]

how do you keep your skin so clear if you are a picker i am as well i hate anything on my face that isn't smooth,it has to come off!!!

[@getsthepetsxoxo5153]

phern miers me too! She didn't say where she picks, so it might not be her face. Though, she wears lipstick all the time, so maybe she picks her lips (like me, specifically my lower lip) or she just likes lipstick. It's possible she picks another body part(s). I also have eczema and I'll pick those flare ups too.

[@phernmiers6075]

lol i don't need to pick my lips my emoji does that for me,i should really stop her but i love that she gives so much love back in return for mine,she also tries to get the spots on my face that hurts!!!!!i tell her no to those ones and she stops.

[@laurenkosanovich6159]

More Jersey please! I have a rescue female U2 also, who was totally naked 12 years ago. My vet said, it's trauma and psychological and to get a good therapist. For me. Because it will drive you insane. She molts her fluff then stops cutting right before her hormones begin. All she grew will be on the floor in a day if I have to be out of sight. I did notice 2 things helped. She laid eggs when I got her. Stopped when I got a wooden one. Also, she now gets sunflower seeds she's using shells from instead of the cutting and (sucking on, like a kid sucks their thumb...? Anyone else see this?) She's got severe separation and cage anxiety. ("Where ya goin" repeat forever..)...Thinks I'm drowning her in the bath. Someone made her terrified of spritzers, she bites or destroys them. She hates my roommate. I can't convince him to work with her except to touch her feet at night. She will destroy anything she sees him touch, or my hand. Remotes, cell, all have to be put up. I monitor everything. She nested in my bed! I wouldn't trade her for the world, still. She kept me alive when I should have died. I got her with bad habits. She isn't as screamy as most but she's been tossed out of 3 homes that we heard of and she didn't even have a cage at 1. She was out in the yard with a pit bull and cat, macaw had cage. Seizure for abuse. Outside in summer, half naked in Phoenix. Nice people. Can't imagine all she's been through and she's come so far. It took 10 solid years to earn her trust, that this is her home and life isn't so scary and chaotic. I've been disabled since 98, so I have been mostly at home since I got her. 3 years ago my roommate had a stroke and is part paralyzed so she's now used to him being around all day. She's bonded to me. He's a flockmate, she only whistles to get his attention. She used to be terrified of everyone and everything. Patience and love and tons of band aids. Earplugs help! Q. Can I get her put on the pill? Also, why can't I force her to eat parrot food? I have tried almost every trick and spent years trying to get her off safflower and sunflower. She digs the parrot blend out, 99% ends up in the trash. When I took her slowly off, she stopped eating except to survive. I could see her bones in her back. Recently started weighing her and trying more parrot "cereal" samples. I've noticed she only likes foods soft. She drinks from her bottle and puts water on it. But only nibbles. She regurgitates in her cage at night. So, I leave now when that starts. She won't play with toys. Still scared of them and hides till I remove them. She has a plastic minion she sleeps with I think is her baby, it winds up and makes a noise she likes. She kisses his eyes. I want her to be happier and healthier but not sure where to start. She can't travel outside on my arm. She will nosedive and run. 7 years I worked for step up and to exit her cage willingly. She's got confidence now and trust. She just is really petrified of "new". I wish I had found your series sooner, because although I worked with all kinds of birds, it's different living with one. Thanks for this info! It really helps!

[@phsfvaporden6062]

Yeah, this makes sense. My conure loves me but hates my hands. She is very sneaky and the minute I am not paying attention she will lung and try to bite my hands. If she gets a hold of me she will not let go. She actually chews on me until I pry her loose. bloody every time.

[@aaliyahd63]

Is this all true for budgies to?

[@elitemple6722]

All birds

[@juliuswicked4587]

i got a male african lovebird. Lately i saw him multiple times mating on his cage. he really bites me hard when i try to stop him. what should i do?

[@Veronica_revolver]

Julius Wicked how does a bird mate with an object? I’m so confused lol

[@bananewane1402]

Get him a girlfriend

[@vaultgirl42091]

Lovebirds should always have a partner

[@Jinjerbread317]

Thank you for the education. I don’t have a bird yet but I hope to in the future. Good things to know.

[@Indusxstan]

This video was really educational ‼️ Thanks Marlene. You saved a lot of birds from unconscious sexual advances 😂, including, yes, mine :(

[@PaintMeGalaxiesXoxo]

Have you gender tested your birds or have you just guessed the gender by their behavior?

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Jersey is DNA tested,Picasso is male, I know because of his beak color. Rocky was DNA tested by previous owner, Vinny I am guessing by his specific mating behavior and Cody could be either or...but I like the idea of him being a boy like George was💖

[@MrsToni691]

MARLENE MC'COHEN I have a Galah just like Vinny. My parents currently have him because of where I live they won't allow pets :( When I first got him, we had to get him DNA tested because it was either that or we would have to wait until he was about 2 or 3 years old to find out. My galah has been very aggressive and biting my mum especially, like he'll be all quiet and cuddly, then all of a sudden he'll bite without warning (he's done it to all my family at some point) and I haven't been able to find out why until now. After watching your video, it makes perfect sense why my Galah behaves the way he does. I'll be able to tell my mum what I've learned and how to deal with it. Thank you so much

[@jbrown3364]

Fun tip: with galahs you can tell the gender of the bird by the eye color. Blue eyes is female and black/brown eyes is male.

[@bobthebuilder27873]

Paint Me Galaxies you don't have to test it on some birds some there is a difference like a parakeet of their sniffer is blue or violet it's a male if their sniffer is brown or pinkish it's a female btw it's only for parakeets not other birds

[@georgelionon9050]

Many Birds are sexually quite "flexible". It's not like that only female birds have their backs as sexually sensitive. Also two male or two female birds living together with little human attention can become a pair quite easily. If they wouldn't be so flexible, they wouldn't get the idea to get intimate with a human anyhow..

[@katmarrs7054]

Thank you for making this video. My husband and I just adopted a Blue and Gold Macaw. He is five years old and was adopted by a breeder some months (or years?) ago to breed with her female. He wouldn't breed with the female because his mate was the breeder. When we brought him home he took to me which is unusual because all of our other birds flat out don't really like me. He put his butt in my face and bit his foot and squawked. While I didn't know what that meant, I knew not to rub his back. We've had him three days. Now when I walk in, he wants to get near me, his feathers are raised, he bends his head down like he wants pets but when I do he tries to bite my finger. Or maybe he is trying to get my finger in his mouth to regurgitate, I don't know. We are low key scared of him (help) but don't tell him I said that. Anyway, thanks lol. My husband has been doing a lot of training with him without me around.

[@nobullwarrior]

my sulfur got me on the corner of my lip bad. hormonal,mating season outburst. Quite a bit of blood. freaks me out to see you have your birds near your face.I feel now,like you really never know when they will attack,,and they are lightning quick,without warning.

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Yeah my sulfur is unpredictable! He is the one in the video called, "Meet my Lesser Sulphur Thai". I will not put my face near Thai, one reason is because he is bonded to my brothers girlfriend and aside for her, I am pretty sure that he is willing to bite anyone else. When Thai bites it's one of the worst bites ever!! The lips are the worst too. I am sorry, I feel your pain. That's why I am not making videos with Rocky right now, he's in aggressive mode and I don't want to put him in the position to be in place for ten minutes if he's annoyed. Vinny is also one I should be careful with, the others I feel I can trust:)💖

[@ciel_oh.9163]

About the finger thing, usually my bird just puts his head under my hand for me to pet him, but he doesn't like being touched anywhere else so is that still mating behavior or...?

[@raghavvaidya1395]

At 8:42 Picasso does this weird dance on her shoulder what does it mean my bird does it too

[@pydgi]

My budgie does it too but im pretty sure its stretching

[@courtneysmith4524]

Vrag AFAIK, the leg + wing stretch dealio he’s doing is a greeting, but from what I have read that is how birds greet their mate and that they will do that stretch in sync w/ their mate. And it seems like a display/show off gesture. Idk if it’s STRICTLY a mate related greeting, but I do know I have read that parrots will do that stretch in sync w/ their mate. So definitely don’t like, imitate them in response, maybe be cautious about giving them positive responses to that specific behavior.

[@thehauntedbutterfly428]

the bird is so beautiful!

[@RONILOG]

I just got a sengal parrot from a friend(he had her for 6 years) second day she is with me she started regurgitating food for me. thing is i am living alone and when ever i pick her up even if its not a lot as i do try to let her have some alone time she keeps on feeding me any ideas what should i do? BTW: she did the same to my friend so maybe its not a mating indicator for her more like a flock behavior?

[@wandasays5438]

Very good information! Much needed for parrot owners 😊

[@cookieLaLa94]

How can i get my birds to stop eating seeds as part of their main diet so much. I always make sure to mix the seeds with roudy bush pellets to try to get them to switch, but they refuse to eat them.

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Check out my video on how to get your parrots to eat pellets. One trick is to have only pellets in the bowls of their play stand so they start associating the pellets with a snack or playtime food which makes it much more appealing.

[@toyshika1978]

Sooooooooo thanks! Currently friend zoning my umbrella now. I knew the butt up and other behavior was wrong lol

[@lorithorpe5332]

Very informative. Great job Marlene😄😀😊😘

[@karenbrown4524]

Lori Thorpe I love your photo of the smiling dog! Hilarious!!! 😃

[@lorithorpe5332]

Karen Brown Thanks. I think it was from a doggie denture chewy ad

[@karenbrown4524]

😃 so funny!

[@rocketrobot567]

Hello Marlene, I notice you've only got bigger birds like parrots and Cockatoos, do you know if the back/tummy scratch things also apply to smaller birds like Budgies and Lovebirds?

[@macaroni7741]

Does that mean you shouldn't cuddle with your bird at all? Or can you on occasions? I really want to get a bird and i was thinking about watching videos of people who have birds and are experienced with them before I got one so I know what I'm getting into.

[@boxtrowicomic4291]

On the head but not for to long

[@elenalatici9568]

This is fascinating. I had no idea. I don't have a bird, though I've wanted one for most of my life. I've never had the the right living arrangement. Sometimes I think I must have been a bird in another life (not serious; I don't believe in reincarnation). When I was in college I lived for a time with a friend who had a Scarlet Macaw. The day I moved in, Crazy (that was his name) followed me with his eyes from his perch. When I sat down on the couch, he came off of his perch, climbed up onto the sofa and into my lap. My friend was shocked as he'd never done this with anyone who was essentially a stranger. I lived there for about 6 months. Crazy was my first experience with a large parrot and it was wonderful . I did only scratch his head though. In 1985 I lived in NYC and was researching an article on bird smuggling. I was interviewing a man at a bird rescue . We walked past an enormous Umbrella Cockatoo in a cage. Again, this bird followed me with his eyes. When we returned to him, the man opened his cage. That bird came right up onto my arm and snuggled up to me. The guy said, "I don't want to tell you how much that bird likes you." I would have given anything to have taken him home with me,, but I lived in a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village and was frequently out on assignment. More than 30 years later I still think about him. He had been gifted to a vet who worked at the Bronx Zoo, but surrendered to the rescue because the vet was afraid of him. The third time such a thing happened to, also with a Cockatoo, I was with my boyfriend at the time. The bird did the same thing; got right up on my arm, then climbed up and buried his head in my neck. When my boyfriend came up behind me the bird lunged at him. So what was all that about? When it happened the third time, I really did wonder . I've never had the experience again; I've never had the opportunity here in Italy for 20 years to be in contact with parrots. I'm too old to have a parrot now unless I could find one even older than I am . Anyway, as far as I know, you can't rescue a bird here. They have to go to a sanctuary. You have to buy one. Something I would never do. Oddly, in the condominium where I've lived for 8 years, I've been chosen by the tenants to be the rescuer of baby birds who've fledged, but haven't quite gotten the hang of it. They're far from parrots. Mostly swallows that nest under the eaves of this ancient building. Still, they're birds. It's a privilege to be in their presence if only for an hour or so, until they've rested enough to fly off with confidence. I've been following you for quite a while and heave learned a lot. I'm also incredibly envious of you, surrounded by your flock.

[@puppypundit]

Perfect timing for bird folks in the Northern Hemisphere. My IRN's mate is a small metal food bowl which he will put in his nest (my surround-sound speaker) and feed (regurgitate onto). When the bowl is no longer "hungry" he'll fly her to a romantic spot and hump her silly! I have video, it's hilarious but a little boom-chicka-wow-wow. :)

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Oh my god!!! 💖💖💖💖💖 That is hilarious!! Is the video up? I would love to see it, share the link!

[@a.7166]

My parrot is just over a year old and I noticed after spending one on one time with him away from the other birds that when I get close to him to repeat talk ( trying to get him to mimic phases ) when I say certain words his eyes fix and he begins doing the regurgitation bop and will spit seeds on me. When he does this I try to correct the behavior and put him back in the cage then wait a little while then let him out to socialize again. He and another one of my Females also do that panting as well, have been to repeated appointments. I thought they had throat mites at one point or heart/lung problems. I'm told don't "entertain" the actions and ignore them. (?)

[@tomat_tast1384]

This has been very helpful but the problem is she only likes me and one other person (her actual owner). She isn't very socialized, she doesn't like to be pet and she only lets a few people pick her up (including me which is only about 2-5 people) she is pretty aggressive towards males (females as well but not as much) she doesn't let me touch her but she does let me pick her up on my arms and shoulders. I am trying to socialize her (and it is slowly working) but it's hard when I'm am the only one (besides her owner who really doesn't socialize with her much anymore). She has been showing these behaviors as of recently just before spring. She gets really excited when she sees me and she runs up to me.

[@purplepixie2384]

Great video, thanks for posting!

[@MARLENEMCCOHEN]

Thank you so much!!💖

[@Haytchtwoalt]

I want someone to look at me the way Marlene looks at Picasso.

[@patstokes3615]

so very good, just so informed.

[@theepicstormblade2498]

Um, my about ten month old cockatiel Crumple doesn't really like being pet on the head. If me or any part of my family try to pet him there he yells. But if I just hold him on my finger or shoulder he's fine. Idk what I do to change it

[@treasuretrovel3816]

I have two female birds, a Green Cheek Conure and a Noble, Mini Macaw. Both of them will go to the bottom of the cage and go under the cage papers to create a dark, next cavity and that will get them hormonal. My bird vet (renowned Bird Vet) told me to install the cage grates to prevent both of my females from having access to the cage papers in order to halt the hormonal behavior. My bird vet also told me to stop hand feeding pieces of warm, cooked sweet potato. I learned to do that from the Parrot Handbook by Sally Blanchard who recommended this food to prevent vitamin A deficiency. I am grateful to Sally's books that made me a much more responsible, dedicated and good parrot owner. But, it turns out is is best to feed cooked orange and purple sweet potatoes chopped up in their food dish rather than to hand them globs (which imitates a mate regurgitating to its mate sitting on eggs in a nest cavity). My bird vet told me to curtail any and all things that stimulate the hormones. Curtailing the hormones is the healthiest way of parrot husbandry. Yes, it would be best for all these parrots to be in a flock in the wild carrying out their normal, evolutionary programs but our pets are here now in captivity so all we can do is keep them healthy an safe. Thanks for this good and important video, Marlene. I think my vet would recommend that you deprive Cody and Vinny of all boxes and nesting activities so as not to stimulate his hormones. It might be prudent to put a grate on the bottom of Rocky's cage and maybe get him a lupron shot given that he is big and can deliver a scaring bite. To summarize: Get cage covers to modulate the light if necessary Don't pet your bird anywhere except on the head and don't cuddle so much No fuzzy toys or cozies or next boxes or toys with holes that will stimulate them No hand feeding warm globs of sweet potato or other similar foods No allowing cage paper shredding and/or tunneling (use the cage grate especially for female parrots)

[@AmandaRoseBlossom]

Can you make a video on how your birds got used to each other and try tnot to bite them? Love your videos!