Spring is quickly making its presence known in South-central Alaska with warmer daytime temperatures and 14-plus hours of daylight. What a wonderful time it is to be owned by companion parrots!

You wish to share the amount of daylight, warming temperatures and the Springtime good feelings with your feathered friend. You open the cage door, stick out your hand with the “step-up” command and, “Ow, ow, ooowww!” Your once friendly feathered friend has given you a bloody wound! Why did they bite me? What have I done to provoke my bird into biting me? They’re usually such a nice bird, why start biting now?!?! They seem to be like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde bird.

Welcome to avian seasonal hormonal behavior. "All birds demonstrate hormonal behavior, it's just a matter of gradation," says Calgary veterinarian Dr. Kerry Korber, (BA, DVM). "It happens when a parrot reaches sexual maturity and its hormones influence its behavior. No matter how many generations we say we've 'domesticated' a bird, it is still very much a creature of instinct." Are some species of companion parrots more susceptible to avian seasonal hormonal behavior than others? Personally, I have talked with cockatoo, Amazon, macaw, African grey and conure owners who all report various levels of avian seasonal hormonal behavior. Your parrot provides you with subtle hints that its behaviors will be changing. Did you happen to note them? The way you handle your bird during this time of the year might promote or even initiate its hormonal behavior.
“Generally speaking, spring behavior happens once a year in the life of a sexually mature parrot. Also called nesting or hormonal behavior, it is a normal rhythm of nature, and there is nothing you or your parrot can do about it except wait it out. But you can be aware and understanding, and alert to the possible changes - in hopes of minimizing the negative side effects wherever possible” (Liz Wilson). “Welcome to the jungle… “(Guns n’ Roses).

This month’s club meeting open forum will focus on avian seasonal hormonal behavior. We’ll be discussing the ways to be alert to the onset and duration of the hormonal behavior. How to be aware of what encourages your bird’s level of hormonal behavior; what to look for, what to do, how to minimize the pain, and how to live with your bird during this time of the year.
I look forward to seeing you on May 2nd at 7:00 PM!

Gregory D. Wilkie