macaws

Question
I adopted a Serve Macaw she is 8 yrs and can not hear. We are getting along fine and learning each other commucations skills. The other day I took her in with me on my bed she started to crawl under the covers and than found her way under the bed.she seem to enjoy this alot.
I did get her to come to me many times put her back on the bed and right back down she went.It was the most play time we have enjoy together
Is this normal? or is this a learn behavor? Should I get her a bed like a hut she can enjoy?

Answer
Hi, Debbie,

This behavior is normal in the sense that most birds love to hide in/under things, including bed covers!  It's kind of like a nesting site of sorts.  They feel safest when they can see/control everything around them.  Under the covers, no one but you can get to the bird (so the bird thinks).  It can be a learned behavior in that the bird has learned that it likes being under the covers, i.e., it has learned about the covers.  You have to be careful with Cozy Huts, etc., because some birds will nest in these.  Single females may start laying infertile eggs if they feel they are "nesting."  It's a hormonal thing that results when they have a "nest."  You can try a hut, but be aware the bird will likely destroy the hut to begin with, which might be OK with you, but if the bird starts to use the hut as a nest, you may get infertile eggs.

Chrys