cockatiel behavior

Question
My cockatiel, Spike, leans forward on her favorite perch to where her rump is higher than her head and she starts chirping in soft quiet tones, its like a trilling. What is she doing?

Answer
Hi Emily,

Your bird is soliciting for mating. If she does this to you then she has chosen you for her mate. She has probably received signals from you (or other human) that you are willing to be the mate. Any physical contact beyond head scritches (such as wings, back, tail) is sexual to a bird. I recommend that you limit your physical contact with your bird to the head only and work towards becoming a friendly flock member rather than a mate for your bird.


Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com