Beak rubbing

[corralup]

Ok, I'm trying to figure Smokey out again. What does it mean when he rubs his beak on my fingers and the palm of my hand? There is no food on his beak so.. Is this an angry behavior?

Thanks for any replies.


Sandy

[radiogirl995]

I don't think so...

My CAG Tuki does this all the time too - I believe it's just an instinctual thing...food or no food. Even without food on it - I believe they are trying to keep the beak clean.

Tuki will do it on my shoulder and even did it on my mouth tonight!

He also just likes to shove his head in the palm of my hand while I'm rubbing his neck.

[corralup]

Oh ok, RadioGirl. Yeah he shoves his head into my hand for head scratches too. Its so neat to see him asking for scratches.
I'm open for anymore suggestions on what this could mean.
Oh by the way, Smokey let my husband give him head scratches first time tonight. He is in a pretty good mood. I'm trying to teach my husband the same tactics I use when giving him head scratches. Like when Smokey takes his claw and scratches his head to show us right where it itches. I think the breakthrough is a success. It was looking pretty grim there for a while for my husband and Smokey. I think he was moving too quick on him. I told him to move really slow and let him take things in.
Its a new beginning because at first he was friendly then after 4 weeks he got mean. Now is friendly. I guess the introduction to a new home was pretty stressful for him. Trust is a big issue with these cags.

[corralup]

I read that it might be a part of the courting behavior. Does this mean he could be in love with me? lol

[cfulhage]

I've never read about that being part of a courtship behavior, just that, like Kris said, its a way for them to keep their beak in shape (but I'm not an expert!). When he starts barfing for you is when you know he really loves ya!

[bekfreak]

Bella will do this to anyone or thing that will let her rub her beak on it.

[CALVINS MOM]

I wonder if it is stimulating to them? I have a 23 year old TAG and her beak is almost white. I can see the veins in her beak. She rubs her beak on everything and also, before she eats, she rubs her food on her beak! That's the only explanation I can come up with -that maybe it just plain feels good!

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

The breeder I got my birds from said they do that to keep their beaks in shape. Both my birds do that to whatever is the closest. My breeders Yellow Collar Macaw barfs for her & trys to make her eat it. I asked her one day if her hubby is jealous? She asked me why? I said, cause you have a new man in your life who loves you so much. Her hubby & I thought is was funny, she just said ha ha. I have to admit, that would be a little ewwwww. Crystal

[corralup]

Crystal, I love your Macaw! Pictures are little small though. BUt enough to see how adorable they are.

[corralup]

Originally Posted by cfulhage

I've never read about that being part of a courtship behavior, just that, like Kris said, its a way for them to keep their beak in shape (but I'm not an expert!). When he starts barfing for you is when you know he really loves ya!

Yep, he starting to barf on me. He loves me! Yiiippppiiii


sandy