CAG entering puberty?

[Bradleyzoo]

My sweet little Phoenix is suddenly turning into a little monster, and I'm guessing she is going through puberty. She is just shy of 9 years old - oh, and she hasn't been sexed, but we're pretty sure she is a she.

She is acting strange, bites HARD for no apparent reason, eyes huge and wanting outside all the time. We live in Costa Rica and there are wild parrots flying around so we're thinking they might be setting her off a bit.

Any suggestions besides patience, patience, patience? Any foods to avoid or to load up on (besides the usual)? Should we build her a nesting place? (I'm thinking that might not be a good idea, but hey, we're open to ALL suggestions.)

Thanks for any help and ideas!!!!
Monica

[Monica]

I've heard to stay clear of sunflower seeds, and soy, in regards to hormones. Generally speaking, greys go through that stage at a younger age (at least as much as I've noticed from grey owners).

Building a nest could potentially make the issue worse, but it would allow her to go through something "natural." Not something I'd recommend.

If you feed her warm foods, consider instead to offer her room temp or chilled food instead. After all, mates feed eachother warm food.

You could try offering more fresh foods or less fresh foods. I've heard contradicting information about how much should be offered when a bird is hormonal. One thing is to usually offer less calcium and protein if the bird is not laying eggs and raising chicks... but offer more if the bird is doing any of that.



I don't know what your hours of daylight are like, but I would suggest allowing her to get as much natural day and night hours as possible... (which I know wouldn't work for all countries since some have much shorter or longer days than I) that is, don't keep her up late if you don't have to. Don't wake her up early if there is no need. Depending on the time of year my birds get 9-14 hours of sleep. Many owners strive for 12 hours year-round. I don't know which is better, but I know my birds get a more "normal" seasonal change since the house is not kept at a constant temperature year round. I don't know how that may differ in other countries where-in the temperatures are more moderate but at least with my guys I only deal with egg laying in the spring/summer time, and not year-round like I've noticed with some other people.

[Tom Lawless]

I've read that African Greys go through puberty at around 18 months so although what you are dealing may be related to hormones, she would be too old for puberty.

I really can't give you much advice but I will back up Monica on the need for a good and long night's sleep. My avian vet wants my guys put to bed no later than 8:00PM in a dark, quiet room. I've read that 10-12 hours of non-interupted sleep at night can make a huge difference in the behavior of these guys.

I am sure there will be others who will offer you more detailed and qualified advice. There are some very knowledgable people out here. Good luck.

[Bradleyzoo]

Hi Monica and Tom,

Thanks so much for the input!! Since we're so close to the equator we have very little fluctuation between night and day during the year - about an hour. We are pretty tuned in to the daylight hours and generally go to bed around 7-8pm and get up around 5:30 am. So, Phoenix is getting really good, reliable sleep hours. That being said, we noticed she has been sleeping A LOT during the day the last few days.

I had no idea AG's went through puberty so early. I thought I read that it was at about 10 years old.

Thanks for all the food suggestions too. Will make a few changes, as suggested, and see what happens.

Any idea how long it lasts when they are going through a hormonal period? Or does it vary? I wan't my little princess back!!

Thanks again!!

[Monica]

It's pretty much what I figured for hours for you. I don't really know how birds closer to the equator decide when breeding time is and is not. You could always increase the amount of sleep by 2-4 hours, although rarely, I'm guessing, this could make matters worse instead of better.

I've heard in macaws that many go through puberty around 2-4 years in age, but many may not start breeding, or wanting to breed, until 7-15 years in age. So I would guess the same may be true for your grey.


As for how long it varies, couldn't tell ya. I'm half wondering though if perhaps she's "off" because she's sick. Sometimes parrots react negatively when they aren't feeling so well. Then again, it could just be hormones, too.



I hope some grey "experts" can come along and tell you more! I've never owned any parrot larger than a conure, so I can only relate to you second hand advice! And none of it pertains to grey's specifically, just parrots in general. (which is what most information out there is like)