New U2 ..ALSO BEAK-TAPPING..

[squawkee]

We just adopted an 11-month old Umbrella named Woody from a local woman .we also have 6 keets,a GCC, a Brown-Throated Conure, 3 Jack Russells,and a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.we got him Sunday,and he has assimilated well to the household..he does some very odd things,though, one of them being the beak tap,where he sits on my arm,runs his beak back and forth,then raises his head up,and then taps like a woodpecker on my hand,arm,whatever he is near.he also seems to prefer me to my wife.she is a little hurt by this,but I think that part of the reason is that I have never been intimidated by large birdsw,working in a pet shop before i became a firefighter/paramedic..any input would be greatly appreciated..i would post pics,but am not really sure how to do it..thanks!!!

[mmr]

Originally Posted by squawkee

he does some very odd things,though, one of them being the beak tap,where he sits on my arm,runs his beak back and forth,then raises his head up,and then taps like a woodpecker on my hand,arm,whatever he is near.!

Beak tapping is a sighn of affection. They do this on a body part or just in the air. I allow my too to do this in the air as she is telling me she loves me. But I don't let her do it ON me. That is a mating thing and it incourages mating behavior. Beak tapping is a very known thing for cockatoo's

Originally Posted by squawkee

he also seems to prefer me to my wife.she is a little hurt by this

Too's are usually a one person bird. You can't change that about them. He/she see's you as it's mate. Please make her understand to not take it personaly!