Petting my GCC?

[ponytailofdoom]

Hey, havn't been on here in awhile, havn't had the time, anyway my Conures Zim and Gir both have a spot just under there eyes that they love when i rub with a thumb . . . But it just occured to me, maybe they are just closing there eyes not because they love it, but there scared of me poking them in the eye? Also lately i've started rubbing Zim lower then i usually would because s/he seems to love it . . . And it occured to me that maybe it is his/her genitals? Its sort of just above the legs. I am hoping that its not what i've been touching all the time . . . I've always assumed its sort of below the tail. Anyway, if anyone knows if they've just been fearing an eye poking or i've been touching bird penis, i'de appreciate it very much if ya could tell me :D

[mmr]

as far as rubbing that low is a no no. Read this.


Sexual behavior

[xafsmom]

The cloaca is behind the legs, so here's hoping you're rubbing the belly! Any lower body stimulus though can be construed as a sexual ...thing. ehem

As for rubbing below the eye? I'd say both. They do love it, probably because unless they can't readily preen their own faces. My young Hahn's will swoon if rubbed under his eye patch. If I stop, he falls over.

[Addicted to Tequila]

I am going to disagree slightly. It really depends on the bird. My GCC likes to play "tickle monster is gonna get yer belly!"... and I assure you there is no sexual behavior demonstrated what-so-ever. It really can depend on the bird though. Watch for sexual behavior and gauge your response. No... that is your bird's breastbone, not genital area. But it CAN be a sexually stimulating area... depending on MANY factors.

And a bird that is afraid of being poked in the eye will turn his head or lunge at you... not close his eyes and lean into the scritch!

[KokiTheConure]

Koki does that too. But I know he likes it because he fluffs up and shuts his eyes. When I stop he looks suprised xD

[ponytailofdoom]

Thanks for the answers everyone :D

I'll continue to rub under there eyes, it sure looks like they enjoy it, so untill they bite me to say no i'll keep at it, as for the possoible sexual behavior, i'll stop that immiediantly, i would really hate to make my bird aggresive because i won't touch it when breeding season comes around, probably a bit young aswell, would hate for either one of my 5-7 month olds lay eggs at such a young age.

Thanks again everyone :D

[Sparky]

Try scratching their beaks and their ceres. Kiwi loves to have her nostrils scratched, she's a weirdo. ;)