Gettin Jiggy Widit??

[Kez]

Hi hi! I have a question for all you experienced Lorikeet owners, my lil Lorikeet Einstein (boy or girl?) has recently developed a new and rather questionable habit. When Ein comes for a play on the bed she likes to run under the pillows at the end of the bed, in a little dark corner as it was, and does what looks to be some sort of ... mating... dance... action... with my pyjama shirt!

A more descriptive explanation of this 'dance' is at first glance, the birdie just looks like its being a lil horn dog and humping the item - I had read that male lorys can be known to do this to people and toys that they like and such forth. But as I have never actually seen a lorikeet do this, im not sure if that is what s/he is doing at all.

Specifically Ein's dance consists of fluffing up the bottom end and wiggling its tail in a suggestive manner while leaning forwards and scratching at the chosen 'love item' with the feets. It certainly looks like a mating behaviour. I have read that it is not wise to encourage this behaviour (though it is kinda cute!) and went on to do some research. Cockatiels seem to have lots of issues with nesting and mating behaviours, but I found very little about Lorikeet behaviour. I've also considered that if Ein is a female it could look like she's trying to lay an egg, especially considering tht she likes to find the dark safe hidey holes.

On another site I recieved this answer:

As for "behind the pillow" behavior, most likely bird is just playing since the on the bed time is always playtime. Normally, single birds of either sex will not exhibit outright nesting behavior.

So, don't worry about what the little sweetie is doing behind the pillow unless pooping is happening which would not be unusual

But I'm starting to get concerned, Ein is starting to be very comfortable searching out cozy places and just hanging out there for a while, occassionally doing the Jiggy with whatevers nearby, even when I'm across the room.

I've read elsewhere on this forum that nesting behaviour (such as letting the bird find dark hidey holes) should be avoided because it leads to frustration and health issues so I'm really just trying to find out if anyone knows for sure what Ein's doing and whether I should cut off all cozy places from him/her for a while or if its just harmless 'playing' as the above person suggested. Other than this Ein has had no other changes in behaviour, no biting or acting territorial at all.

If anyone has any ideas please help!

[Ashling]

Ashling does that too, it's just normal lorikeet playing behaviour as far as I know! If you're concerned, than by all means discourage the behaviour by paying no attention and give her other things to do and reward her when she does them. Could you possibly post a vid?

[WhiteRaven]

It sounds like something my lorikeet did when he/she saw an item he loved (socks, apple, etc). I called him 'Mr Floofehpants' when he was all fluffed up and playful because of his fluffy butt, lol. Many lorikeets like to explore little hiding places and as you probably know, they get excited over things very easily.

I think it is normal lorikeet excitement and play but I could be wrong. It may or may not be mating or display behaviour your bird is showing.

I haven't seen a lorikeet mating before ( >.> ) but I know someone who's male lorikeet mates with any and every object it comes in contact with. He gets 'right down to business', if you will, and just grabs on tight and mates with it. .__. Her hand, the bird sitter's hand, visitors, food, toys, everything.

But if you want to discourage it try to keep him out of sight from things he is showing the behaviour towards and ignore him when he does it. :)

[Kez]

Well have been trying to get a video of it :P but unfortunately Ein finds the camera far too exciting to get anything clear :( will keep trying though! thanks for ur suggestions so far!!