Head shaking

[lauriedrake]

I have a 15 yo sennie who has been sweet as pie until lately. She has begun bonding with my husband and will attack me when I'm doing anything around the cage. I'm working through it and getting her back to stepping up, waiting nicely for her food and sitting quietly on my shoulder. Well, kind of quietly, she's started this constant head flicking or shaking while sitting with me. Any ideas what she's trying to tell me? It happens whether my husband is in the room or not.

[Mr.BlackMask]

I have no idea what she's doing, but I just wanted to say I hope someone chimes in soon and you figure it out. Good for you for working out her issues with her! :)

[sassie]

How long have you had her? What it sounds like to me is hormonal behavior

[lauriedrake]

I bought her when she was 2 1/2 mos old, she wasn't fully weaned and I finished her handfeeding. She's been with us the whole time. The hormonal thing as far as the attacking goes is right on, but I've never seen her do the head shake before...so very strange!

[birdlady49]

She may have an ear infection. It would be a good idea to have her checked out by an avian vet, especially if the head shaking is consistent or happening more often.

[Catherinedana]

My male Sennie does the same thing with me. He's lived with me about 2 1/2 years (he was already an adult when he came to me and I don't know how old he is) and this started about a year ago. He has been checked and there is nothing physically wrong with him. The vet thinks it may be some sort of communication thing. . .the more folks we hear from the better. Maybe we can figure it out ourselves. I have even looked long and hard online and in Senegal books, but have not seen this behavior mentioned elsewhere. He's my sweet guy and we have a wonderful relationship, so I don't think it's an aggression thing with me. He is, however, very protective over me and so it might be hormonal. . .There are sometimes that he does not do this at all.

[lauriedrake]

Thanks all for the suggestions. She's due for her annual physical in a couple of months, and her (certified avian) vet breeds Sennies. I'll wait until then and talk to him about it. Just thought I'd check with the other experts here first!

Laurie

[Fredo]

Our female Sennie shakes her head at my wife. She she's about seven years old and has been with us for about two years. She has bonded with me and tolerates my wife but about two months ago she started shaking her head "NO" when my wife would get close and talk to her. She doesn't shake her head every time but quite often. Her last checkup was fine, we figured it was a personality thing.

[parrotluv]

This may sound completely out there, but my 14 yr old Red belly does this when I am holding him and he wants to go back to his cage. He loves to be loved on(about 50% of the time:) But when he is done he starts fidgeting and shaking his head like he has the 'itches' or something. Quite a while ago I figured out when he did this he wanted to go back to his cage.
If he doesn't he won't step down of my finger, every time he does the 'fidget' thing, he jumps right off to his cage. Doesn't mean this is what your sennie is doing but just another idea

[featherduster]

Is this "head shaking" a regurgitaion movement?
If so, your senny is trying to feed you!
That is a bonding behaviour. Given to only those who deserve it.
I'm thinking your senny is actually trying to bond with you.