| Can't answer all your questions but do know that the bobbing up
and down and the tapping of the perch are definitely sexual behavior.
My budgies do this when they're really turned on (it tends to get
them increasingly turned on as they do it). The beak opening probably
is a desire to regurgitate food - another mating behavior. I would
say your macaw is definitely looking for a mate. My male budgie
is trying to mount my other male budgie and gets very excited as
they preen each other and kiss. Guess it doesn't matter that the
object of his affection is male also, especially since he has no
choice -- there's no female for him. I had a male budgie who would
bob his head up and down (and rub his underparts) on my finger.
I would playfully move my finger and he'd get excited. His eyes
would get more white and roll around. I figured I was helping him
get rid of some of his sexual energy. Don't know what advice to
give the owner of a large bird, especially one that's also biting.
Probably leave him alone more until he gets to a calmer, less sexual
state.
Sandy
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| I owned a Military MacCaw for 4 years. He would sleep with me every
night, and practically go everywhere with me. He too would brutally
attack my roomate. It got to the point that he would chase her
accross the room with his wings open laughing (HA HA HA HA). It
was actually pretty funny to watch, but terrifying for my roomate.
Charlie (my bird) had chosen me for his mate. When you get into
the MacCaws, you dealing with a very monogomus (SP) species of bird,
many of them really only taking to one person. Charlie was so
completely attached to me that at night in bed, he would actually
put a wing over my face, and reguratate in my hair quite frequently.
When I had to move and sell him (it completely killed me to do this,
he was one of my best friends, and more like a good old faithful
dog than a bird) I sold him to a well respected bird
dealership/breeding farm in Mendicino County, CA, who is using him
to make lots and lots more of little Military's. After two years
of trying to sell him, they gave up. He wouldn't let anyone touch
him.
Anyway, enjoy the love that your bird is showing you. In my mind
it's the highest honor they can possibly pay you.
Kelly
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