Behavior suggestions please

[Farrahls]

Hi All,
I'm a vet nurse and currently have a galah and a sulphur crested cockatoo.
My too, holds her ankle/foot when being petted. Wondering if this is a self soothing or anxiety gesture.
My galah has learnt this off my too.
My SC is 37 and came from a traumatic background and only been with me for 2 weeks.

 

[BirdyBee]

I'm not sure.. I don't own 'toos or have experience. Hopefully another 'too owner will see this..

I'l try tag some cockatoo owners

@Scott
@Ria.345

 

[Ria.345]

Hi All,
I'm a vet nurse and currently have a galah and a sulphur crested cockatoo.
My too, holds her ankle/foot when being petted. Wondering if this is a self soothing or anxiety gesture.
My galah has learnt this off my too.
My SC is 37 and came from a traumatic background and only been with me for 2 weeks.

Hi. Sometimes cockatoos or parrots in general will do these kinds of gestures in reaction to soothing stimuli such as petting. It can be a learned behavior such as with your galah seeing your SC doing it, or knowing that your other bird has had a traumatic past, it can also be some sort of “coping mechanism” in dealing with certain situations. And he just picked up the behavior and it became a habit by then. Some other times, (not to scare you) it could be soemthing irritating their feet and in that case it would have to be checked out. (That’s like if they are chewing their feet or holding it with their mouths) Most likely it is just psychological.

 

[Scott]

Are you able to post a pic or video? Likely a gesture of contentment presuming the petting is enjoyable. (you'd know if it was not!) Considering a senior bird having experienced trauma, all sorts of baggage possible during acclimation aka "honeymoon" process.

 

[Laurasea]

All above excellent

I've also seen it as a way a parrot convinces a person they won't bite you while petting: see my beak is busy. Or they will hold a perch or cage bars to convince you its ok to pet them ( or naughty one to trick you into thinking its ok)

Would love to see pictures of your birdies!

 

[HeatherG]

My Quaker grooms his feet and toenails when he’s getting a good head or beak rub. He doesn’t seem upset; I think sometimes he’s purring. It looks awkward to me but he appears to be happy. ?