Henry

[Sher]

Right now I am at a loss and all I can do is cry. I posted a few days ago that Henry thinks I am his mate. I have tried everything I can think of and I cannot distract him from the mating behavior no matter what i do.
I don't know what to do. Even while he is in his cage I can see him working diligently on trying to make a nest. He can't because I took away anything that he can shred, but he is still trying.
I am afraid that I am ruining this sweet bird and that we will lose the bond we first had. :smile016:
I wish I had read all the postings Cockatoo owners posted BEFORE I got Henry. I would have known not to pet his back or under his wing.
If I could shout it from the rooftops to make sure people don't get this kind of bird - or any bird - for the wrong reason and without being first educated I would.
I will keep working on it but right now I just feel discouraged and sad. All I wanted was to give him a good home & love him and now I feel like I failed him.

 

[Kalidasa]

As long as you continue to discourage the behavior by ignoring and replacing with something else, it should pass with the (breeding) season. Don't be so hard on yourself, Mother Nature is tricky, and those raging hormones express themselves in any way they can. This will pass.

 

[U2gal]

Is he behaving aggressively?

 

[Sher]

Is he behaving aggressively?

No, not at all.

 

[Kalidasa]

You're going to look back on this and laugh!

 

[U2gal]

Then I wouldn't worry about it unless he is behaving aggressively. He is doing what comes naturally to parrots.

I touch my birds all over and don't believe in that nonsense about not touching any other part of their body but their head.

My unpaired birds touch each other all over. Its just a social thing.

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm adopting my male U2 out on Monday since I found him a suitable home. He will be going into a large flight aviary so he would be happier there. Mine have gotten to the point that he can not be held without going crazy....I did not encourage the mating thing but because of his previous homes, he's already got that imprinted in him. I went through 15 replies today about getting Java and this is the person that I choose because of what he told me. He knows his birds but I still want them to visit him first and everything goes well they will take him home Monday evening. Good luck with yours!!!

 

[MonicaMc]

Have you read through Lara Joseph's blogs?

Lara Joseph | An avid avian training, behavior, and enrichment enthusiast.
https://www.facebook.com/lara.joseph.9
https://www.facebook.com/TheAnimalBehaviorCenterLlc?fref=ts


At minimum, I would suggest contacting her... maybe even getting a consultation with her about your issues with Henry.

 

[Sher]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I did get a good laugh last night when I was telling my daughter about the situation, she said as long as he doesn't tell me to go make him a sammich, it's fine! :09:

 

[Kalidasa]

LMAO! Or nag you about your driving!

 

[Sher]

LMAO! Or nag you about your driving!

Yep! Hahaha