Irritable Goffin

[cybertoe]

Casey is a 21yo Goffin and has been my companion for six years. A few days ago he started acting very irritable. He screams constantly, is being braver than usual and is very determined in his actions. He is also very interested in a, ummm, physical relationship with me, and sometimes succeeds while I am sleeping. I know that's gross, but he is really sneaky about it. I'm assuming it's hormonal, although it is still February in the Northeast. I need to know how to calm him down. Covering his cage doesn't stop him. Neither does attention, toys, food, treats or talking to him. He is driving me (as well as my neighbors) crazy. I have read on some threads that people have put their birds in dark closets to punish them or calm them down, but that is not an option. Casey came from an abusive home where he was put in a closet for days on end. Any suggestions? Please?

 

[Kiwibird]

Sounds like he is entering his mating season, and there is unfortunately not a whole lot one can do about it. It is triggered by the daylight being longer, so you really should either get him sleeping in a cage at night that can be completely covered (that is not a punishment) or in a room that has blackout curtains so he can be on a consistent night/day schedule. Cutting out fruit temporarily is also a good idea (replaced by extra veggies in their place, of course). Fruit has a lot of sugar, and can exacerbate hormonal behavior. Don't pet on him either during this time of year. That will only stimulate him more. Stepping up should be the only physical contact with a hormonal parrot. And whatever you do, don't encourage the "amorous" behavior! Either ignore, or if you can't, calmly put him back in his cage until he calms down. Given his past, try half-covering the cage so it is a little more calming, without being scary for him. Any kind of shooing him away, telling him "No" ext... is just unintentionally encouraging him to continue doing it. And while I'm sure you already know this, it is worth repeating- DO NOT EVER put a bird in a dark closet as punishment. That does nothing but break the birds trust and frightens them. Good luck with him, and keep in mind, we are all suffering this time of year with the same issues!