Is there a way to tell the difference between..

[kc_y0]

A bird who is throwing up out of its control or just regurgitating its food because it wants too?

 

[BillsBirds]

Other people here can probably tell you better, but, a bird regurgitating because it loves you will throw up undigested seeds or pellet mush from its crop. A bird throwing up actual vomit is a sick bird. If the bird is bobbing its head to bring up food, its trying to feed you. If it throws up with little effort, that's a sick bird. Anything wierd colored or smelling, is from a sick bird. Remember colored pellets will produce that colored mush.

 

[Pedro]

While regurgitation is a completely normal behavior, it is important to note that your bird may not be truly regurgitating every time it throws up. True regurgitation is very obviously non-violent; the bird may stretch and pump it's neck a bit in the process, but will be calm and won't show signs of distress. A bird that is vomiting from illness, however, will sometimes quickly flick its head, slinging the partially digested food all over.

 

[kc_y0]

ah! Thanks very much for your response guys.

 

[lene1949]

Max is only 6 months old... and he looks like he's regurgitating, when playing with my hand.. This couldn't be a breeding behaviour due to his age.. So what IS he doing?

 

[kc_y0]

My girl has been doing it as well. Ive been told its just to show affection, and that the age doesn't matter. They are just 'practising' breeding and mothering behaviour maybe haha.