My parrot growls ..

[Robyn]

Hi all,
I was just writing a different thread about my eclectus possibly molting. But I remembered something about Jack I wanted to ask people. When Jack plays with us , especially with my husband he growls. But I read this is a form of aggression ?
But when Jack does it you can actually see it isnt. I blow a lot of raspeberries on Jacks belly and I used to make a lot of these noises and noises similar to growling. It seems he just does it during play.
He runs across our kitchen bench yelling " Quick Quick , come on " and we slide him down the bench and he runs back to be slid back again, he seems to like sliding along the bench. Every now and then I scoop him up on his back and blow raspberries on his belly and growl into his chest. He seems to love it and comes running back growling. This is actually when my husband is playing peek a boo with him. It is a breakfast bar ( bench ) and whilst my husband is underneath almost crawling right round the table , Jack is running across yelling " quick quick , come on " and loves it when my husband jumps up as if from nowhere, then he slides him down the bench and hubby continues round under the bench again.
Also if he is sitting on our shoulder and my hand or somebody elses bumps his feet , he growls but in a playful manner but at the same time, telling us he doesnt want to go anywhere but stay there.
Does anybody else have a parrot that growls during play ?
Thanks,
Robyn

 

[Spiritbird]

Growls from a parrot usually mean they feel threatened. Perhaps your bird has learned he likes the reaction he gets from you and your husband during playtime.

 

[AndrewH]

My macaw growls all the time. When I scratch her hear, when we play.

 

[Quantumcat]

Scarlett only growls when she is upset. Usually accompanied by fluffling up the back of her neck and opening her beak at the offending object. With yours, it might just be a learned behaviour but parrots don't naturally do it unless they are quite upset.