https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/parakeet/hormonal-parakeet-behavior
*Parakeets, also known as budgies, are gentle companions with bright energy. The Parakeet Education Hub explores the basics of care, including socialization, cage size, diet, and training - making it easy to support a healthy, happy bird.
Parakeet behaviors can often be attributed to hormonal changes, with female budgies typically showing more pronounced signs than males.
During hormonal periods, which usually last 3 to 6 weeks, female parakeets may display aggression, such as refusing to step up or hissing when approached, and may produce larger, more liquid droppings.
Courtship behaviors include squatting on perches, spreading wings, and cooing, usually directed toward their favored human or even mirrors and toys.
Regurgitation is another common behavior linked to affection and parenting instincts, where budgies may regurgitate food to show love or care for their mate or young.
While this may be off putting to some owners, it is a natural expression of bonding and should not be discouraged harshly.
Other hormonal behaviors include masturbation, where both male and female budgies may rub themselves against perches or cage bars.
Owners can gently redirect this behavior by offering toys, treats, or gentle head scratches to distract the bird without punishment.
Nesting behaviors, such as gathering materials, are less common in budgies compared to larger parrots; female budgies may lay infertile eggs even without access to a nest box due to hormonal triggers.
Overall, these behaviors are normal aspects of a budgie's life cycle and understanding them helps owners provide compassionate care during these times.
Chewy editorial team provides valuable insight and detailed information about these behaviors to help you better understand your parakeet’s natural instincts and needs, enabling you to care for them with greater compassion and confidence.
