Two questions regarding my lovebird

[Garet]

First one is a behavioral question. When I scratch her head, Nana will sort of flop down and hold her own face/head. Is this normal? She's not hurting herself, I've just never seen a bird do this?

Secondly; I've been thinking of changing her name now that she's settled in to our home. Do you think it would be detrimental to her mental health? It's just kind of awkward for me to call her Nana, when I just lost mine not too long ago.

 

[LunaLovebird]

Not too sure what you're describing. Is it possible to get a picture?

Changing her time won't hurt her. She'll come to associate it with herself soon enough.

 

[Garet]

Not too sure what you're describing. Is it possible to get a picture?

Changing her time won't hurt her. She'll come to associate it with herself soon enough.

Okay, that's good to hear, regarding the name at least.

I'll try to get a picture of it the next time she wants scratches. Basically, she'll land on me and if I pet her head, she lays down on her side and curls up with her chin or cheek tucked into her chest so she can hold it with her foot, sort of in a semi-fetal position. It doesn't look like she's in pain, but I've really never seen a bird do anything like it.

 

[LunaLovebird]

It does sound strange, but birds do have some pretty unique and strange habits. Probably just her way of showing she's enjoying it?

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Is she helping scritch herself? When I scritch Blu sometimes he rubs his own cheek/ear area with his foot.

 

[HolliDaze]

Okay, that's good to hear, regarding the name at least.

I'll try to get a picture of it the next time she wants scratches. Basically, she'll land on me and if I pet her head, she lays down on her side and curls up with her chin or cheek tucked into her chest so she can hold it with her foot, sort of in a semi-fetal position. It doesn't look like she's in pain, but I've really never seen a bird do anything like it.

Dexter, my umbrella cockatoo, holds his face when receiving neck scratches at times. Is this what your bird does:
(Not my pic, I took it off the web as an example)

I understand that she might "flop over" more, but as far as the foot goes, is this accurate? Dexter grabs his head with his whole foot, not just the toes (as this bird does)

 

[Garet]

Is she helping scritch herself? When I scritch Blu sometimes he rubs his own cheek/ear area with his foot.

I haven't seen her scratch herself, just hold her own chin/cheek. Sometimes, she moves her head, but just goes back to holding it.

Dexter, my umbrella cockatoo, holds his face when receiving neck scratches at times. Is this what your bird does:
(Not my pic, I took it off the web as an example)

I understand that she might "flop over" more, but as far as the foot goes, is this accurate? Dexter grabs his head with his whole foot, not just the toes (as this bird does)

Yeah, it's quite similar to that! Only she doesn't stand while doing it and doesn't always grab under her jaw. Sometimes, it's her jaw, other times, it's most of her face or the top of her head.
She literally lays down and flops onto her side with her other foot tucked into her stomach fluff.

 

[HolliDaze]

I haven't seen her scratch herself, just hold her own chin/cheek. Sometimes, she moves her head, but just goes back to holding it.



Yeah, it's quite similar to that! Only she doesn't stand while doing it and doesn't always grab under her jaw. Sometimes, it's her jaw, other times, it's most of her face or the top of her head.
She literally lays down and flops onto her side with her other foot tucked into her stomach fluff.

Oops! Dexter doesn't actually give himself neck scratches either. That's just what I call it, lol. Dexter also grabs in different spots as well. He's started using it as a cue to get me to continue scratching. I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[Garet]

Oops! Dexter doesn't actually give himself neck scratches either. That's just what I call it, lol. Dexter also grabs in different spots as well. He's started using it as a cue to get me to continue scratching. I wouldn't be concerned.

Aww, Dexter sounds like an adorable little guy. ;v; Thanks for letting me know that it's nothing I have to be worried about!

 

[fluffypoptarts]

Termite would do something similar when my ex would give him scritches.



And weird stretching poses:

 

[finchly]

Oh how funny @fluffypoptarts ! You guys have interesting birds on this thread! All mine do is a regal neck bow that means the servant (me) must obey. NOW.

 

[fluffypoptarts]

Oh how funny @fluffypoptarts ! You guys have interesting birds on this thread! All mine do is a regal neck bow that means the servant (me) must obey. NOW.

It was hilarious, and so cute! I’m glad I still have them. Twinkie will do the regal head bow! Tiny tyrants are so adorable, aren’t they?

 

[Garet]

Termite would do something similar when my ex would give him scritches.

View attachment 262450

And weird stretching poses:

View attachment 262452

Awwww, Termite does the thing, too? That's adorable. ;;