Birds laying on their back?

[Xoetix]

From what I gather, this is a super trusting position, which makes sense.

Is it something any bird can learn to do? I’ve only ever seen certain species doing it. Specifically, I’ve never seen either of the two species I have doing it - cockatiels and quakers. I’ve seen cliques, conures, toos, macaws… I think a budgie and lovebird? Primarily conure sized and up though.

Is it an “every bird” thing or are some species less likely to allow it?

 

[LexBirds]

I think most parrot species will, it kind of depends on the bond you have with your birds. Quakers can be trained to, but I'm not sure if cockatiels can.

 

[Shezbug]

Any species will do it but it’s something they’ll only do if they feel totally safe and if it something that tickles that particular birds fancy.

Squeaks gf used to play on her back a bit but Squeak never does.

I see the wild birds play this way too sometimes.

 

[Xoetix]

Is it something that conures are just more prone to doing? That’s the species I see the most doing it.

 

[sunnysmom]

I think it really depends on the bird and to a degree species. Like cockatiels with that long tail, I don't think generally lay on their backs.

 

[Shezbug]

Is it something that conures are just more prone to doing? That’s the species I see the most doing it.

I have noticed it more with very well handled confident birds than with any particular species.

The species I have seen doing it the most would be macaws and budgies- maybe it is because I follow more accounts with these species but I am not sure.

 

[Icey]

Frankie rolls on his back when we're playing. The only issue I have is that he sometimes twists a feather in his haste to roll over. Lol
Sometimes it's not a simple fix...he has one twisted now.
I keep fixing it, but I can almost guarantee when we're playing tonight it will get twisted again.

 

[Mizzely]

I don't know how natural it is for a bird to be on their back haha.

I've never had a bird lay on their back unless being held. 1 quaker would let me lay him in my hand, and 1 green cheek, but only briefly. No for the other quaker, hahns, and Jardine's.

 

[MommyBird]

I wanted to say it is all in context. I don't want people to think it is always a good thing.
yes, sometimes it can be done in trust but both Blue-fronted Amazons I've had will go over on their backs when they are very scared, like at the vet's.
Or if I am trying to give them meds. They are also usually yelling.
I think it may be a BFA thing.
I can hold other 2 of my other birds ( Jenday, Hahns) on their backs although I don't really feel the need to do that much, and my Goffin can be given a toy and he'll briefly play on his back on the floor.

 

[Toy]

JaKhu plays on her back in her cage. She rolls on her back on the floor. She will roll off a perch into my hand. If she's on the floor & I want to pick her up she rolls over & sticks her feet in the air for me to pick her up by her feet. As soon as they handed her to me at the parrot store I laid her on her back in my lap. She was just 4 months old. Ever since she seems to feel comfortable on her back. I also did floor play teaching her to do a complete roll over.

 

[April]

I've had 3 Conures 2 Green Cheeks and a Crimson Bellied and they all would do it but it was a matter of trust. It wasn't instant Nala took years and Zazu a month or 2 and same with Tobias but to be fair they were both babies when I got them and Nala an adult rehome.