Do Meyers Parrots have issues at sexual maturity?

[Spooky]

I am getting a Meyers Parrot soon and I read about issues at 3 or 4 when they reach sexual maturity. The one I would be getting is a handfed just weaned bird. I read that petting on the back, under the wings, and the beak is breeding behavior. I don't want to start any bad habits before then to make it go smoother. Should I just stick to petting above the neck, or is it okay for me to pet wherever he is comfortable?

 

[camelotshadow]

I'd stick with head & neck...they like that. No sense getting a bird used to other more familiar touching as it could be misunderstood & lead to frustration in the future.

Meyers really have nasty bites...

Good Luck on your new baby!

 

[Begone]

I am getting a Meyers Parrot soon and I read about issues at 3 or 4 when they reach sexual maturity.

They do that a lot earlier. More common from 1-2 years old. And you should never pet them at all. But you can preen their head and neck.

 

[Spooky]

And you should never pet them at all. But you can preen their head and neck.

Is preening like scratching? Why no petting (just curious)?

 

[iamwhoiam]

Some of my Pois got weird when they were just a few months old. They went through a phobic period. Never had issues with sexual maturity. No personality changes. I can pet/scratch my Pois anywhere except for Jake and Claudé. Petting the others under their wings, backs or abdomen never caused any issues, but if you want to be safe stick to the head and neck.

 

[Spooky]

No sense getting a bird used to other more familiar touching as it could be misunderstood & lead to frustration in the future.

Would it be appropriate to scratch these areas after they go through the whole sexual maturity thing or will that still cause frustration?

 

[camelotshadow]

Depends...you really don;t want them to see/want you as a mate...its just frustrating for them & can lead to bad things

 

[Spooky]

Okay, good to know! This will be more of a family bird. I want him/her to get along with my family and friends so seeing me as a mate would not be ideal lol

 

[Cassiopejaz]

Good you getting a Meyers...awesome bird and also a good family bird.

I got chosen by little Toby...i was actually after a Senegal...but Toby came to me..while non of the Senegals there did..so i changed my mind and went for a Meyers instead.

and as been told..avoid petting...scratching Neck and head is calm...feets are also okey..and sexual maturity is more at age 1 - 2, Toby reached his sexual maturity at age 1 year.

 

[JLcribber]

Okay, good to know! This will be more of a family bird. I want him/her to get along with my family and friends so seeing me as a mate would not be ideal lol

Read.

Site Name - Articles - Behavioral - Sex And The Psittacine

 

[Spooky]

Toby reached his sexual maturity at age 1 year.

How did you handle his sexual maturity, and how long did it last?

 

[Cassiopejaz]

How did you handle his sexual maturity, and how long did it last?

how i handle it?..accept that its his hormones and that its just a phase, that can last up to a year or even a bit longer.

Hard to say how to handle it cuz to be honest Toby wasnt so hard to handle..also i learned his signals so i knew when it was time to avoid him