Video Would you consider this hormonal behavior?

[Kassiani]

This is a short video clip of something Opie has done with increasing frequency since I brought him home. He will bury his beak in between blocks of wood or kabob and just leave his beak there while flicking his tongue in and out. You can see his eyes are pinning, and he is quivering. He will either stand almost completely still, or he will reach out with a foot to pull the toy closer to him.

I’ve not read of any other behavior quite like this, so I’m hoping someone here has experienced something similar with their bird(s)!

He also has an obsession with leather cord. He will chew on the ones in his toys for 30 mimutes!

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I don’t know about the behavior, but I do know that he’s precious!

 

[Kassiani]

Thank you!

 

[scrape]

This is a short video clip of something Opie has done with increasing frequency since I brought him home. He will bury his beak in between blocks of wood or kabob and just leave his beak there while flicking his tongue in and out. You can see his eyes are pinning, and he is quivering. He will either stand almost completely still, or he will reach out with a foot to pull the toy closer to him.

I’ve not read of any other behavior quite like this, so I’m hoping someone here has experienced something similar with their bird(s)!

He also has an obsession with leather cord. He will chew on the ones in his toys for 30 mimutes!

Looks funny, but to me it doesn't look hormonal (coming from someone with a very hormonal cockatiel). Parrots have some quirky ways, and that behavior looks soothing, but maybe not hormonal? In my opinion.
If it is hormonal, there isn't much you can do about it. It seems harmless.

 

[Kassiani]

Opie has some interesting habits! Well, at least to me because my budgies just don’t do things like this!

 

[scrape]

Opie has some interesting habits! Well, at least to me because my budgies just don’t do things like this!

Parrots are such characters, volunteering has definitely taught me that. Never seen a macaw drool... till I started volunteering. Not to be off-topic, just curious; Has Opie gotten any friendlier? Have you been able to pet him or step up?

 

[Kassiani]

Opie can still be very cage aggressive. If I approached him while he was playing with that toy, he would have tried to bite me. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to touch him to scratch his head. But, I can get him to step up on to a rope perch!!