upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

New to the forum. We have adopted a wonderful green cheek about 3 1/2 yrs old. She was loved but living on sunflower seeds at her last home.

I know the big pellet and seed debate. I chose to do Volkman's seed with no sunflower seeds and Harrison's pellets. As after the first couple weeks on her new diet she started growing tons of new feathers and it wasn't even molting season. She loves to dance (hence the name Fancyfeet) and take long baths in the sink. I will post a video soon to share with you. She also loves to hide behind pillows and little niches.

I have a few questions still after searching the forum for answers.
Do all female birds lay eggs? She does not care for any other birds but maybe she would if they were male and the same breed as her? I only ask this because she almost everyday since we got her is always looking to rub her bottom on something and make funny noises. I know its a hormone thing not a itchy bottom the way she behaves. I am thinking that behavior is her telling us she wants a friend? I do not want to breed her. So If I found her a life partner what do people do to prevent breeding? Or do you just destroy the eggs? Or maybe some pair up but don't neccessarily breed? I don't know how it works???

One other question. She likes to clank on her cage at bedtime sometimes and all the time in the morning. Juat started about a month ago. Nothing has changed in our routine. We put her to bed about 8-830 pm and let her out at 7-8am. She stays out with us all day. She likes her bedtime and has a certain spot she likes to go. She lets us know by perching there and then she wants to be covered and tops off the night by blowing tons of kisses. So I am not quite sure what the constant tapping is maybe a habit? Just hoping she is not trying to tell us something she needs and its going right over our heads.

I'd appreciate any input no matter how silly my questions may sound. It is important to me that the quality of her life is in our hands and I take that as a big responcibility. I remember adopting her it was like I had a new baby and sooo many more worries. Now I feel like a pro but now that we have had her about 7 months these are a few things I am still unsure about. Thank you.

Do all female birds lay eggs?
No. Many will, but not all hens do, especially if they never have a setup in which they are stimulated to reproduce... although hens can lay without a male or nesting site.

She does not care for any other birds but maybe she would if they were male and the same breed as her?
I have a handraised female cockatiel who's nearly 8 years old. She's been hormonal ever since before she came home (less than 5 months in age), and she has laid a few clutches of eggs. Since being here, she has also been around three male cockatiels, one of which was actually interested in her. Whenever she'd masturbate, the male would come on over to her, she'd stop and walk off.

So just because a bird is hormonal doesn't necessarily mean they are interested in mating, *AT LEAST* not with another bird!

So If I found her a life partner what do people do to prevent breeding? Or do you just destroy the eggs? Or maybe some pair up but don't neccessarily breed?
Just because you got another bird of her species (not breed) doesn't mean the two would get along. It's possible to have same sex pairs who act like true pairs as well. If your hen has never been DNA tested or layed an egg then it would be advisable to get her DNA sexed if you plan on breeding or at least getting a partner of the opposite sex. Any eggs laid can easily be replaced with fake eggs or boiled.

It is possible to have a bonded pair without any reproduction. Some couples can be adamanent about the it, but most, if not given a proper setup and not encouraged in any way, usually don't try to reproduce. I know of a cockatiel pair that has been mating for going on two years now(?) and still no eggs, because the owner doesn't want to breed!



As for tapping, that could simply be a way to try and get your attention, or just a behavior. There are other conures or tap or bang their beak against things.

Thank you so much for your response. I had also received some wonderful PMs. I am going to let her hang out with us more at night. She was hiding in pillows and in my blanket and hair at night so I thought she was telling us it was her bedtime. As far as a friend I will wait a bit. She has her annual check-up coming and I will see how things come along then. I just want her to be a fufilled and happy bird. Thank you again for your knowledge Monica. It is so helpful and very much appreciated.

If you do decide to get another bird, it should be because you want one, not because you're worried about your current bird not being happy enough.
It sounds like she is doing well and living a normal, happy life.