Post by heatherg on Apr 19, 2023 14:08:35 GMT -5
I’ve read on bird forums that it’s not good to kiss your parrot; that you will expose him to people germs that are not native bird flora. I don’t see how this can be true. I often give my bird a closed lips kiss on the beak or cheek or top of head; a PECK, if you will. Birds encounter foreign germs all the time; I can’t see how a little smooch on top of the head is any more germy than a scritch from my fingers. A healthy bird should have enough of an avian micro flora that stray mammal bacteria will not take hold.
I agree that it’s not good to let your bird clean your teeth or eat food out of your mouth. Tartar has loads of germs even though parrots are often fascinated with teeth. But is a peck on the head or side of the beak a big deal, as far as behavior problems or being confusing? My Willow (and certainly Lucy) seems to enjoy comically loud smacks on the head. He’s a boy, so there’s no worry of a misunderstanding and egg laying; but Willow also does not seem to be courting me or having any “sexy” behavior issues.
Birds preen with their faces all the time. Is there really any problem with a smooch from mom or dad? My birds actually make kissy noises at me as I walk past their cages or get a drink at night. It makes me feel good; Willow doesn’t talk much in human words, but a blown kiss still shows love. And if it’s his ultimate “happy sound” I think it’s a compliment.
Is this a problem or is it not? Or is it just something to take case by case, like when Jasper starts to get clucky and romantic and over excited, and bites because she’s too wound up. THAT seems to be when you should not cuddle or kiss your bird.
I agree that it’s not good to let your bird clean your teeth or eat food out of your mouth. Tartar has loads of germs even though parrots are often fascinated with teeth. But is a peck on the head or side of the beak a big deal, as far as behavior problems or being confusing? My Willow (and certainly Lucy) seems to enjoy comically loud smacks on the head. He’s a boy, so there’s no worry of a misunderstanding and egg laying; but Willow also does not seem to be courting me or having any “sexy” behavior issues.
Birds preen with their faces all the time. Is there really any problem with a smooch from mom or dad? My birds actually make kissy noises at me as I walk past their cages or get a drink at night. It makes me feel good; Willow doesn’t talk much in human words, but a blown kiss still shows love. And if it’s his ultimate “happy sound” I think it’s a compliment.
Is this a problem or is it not? Or is it just something to take case by case, like when Jasper starts to get clucky and romantic and over excited, and bites because she’s too wound up. THAT seems to be when you should not cuddle or kiss your bird.
