Does she see me as her mate?

[Eurycerus]

I've often wished the same that they could tell me about their pasts.

I know that if I had to give up any animal, especially a parrot, the new owner would get a novel of information about her habits, likes, dislikes, behavior, etc. They'd probably be overwhelmed but if they are worth anything at all they'd be happy! I would've liked it if the lady did that for me. Instead we started all over from square one basically, a new life entirely different in cage type and size, personality of owner, schedule, food servings, lifestyle, she's growing out her wings, etc.

The only info I got was "She eats coarse Harrison's pellets" and no I didn't even get one servings worth. When pressed further I was informed she likes carrots and pears but it sounds like they weren't a part of her normal diet, and banana chips are her fav treat. Helpful yes and she wasn't even a bad bird owner buut way to not be helpful when you're handing a living being over to me.

Tico who I had to take off the parent 'tiels in order to save her life at a place I volunteered at.

Were the parents not taking good care of their baby?

[GreenWing]

Thanks to all of you for responding. It's a good thought whether Tiki sees me as her mommy or as her mate. She hatched last January so she is 7 months old -- a baby still. She was hand fed and is very socialized with people. Her eyes aren't yellow yet, more of a light grey. I'm dreading her "teen" years (i.e. sexual maturity)

I don't have any children of my own, so I do baby Tiki. I need to be careful to not respond to her screeches. I've made this mistake...

I have another question: Do birds know our gender?

[marie83]

I've often wished the same that they could tell me about their pasts.

Tico who I had to take off the parent 'tiels in order to save her life at a place I volunteered at.

Were the parents not taking good care of their baby?

They were up until she came out the next box but for some reason they decided to stop feeding her although they were looking after the others. I watched them with her for some time til I was 100% sure before deciding to take her, I would much rather have left her with them but then they started showing agression towards her so that made up my mind.

I have another question: Do birds know our gender?

I believe they do know, definitely from the look of a person or their mannerisms, its also possible they can detect the scent of our pheromones although I doubt they would smell the same as theirs, who knows? I don't think it really matters with regards to bonding if you are the opposite sex to the bird though, I think its more to do with upbringing (has a male or female reared the bird? Has it had a bas experience with a particular gender etc) and how you are with the bird- the subtle differences we can't detect.
I've known birds who have appeared to hate a particular sex for most of their lives but then will make an exception on a certain person of the ''hated'' sex. I don't know of any official research to back any of that, its just my thoughts on the matter from stories I've heard. I don't really know from personal experience either sice I don't know the background of the majority of my birds.

[terri]

I know you love your little bird [I love mine too].But since shes the only bird and is out alot,gets tons of attention ]Shes going to become a monster She needs structure [like set times out] and build her confidence so you can leave the room.If shes making noise when you leave respond back to her[dont ignore her]shes doing a contact call to her flock,your her flock.Maybe say her name and say good girl.Giving them full rain on things can give them big heads without learning the rules first

[GreenWing]

Thanks, Marie... I've wondered if they "can" sense out gender, but I think it doesn't matter. If a parrot 'chooses' you, they choose you!

I know you love your little bird [I love mine too].But since shes the only bird and is out alot,gets tons of attention ]Shes going to become a monster She needs structure [like set times out] and build her confidence so you can leave the room.If shes making noise when you leave respond back to her[dont ignore her]shes doing a contact call to her flock,your her flock.Maybe say her name and say good girl.Giving them full rain on things can give them big heads without learning the rules first

Thank you... yes, I need to let limits with Tiki, I don't want a monster. I've been taking your advice to build confidence in her. I've been asking my spouse if we can get another bird (I'd like an African Grey) so there's a balance... we'll see what happens