When did you bond and What is your contact call?

[galeriagila]

I have only the one bird... we bonded 32 years ago when I bought him from a bird store out West. It was almost instant: he was a sweet, needy little 3 month old chick, and I was smitten.

Call? He has a knack for names, and over the years has learned that when he imitates my ol' man's Southern-accented "GAYULLLLLLLLL" (Gail) call, I reward that with "Yes, my love!"
If he's in his room upstairs, he'll call erratically and I answer. If he's out on a playstand or on his cage, and he wants to be on my shoulder, he'll scream it nonstop until I give him his way... just like this! Just click to watch Him Who Will Not Be Denied.

[liz]

Mostly the contact call between Rambo and Myrtle are in parrot language but they also yell hello to get the other's attention. They call me with hello or by my name. Rambo calls me Momma but Myrtle calls me Ma.
When Rambo calls it is usually by name. It is so funny to listen to Rambo call my Aunt Betty. He will yell "Betty" then she would tell him she did not want to talk to him. This goes on for a while before he yells "AUNT BETTY" and she gives up and answers him.

[galeriagila]

Dear Aunt Betty. God love those who put up with our birdzszszszssz...

[Vmax3000]

Okay, my ignorance is showing. Now I am wondering if either of my birds "call" or are "bonded". Gus likes to "pick nits", as my husband calls it, when Gus preens either of us. Max will just snuggle up under my hair and do some detangling. What a cool thread!

[galeriagila]

Awwwwwwwwwwww, sounds like binding to me, VMax!

The Rickeybird likes to snuggle under my hair at the back of my neck (must remind of the burrows in Patagonia) and have sex with himself... I can't bring myself to say he has sex with ME.

That was too much information, wasn't it?

[Pajarita]

They are bonded, Vanessa. Gus is preening you and Max is cuddling, both behaviors indicate bonding.

And, Gail, it's VERY common for birds that only have had humans in their lives to masturbate on them. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it (what is the poor bird supposed to do instead?!)

[seagoatdeb]

Awwwwwwwwwwww, sounds like binding to me, VMax!

The Rickeybird likes to snuggle under my hair at the back of my neck (must remind of the burrows in Patagonia) and have sex with himself... I can't bring myself to say he has sex with ME.

That was too much information, wasn't it?

lol...nope it wasnt too much information....just shows hes healthy.....lol

[galeriagila]

Well, then, I'll wear my bird's affections proudly. I forget we're all PARROT PEOPLE here!!!!!
The few 'regular' folks I've told were mortified!
Okay, then, here's more... I always know when he's feeling sexy because he does his little hop/walk/hop/walk back-and-forth and beak clicking display. I think it's precious. Then he flaps/climbs his way to our little "boudoir" and has his way with me.

I love you, Parrot People!