Conure is trying to get frisky with me...

[Kirsten]

I've recently noticed some behaviors that may be sexual. At first, I was confused and had no idea what he was doing until my mom pointed it out one day. It all started with this thing he would do while he's on my finger. He'd start spreading his legs and acting all off-balance. I thought he needed to poop at first, but he wouldn't get off my finger if I offered him the perch, so that was out. Then he started sitting halfway in my shirt and rubbing his bottom on my collar and grunting. That was when I realized he was using my shirt to stimulate himself. I also realized that he was trying to rub himself on my finger before.

I'm not really sure how to handle this. Skittles ( ) has actually become much less bitey and better with new people in the last few weeks, which is when this whole thing started. I don't encourage this behavior, but I don't discourage it either.

How should I handle this? I know it isn't a good thing for a bird to think you're it's mate.

[Andromeda]

Your bird is hormonal. It'll pass in anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In the meantime you do need to discourage the behavior but obviously you don't want to punish the bird for a natural instinct.

When/if it starts happening, don't allow it to continue. Move the bird to another location but make sure it's not somewhere the bird will consider "punishment."

For example, if the bird is on your finger and starts rubbing himself, don't scold him. Silently and calmly place him on a perch or a stand. Leave him alone for a little while.

Another option is to teach him "desirable" behavior and when he starts trying to mate with you, redirect his behavior to that. For example, teach him to wave or turn in a circle, and cue these behaviors when he starts getting hormonal.

Try to take note of behaviors that might indicate the intent to mate. For example, some birds have a specific mating dance (I'm not sure if conures do; my GCC does not).

Don't pet the bird on its back, tail, etc. Only pet it on the head. A pet on the back or tail could be perceived as sexual by the bird.

Try not to allow the bird to play in dark, enclosed areas (this includes clothing) because that further encourages mating and nesting behavior.

[Kirsten]

Sorry for taking so long to respond!

Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to put him back on his perch or cage if he starts up again.