FEATURE


eight years old and “extremely tame and social”. His owner wrote: “Now I feel he needs a woman in his life?”


F Right? No,


wrong. Why do owners of single parrots


suddenly decide that the bird needs a mate? It could be that it is showing signs of sexual maturity and guilt sets in because the bird is being “deprived”. Or perhaps it is becoming nippy and hard to handle. This is the human view. Now look at it from the bird’s viewpoint. This cherished “darling” lorikeet has been a companion for eight years, receiving the undivided attention of its adoring owner. Suddenly, another bird arrives -- a competitor for attention. There is no doubt at all that most companion parrots feel jealousy in this situation -- at least initially, if not permanently. The owner has encouraged the original


bird to bond with him or her, even to regard the human carer as a mate -- often to be preened and even to be the subject


Why do owners of single parrots suddenly decide that the bird needs a mate? It could be that it is showing signs of sexual maturity and guilt sets in because the bird is being “deprived”. Or perhaps it is becoming nippy and hard to handle. This is the human view.


BIRD SCENE 25


rom Sweden came this request: “Can you help me find a mate for my darling Massena’s Lorikeet?” He is


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