Every spring, many previously sweet, cuddly parrots transform into aggressive, territorial, screaming birds that bite their owners and regurgitate on everything. This hormonal season is challenging but manageable with understanding and proper husbandry.

Signs of Hormonal Behavior

Common signs include increased aggression and biting, regurgitation on people or objects, paper shredding, seeking dark enclosed spaces, excessive screaming, territorial behavior around the cage, and in females, egg laying. The bird may become possessive of one family member while attacking others.

Seasonal Triggers

In wild parrots, breeding season is triggered by increasing day length and abundant food. Indoor birds receive these same triggers through artificial lighting and unlimited food availability. Central heating and consistent indoor temperatures also remove natural seasonal cues that would normally limit breeding behavior.

Light Management

Maintaining 10 to 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness is the single most effective hormonal management strategy. Cover the cage at a consistent time each evening and uncover at a consistent morning time. Avoid exposing your bird to artificial light during their dark period.

Touch Boundaries

During hormonal season, limit physical contact to head scratches only. Stroking the back, under wings, or along the body stimulates mating behavior and worsens hormonal aggression. This is true even outside of hormonal season, as these touches consistently send reproductive signals.

Environmental Management

Remove potential nesting sites including boxes, tents, happy huts, and dark enclosed spaces. Limit access to paper and shredding materials. Do not provide bedding in the cage. Discourage regurgitation by gently redirecting the bird’s attention when it begins.

Diet During Hormonal Season

Reduce warm, soft foods that signal breeding-season abundance. Increase fiber and reduce fat content. Avoid feeding excessive amounts of fruit or warm foods. Some avian veterinarians recommend slightly reducing overall food quantity during peak hormonal periods to remove the abundance signal.