This blog covers the following topics:
- The relationship between birds and hormonal balance
- Hormone-driven behaviors in birds
- How to manage hormonally influenced behavior: five practical tips
3-1. Increase opportunities for play and enrichment
3-2. Provide appropriate nutrition
3-3. Reduce light exposure
3-4. Prevent nesting behavior
3-5. Handle birds correctly - Understanding hormonal behavior and adopting the right mindset
- Thoughts from the Pego staff and additional notes
Birds may exhibit behavioral issues such as screaming, biting, feather plucking, nest-building, and regurgitation as a result of hormonal changes, particularly during breeding condition. When these behaviors appear, the first step should always be a veterinary check to rule out underlying health problems. If no medical issues are found, we recommend trying the five tips outlined above to help reduce hormonally driven behaviors.
Providing training sessions and chewable toys can help birds release excess energy. Limiting foods that may stimulate breeding behavior, such as certain pellets and soy products, and transitioning to a vegetable-focused, nutrient-rich diet may also help ease the effects of hormonal fluctuations.
For birds struggling with hormonal behaviors, foods such as wheat germ, garbanzo beans, and leafy greens are often recommended. In addition, prolonged exposure to light can disrupt hormonal balance, so managing both natural and artificial light and ensuring a quiet, dark resting environment is essential. Nesting behaviors can further stimulate hormones, so removing items that resemble nests, such as bird tents, and regularly changing the cage environment can be effective preventive measures.
During a bird’s hormonal or breeding period, it is important to limit physical contact such as petting or cuddling. In parrots especially, touching areas other than the head, neck, or feet can act as sexual stimulation and may trigger increased hormone production. To maintain a healthy and appropriate relationship with your bird, it is essential to find ways to interact without excessive touching. If physical contact is unavoidable, it should be limited strictly to the head, neck, or feet.
Hormonal behavior is a natural, instinctive response and is usually temporary. With time, it will often subside on its own. Remaining calm and responding consistently is far more effective than reacting hastily or emotionally.
Because hormonal management varies by species, anyone who wishes to address these issues seriously should consult a qualified bird trainer who can provide guidance tailored to the specific species involved.
For those struggling with hormonal behaviors, a product called Hormone Homeostasis is often recommended as part of a hormonal management approach. It is designed to help support balanced hormone regulation and is commonly used for birds experiencing breeding-related behaviors. It can be sprinkled onto daily food such as pellets, seeds, or vegetables, prepared as an herbal tea, or even diluted for use as a mist during bathing. This product can be given daily in a variety of ways.
Because it is not a medication, one of its advantages is that it places less strain on the bird’s body. If you are dealing with persistent hormonal behaviors, it may be worth trying as part of a broader management plan.
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