Unsure of this...

[jeansieluvszazoo]

Hi everyone,

I have a question for any who can answer.

My 2 year old female has been displaying some odd behaviors recently. I have only had her for about a month now, and for the past 2 weeks when I am holding her and talking to her, she will put her head back, lift her bum up and will lift her wings up. She also makes a little clicking sound and her pupils go so small.
I am posting this in breeding, because I have a gut feeling that this may be a sign of mating?
Like I said, I am unsure of this.
Is this a sign of her being mature and wanting to mate? If so, what can I do to not encourage the behavior? I have read about reducing touching her head and body but are there any other suggestions?

Thanks all!!

[ellieelectrons]

Hi.

This is normal behaviour for IRNs when they want you to pat them.

I've heard different opinions on whether it is sexual or not.

Personally, I try to pat Janey just on the head and halfway down the body.... as I don't want her to be sexually confused.... but I really don't know whether that makes a difference.

We ended up getting her an IRN buddy who she now regurgitates too.... but she still seems to like pats from us.

Maybe someone else can shed light on the subject?

Ellie.

[SCB -SA]

It can be both a sexual as well as affectionate thing, i had a female who did that whenever i waved my finger at her, no matter what time of the year (breeding season or not). and who adored being scratched, behind her head while she clicked away for me and clucked and pinned her eyes.

[dog_glenn123]

Hi there,

All my hens do that exact action when they are preparing for the male to climb on.

Head goes back, tail goes up, and the mid drift down,
The wings go out a bit to help balance, then the male climbs on.
Also through out this there eyes pin in and out.

I dont keep handraised birds but i emagine they would do the same to who ever they are bonded to.
If it was a male i would expect him to dance at you.

Thanks Glenn

It just my thought that its mating related.

[SCB -SA]

It is mating related, but not always sexual as some people think. If it was purely sexual, it would only be done in breeding season, as the female would then be imagining as you are her mate, and are going to mate her, but they do it all year round, as an affection thing?

[jeansieluvszazoo]

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

Zazoo will do this when I am not even touching her, just when she is on my finger or shoulder and I am talking to her.

I do however, touch her head and back... Could this be sending the wrong message to her?
Should I only be touching her head, if that?

Also, when is breeding season?

Thanks again everyone much appreciated!