Silly question...

[Jally]

Hi. We have an almost 5 month old lovebird and everything is going OK. But I have one question and it seems a little silly...sometimes hubby has a small bowl of ice cream in the evening and Peanut, our lovie comes over and nibbles at it on his lips. I know dairy is not good for birds so hubby doesn't let him do it everytime. What I want to know, if is this considered regurtitation (sp?) and if it is, is it a healthy thing for hubby to be doing with our bird?

[linda040899]

Birds show affection for each other by regurgitating, bringing up food to feed the one they like. Based on that definition, no, this is not considered regurgitation. Your lovie is simply tasting what's there on DH's lips.

This is a practice that should not be allowed, as it can make your lovebird sick. Bacteria from the human mouth is different than what birds have in their bodies so anything that's touched our lips, mouth, eating utensils or even food, should not be given to our avian companions.

Silly question? Not at all! The only silly question is the one you should have asked but didn't! :)

[bellarains]

Nope,

Not silly at all, and one that many will learn from, that's what it's all about:)

My birds also like to "share" what you are eating. I've found that if I keep something they can eat, along with what I'm eating, they "think" they are sharing my meal. A little deceitful I know, but hey, it works;)

[Jally]

Thank you! We will stop this asap and redirect with a treat that is safe for him in a bowl all of his own. Getting him to eat healthy food that is in his bowl has been a challenge though. he'd rather eat off of our plates...can we say spoiled? :)

[Kirby]

Does he show an constant interest on whatever enters your mouths?

heh heh heh If so you could probably use that to your advantage and start eating veggies to make him try some as well :p

[Jally]

Yes he does have an interest with what goes into our mouths. He is also curious with what is on our plates, enough to taste what is on them. Today he sampled some of my cream chicken from lunch, but must not have liked it because he didn't go back for seconds and he kpet shaking his head as if to say, "Yuck!" LOL

[Kirby]

LOL I think we'll keep that on the Down-Low he was eating cooked close relatives ;)

Chicken is actually not bad for them once in a while as it has a great source of protien. I thought it was inhumane when I heard that Chris' (my boyfriend) sister told me that a woman came to the deli where she is in charge, and wanted to order some chicken nuggets for her Macaws! That blew me away that someone would feed their birds that, but after a few phone calls to my vet, he started laughing and said that cooked chicken is a great source of protien once in a while. *whew*

Just be careful on what your lovie samples. I had both mine get into my brown rice and peas and it turns out, Chris had put friend onions in it too. So I was worried that they would get sick from this! (they were perfectly fine after that lol)