Thank you for the additional information.

Yes, this time of year, tropical birds that live in our hemisphere start to deal with rising hormones. It starts in January and ends in March or so. We get calls and emails constantly asking for help.

Females may build a nest and lay eggs which is unhealthy for them as it wastes the calcium in their bodies on the infertile eggs and if they lay over and over it can be bad for their health. Males, don’t suffer from the calcium issue but can become cranky and lash out.

It is best to give them their space and keep your fingers and hands down and away. Use a perch to move them around and avoid letting them near your face during this period.

I ask about the wing clipping as if the bird flies at you, you may need to clip him for your own safety. The clipped feathers will molt out and he will be able to fly again, but he will be grounded some while his mood is poor.

Lighting really does help. How old are your bulbs? If over a year old they may need to be replaced as the quality of light diminishes over time even f they still light up. A light over his play area is also good.

Are your bird lights close to the top of the cage, within 12 inches or so from the bird? If not, lower them. Are they on a timer so they go on every 12 hours, and then off for 12?

You say you have a play top? Is the top tray in place at the top of the cage? if so, take it out and leave it out.

The other pets are good as they are entertainment for him. Greys are smart and need stimulation.

Is he on a schedule? Meaning, does his light go on at the same time daily? His breakfast served at the same time? Treat time? Playtime, Shower time, etc?

Birds can’t tell what day of the week it is but they can tell time without a clock and when they get used to a routine they look forward to it.

Having certain events happen at set times helps the bird relax and not stress over when will she come see me. When will I get a treat? Etc.

Our bird’s bedtime is 7:30 nightly (timer, lights go out) At 7 pm, they all get corraled into their cages and are given a treat. So at 7 pm, they start calling out reminders to us in case we have forgotten.

It is quite charming when after all 4 cages are closed up and they have a special treat (Nutriberries or a bit of spray millet) they are all quiet and happy as they munch and settle in for the night.

There is more involved that Mitch will likely be chiming in on to you about how African Greys choose their mates. So you should hear from him as well.

You are obviously his mate and not just a flock companion. Do you hold him closely, stroke him below the neck? If so, stop that and only pet him from the neck up. Birds do not touch other bird’s bodies below the neck unless they are preparing to mate. But they do lots of head-preening without sexual overtones.

One other thing, birds have a thick layer of feathers. If a bird is jealous of its mate, thinking that someone else is holding its mate’s attention, the bird may lash out or bite at their mate to scold them away from the other, but it doesn’t hurt them with the cover of feathers.

If the bird lashes out at a human, our skin is exposed to the sharp beak and can suffer from it. So keep your skin away during this time. 2-3 months and it should ease up.

Tiki’s bedtime is 7:00 PM and his lights go on and blinds opened at 7:00 AM.  At 6:50 PM Tiki starts saying ‘time for beeeed’, so he knows the routine. I don’t lock him in the cage at night, but it might be a good idea to give him a treat and put him to bed in his cage. 

Dear Shelly