[dodo]

Our 4 month + old male Cocktiel (DNA says he's a male) has started to act rather strange. Out of the blue he will half squat down, partially spread his wings, and make a little clicking sound while walking. Sometimes he makes a little whistle. I tried to get a photo of the postiion but it reminds me more of a mating posture and a call to the 'girls". Now I am sure of his age, as I got him as a unweaned baby and almost killed him with kindness (over fed). He does this in his cage, on the table, anywhere but not all the time. And no one in particular is around. I can't put a particular time or place to the action.This action usually lasts 5-7 minutes, then he stops, goes back to normal chatter or singing or ratting around.

Any idea as to what is happening? He seems so very young to be calling the 'girls" He's healthy and of decent weight, so Idon't think it's a medical issue?

Thanks for ideas
Do

[Katie28]

Cockatiels become sexually mature at a very young age. Some can start breeding when they are only 6-8 months. I am not sure if your tiel is "calling the girls" or not, but maybe someone else will be able to help you out.

[Carrie~Anne]

This isn't unusual at all. Might seem young, but I've had male/female chicks try to mount one another around 3 months of age.

One of the things I miss the most about my Cockatiels was the males and their strut. The way they hold their wings out looks like a heart from behind. It's just beautiful That's why they call that certain position "heart wings".

[LuvMyHarley1]

This isn't unusual at all. Might seem young, but I've had male/female chicks try to mount one another around 3 months of age.

One of the things I miss the most about my Cockatiels was the males and their strut. The way they hold their wings out looks like a heart from behind. It's just beautiful That's why they call that certain position "heart wings".

Now I would love to see the "heart wings" position...I bet it is beautiful....I've also been reading about cockatiels in the Bird Talk magazine; in fact, I'm just getting into it....they are sooo cute....

[dodo]

I agree, the stance or dance is lovely, and the soft little clucks, he stops and listens and the quaker answers (another DNA male ). It doesn't last long, just a few minutes at best. I tried to get a picture this morning, but as soon as he hears the camera it turns him off . So he stops and goes upon his way. His wings are usually much farther out and low to the ground.
He just seemed so young as he was a baby just a short time ago, doing the 'baby dance', but then I'm his mother so he'll always be my baby.

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[msdani1981]

Wow, he's absolutely gorgeous!