Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When her and CJ were mating she would look at me wanting me to pick her up. I left her alone cause they were mating. She has laid 3 eggs been setting on the eggs faithfully. So has daddy also when she comes out to eat.
Today I had the cage door open and wasn't paying much attention. When the door is open it comes within 4 or 5 inches of my shoulder. I looked up and she was sitting on a cup staring me in the face. She was chattering away at me. You could tell she wanted to come to me. I started talking to her and told her she needed to go see about her babies. I let her step up on my finger and put her back in the cage. Then here she came again but I didn't pick her up for fear that she would abandon her eggs.
Before they started mating she would alway sit on my shoulder snuggled up next to my ear every night. I am afraid of her leaving her nest. She will pace back and forth in her cage and CJ comes out and sits on top of the cage. Should I keep the door closed or what is your advice.
Limpy

I haven't really heard much about this kind of behavior. Most breeders I know of have breeder birds that aren't very affectionate. Their birds might "tolerate" handling but do not seem to enjoy it and would much rather be left alone. Most of the tamer birds are not used as breeders so there is no fear of abandoning the nest etc.

I would suggest maybe taking a few minutes a day to spend with her and then leave her alone as much as possible. In this way she will still get your attention, should not be fretting over the loss of attention but should still spend time with her eggs.

I am in no way an expert on that type of behavior though and would hope some others that have been through this particular experience can offer suggestions.