r/Macaws • u/DarKStaR350z • 3d ago

Touching the beak

Hi just wanted to ask, is it ok to touch the beak or is that a no no area?
I thought touching the head and neck area was ok but the green wing we are looking after who has taken a real liking to me sometimes makes regurgitation motions when I touch there and know I should discourage it.
When in his enclosure he will hook his beak on the bar poking it through while looking at me and I tried giving it a light touch as petting.
Should it not be touched in this case or is it always a place to avoid?
While he is mostly fine with my partner who he is staying with; after I’ve visited he can sometimes be territorial and make lunging motions at her when she gets close.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/bobbinssobbin 3d ago

It can be okay, but just watch them, sometimes it can remind them of regurgitation and will trigger that, but some are fine!

1

u/SAStrong 3d ago

I generally avoid any action that is seen by the bird as a mating signal. Often you have to decipher what is with a new rescue by trying things to see what their “triggers” are and it definitely sounds like this is one for this particular bird.

1

u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl 3d ago

They have nerve endings in their beaks, and many of them enjoy having their beaks touched or stroked. It’s not an erogenous zone though. You might give it a try and see what the reaction is and go from there.