Bird Hormones Out of Control? Try These Proven Fixes

How Can I Tell If My Bird Is Hormonal?

Birds don’t come with a “hormone warning light,” but their behavior often tells the story. You may notice your normally sweet bird becoming territorial, extra cuddly, or even acting a little strange. Hormonal surges can cause all kinds of behaviors, some subtle and some impossible to ignore. Here’s what to watch for:

Common Hormonal Behaviors

• Nesting Behavior – If your bird starts shredding paper, scratching in cage corners, or carrying objects to their sleeping area, they may be instinctively preparing a nest.
  
  
• Panting – More common in females, especially cockatoos, panting can be a sign of hormonal changes, often occurring when the bird is excited or preparing to lay eggs.
  
  
• Regurgitation – If your bird starts bobbing their head and offering you food, they may see you as a mate. Some birds also regurgitate onto perches, toys, or their favorite person as part of courtship.
  
  
• Dancing or Courtship Displays – Some birds, like lorikeets, put on quite a show—eye pinning, head bobbing, wing flaring, stamping their feet, and even rhythmic hissing. Many parrot species have unique displays to attract a mate.
  
  
• Lowering Their Stance – If your male bird suddenly crouches low and rubs against a perch, toy, or even your hand, they may be displaying mating behaviors.
  
  
• Crouching and Presenting – Female birds may crouch low and brace themselves as if inviting a mate. Sometimes, they even direct this behavior toward their human caretakers.
  
  
• Increased Desire for Cuddling – Your bird may seek extra attention and physical contact. Keep in mind, **any** kind of petting—especially beyond the head and neck—can be interpreted as courtship and reinforce hormonal behavior.
  
  
• Vocalizations – Has your bird’s “singing” changed? Many species have unique courtship sounds. Even roosters crowing at sunrise are signaling their dominance and trying to attract mates.

Note: Every bird is different. Some may show just one or two of these behaviors, while others go into full-blown hormone mode. If your bird’s behavior is becoming excessive or disruptive, it may be time to take steps to manage their hormonal triggers.

You can learn more about that in this blog post:  5 Links Between Bird Hormones and Feather PluckingThat You Can Change Right Now.

Why You Should Avoid Encouraging Hormonal Behavior in Birds

For bird breeders, encouraging hormonal behavior is necessary to support successful mating and egg-laying. However, for pet birds, excessive hormones can lead to a range of unwanted behaviors and health risks. A hormonal bird may become territorial, overly attached to one person, or even display aggression toward other pets and family members. While cuddling and nesting behaviors may seem harmless at first, they can reinforce hormone-driven instincts, making your bird more prone to defensive or possessive behaviors.

One of the biggest concerns with unchecked hormonal behavior is aggression toward family members and cage mates. Birds experiencing heightened hormones may start guarding their cage, a favorite person, or even certain objects. This can lead to biting, lunging, and screaming—behaviors that are difficult to correct once they become ingrained. Many bird owners who unknowingly encourage hormonal behaviors find themselves dealing with an unpredictable pet that suddenly lashes out, creating stress for both the bird and the household.

Beyond behavioral issues, hormonal surges pose significant health risks, particularly for female birds. Frequent egg-laying can deplete calcium levels, increasing the risk of egg binding, prolapse, and life-threatening reproductive disorders. Some birds also develop hormonal plucking, pulling out their own feathers to prepare a nest. In birds with underlying health issues, increased reproductive organ size can put pressure on surrounding organs, leading to pain and further self-destructive behaviors. By taking steps to prevent excessive hormones, you help protect your bird’s long-term well-being and maintain a more balanced, stress-free relationship.

The key? Prevention. Before hormone season hits, fine-tune your bird’s environment, adjust their daily care, and set boundaries to discourage breeding triggers. Do it right, and hormone season stays short—so you get your sweet, affectionate bird back sooner.

Hormonal Behavior in 5 Popular Pet Bird Species 

Reducing Hormonal Behavior in Birds With Simple Changes

Managing hormone season starts with small, consistent changes in your bird’s daily routine. The right environment, diet, and interactions can make all the difference in keeping hormonal behavior under control. This table breaks down simple adjustments that help prevent hormone surges while avoiding common mistakes that can make things worse. Stick to these guidelines, and you’ll keep hormone season short, manageable, and drama-free!

4 Ways To Support Hormonal Birds

There are four main ways to manage chronic hormonal behaviors in both male and female birds:

1. Managing Hormones With Medication Therapy
   
   
2. Hysterectomy as an Option for Hormone Control in Birds
   
   
3. Training and Environmental Management
   
   
4. A Combination of Medications, Training & Environmental Management

1. Managing Hormones With Medication Therapy

Medication should not be the first step in managing hormonal behavior. Before pursuing medical intervention, environmental and behavioral changes should be made to reduce hormone stimulation.

Signs that Hormones Are Out of Control

Most birds experience hormonal changes seasonally. During this time, it’s normal for them to become more vocal, seek out nesting areas, shred materials, or show increased affection toward their favorite person or object.

However, some birds experience chronic hormonal behavior that doesn’t subside when the season changes. If your bird is stuck in a constant hormonal cycle, it can lead to significant health risks and behavioral issues.

Aggression – Lunging, biting, and territorial behaviors.

Chronic Egg-Laying – Frequent egg-laying that depletes calcium and increases the risk of egg binding.

Excessive Nesting Behavior – Guarding spaces, tearing up bedding, or obsessively burrowing.

Over-Attachment – Regurgitating food or obsessing over a person, toy, or object.

Self-Mutilation – Feather plucking or other stress-related behaviors.

When to Consider Hormone Medication

Hormone medication should not be the first approach. Before pursuing medical intervention, environmental and behavioral changes should be made to reduce hormone stimulation.

Scenarios Where Medication May Be Appropriate

• Chronic egg-laying that isn’t responding to environmental changes.
• Extreme aggression that makes handling unsafe.
• Severe stress behaviors, including feather plucking or self-mutilation.
• Unmanageable nesting behavior that disrupts the bird’s well-being.

Understanding 2 Common Hormone Medications for Birds

1. Lupron for Birds (Leuprolide Acetate)

• GnRH agonist that temporarily blocks reproductive hormones.
• Administered by a vet as an injection, typically lasting 2-4 weeks per dose.
• Best for short-term relief of hormone-driven behaviors.
• Pros: Quick-acting, effective at reducing hormonal behaviors.
• Cons: Temporary effect, requires frequent vet visits, and can be costly.

2. Deslorelin Implants

• Slow-release implant placed under the skin.
• May last 3-6 months.
• Often used for birds with chronic reproductive issues.
• Pros: Longer-lasting, reduces the need for frequent vet visits.
• Cons: More expensive upfront, requires a minor procedure.

2. Hysterectomy

In extreme cases where hormonal behaviors cause serious health risks, a veterinarian may recommend a hysterectomy, also known as salpingohysterectomy. This surgical procedure removes the oviduct and sometimes the uterus, preventing egg production and reducing hormone-driven behaviors. While it is a permanent solution, it is considered a major surgery and is only recommended when other hormone management methods have failed.

Hysterectomy may be necessary for female birds suffering from chronic egg-laying, egg binding, or reproductive infections that don’t respond to medical treatment. These conditions can be life-threatening, depleting calcium levels, causing internal damage, and leading to dangerous complications like prolapse. By removing the reproductive organs, the risk of these issues is significantly reduced, improving the bird’s long-term health and quality of life.

Since a hysterectomy is an invasive procedure, it requires careful pre-surgical evaluation and post-operative care. Birds need a skilled avian veterinarian to perform the surgery, along with proper pain management and recovery support. While it may sound extreme, in cases where reproductive disorders threaten a bird’s health, a hysterectomy can be a life-saving option.

3. Training & Environmental Management

Training on cue is all about setting your bird up for success using positive reinforcement. It means teaching them to respond to a specific command with a predictable action—just like a dog learns to sit or stay. The best part? It’s all about rewards. Birds learn through encouragement, so when they associate a cue with praise, a favorite treat, or a fun game, they’ll want to repeat the behavior.

When hormones are running high, asking your bird to "step up" isn’t always the best move. If they’re feeling territorial or overstimulated, reaching for them could result in a nasty bite. Instead, focus on behaviors that channel their "energy" in a positive way and avoid those that might trigger defensiveness or reinforce hormonal behaviors.

• Spin or Turn Around – This keeps them moving and thinking without physical contact.
• Fly to Perch – A great way to get them to change locations and burn off excess energy.
• Target Training – Redirects focus onto a known object, giving them something to engage with.
• Foraging Activities – Encourages natural problem-solving while keeping their mind busy.

Teach these behaviors before your bird becomes hormonal. Then, when your bird is strutting its stuff with hormonal behaviors, simply redirect them with a cue and offer a generous reward.

Training on cue isn’t just about preventing problems—it also strengthens your bond and builds trust without you giving your bird the wrong idea. Birds love learning new things, and when training feels like a fun, rewarding game, they’ll be more engaged and responsive. The more cues your bird knows, the easier it is to keep them focused, happy, and mentally stimulated—even during hormonal seasons. With regular practice, training becomes second nature, making life easier for both you and your feathered friend.

4. A Combination of Medication, Training, & Environmental Management

Managing hormonal behavior in birds often requires a multi-layered approach. While medication like Lupron or Deslorelin may help reduce hormone-driven behaviors in extreme cases, it should always be paired with training and environmental management for long-term success. A bird that is still exposed to hormonal triggers—like excessive petting, nesting materials, or long daylight hours—will continue to struggle even with medical intervention. By combining all three strategies, you create a well-rounded plan that supports your bird’s physical and emotional well-being.

Training is especially powerful when used alongside medication because it takes advantage of calmer periods to reinforce positive behaviors. If a bird’s hormones are temporarily reduced, that’s the perfect time to strengthen cues like “fly to perch,” “target,” or “spin” so they become second nature. When hormone levels naturally rise again, these trained behaviors provide a reliable way to redirect excess energy without triggering frustration or aggression. Avoiding direct physical contact—like stepping up—during hormonal episodes and instead relying on movement-based commands keeps interactions positive and safe.

Environmental management ties everything together by reducing hormone triggers in daily life. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule, limiting access to dark, enclosed spaces, and offering plenty of foraging activities ensures your bird has healthy outlets for their instincts. When all three approaches—medication, training, and environment—are used together, birds have the best chance of breaking out of chronic hormonal cycles and staying happy, engaged, and well-adjusted.

Preventing Hormonal Behavior in Birds at Home Without Drugs

Infographic by Diane Burroughs, 2020

In conclusion, ask yourself, “ would I be willing to make a few changes for the health of my bird? To help my chronically hormonal bird experience normal hormone cycles?

If your bird is experiencing chronic hormonal symptoms, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons between the following options:

• Letting your bird continue to experience these debilitating symptoms
  
  
• Using medications that may or may not work
  
  
• Having a  surgical hysterectomy, if it’s female
  
  
• Making changes in your parrot care routines. 

No statements on this site have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). My products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. BirdSupplies.com, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the improper use of and self-diagnosis and/or treatment using these products.

Related Posts:

How To Tell If Your Bird Is Hormonal

What Causes Hormonal Behavior In Bird's?

How Do Hormonal Bird's Present When Examined

Getting Ready For Parrot Hormone Season

Why Is My Bird Hiding Under Furniture

8 Foods That Increase Hormones In Birds

8 Foods To Feed A Bird To Balance Hormones

References:

Mans, C., & Pilny, A. (2013). Use of GnRH-agonists for medical management of reproductive disorders in birds. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 16(2), 293–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2013.03.004

Millam,JR,  Roudybush, TE, Grasu, CR: Influence of environmental manipulation and nest box access on reproductive activity in captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Zoo Biol 7:25-34, 1988

Millam, JR, Finney, HL.: Leuprolide acetate reversibly prevents egg laying in cockatiels  (Nymphicus hollandicus). Zoo Biol 13:149-155, 1994

Mitchell, MA. Leuprolide Acetate. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, Vol 14, No 2 (April), 2005; pp 153-155.

Vincent, M. (2023, September 15). How to control bird hormones. Bird Vet Melbourne. https://worksforbirds.com.au/how-to-control-bird-hormones/

Diane Burroughs, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist trained in ABA therapy techniques. She specializes in avian anxiety disorders and is certified in Nutrition For Mental Health. Diane has written a number of bird behavior books and she offers behavior consultations. She's developed a range of UnRuffledRx Science-backed Parrot Wellness Supplies.

Diane's products have been featured in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and at Exoticscon, a conference for exotic pet veterinarians. Her bird collars & supplements are stocked in avian vet clinics and bird stores throughout the US. With over 30 years in the field of behavior, Diane has created thousands of successful individualized behavior plans that help pets thrive.

TAGS: #BirdHormonalBehavior #BirdHormonalSeason #LupronForBirds

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