Sharing food....

[zeeky]

Hi Everyone,
Have just joined...been lurking for a while though. I have a 6 month old cinnamon pearl cockatiel. Ever since we have had him when I am eating food he will come up to my mouth and try and eat it out of my mouth. I think this is very cute...but should I let him do it? Have others experienced the same thing?
Look forward to your replies,
Susan

[AcaciaWattle]

All my hand raised birds do that and even the cockatiel we were babysitting wanted the food that you were preparing out of the bowl/pot. They see you eat it and want it too. This is a great way to get your fussy eater to eat their fruit and vegies but remember that the human mouth is full of bad bacteria so If you share make sure it's not from where your eating or have a little bit put aside just for them. I like to pretend to eat food to get them interested. Shane use to put the stem of the gravellia flower in his mouth so the lorikeet would eat the nectar from the flower, he wouldn't touch it otherwise. Now he eats them in his cage. Also watch what the food is cause some foods are bad for birdies.
Amanda

[lovemytiels]

Hi Zeeky, yes some of my birds try to steal the food from my mouth too LOl. It is just natural for them to want what you are having. But Amanda has hit it on the head though. As long as the food you are having hasn't actually gone into your mouth, then it shouldn't be a problem. Some people will agree others will be horrified but it does happen & if you take the right precautions, it is a great way to introduce new fruit & veggies for fussy eaters, especially tiels. But also remember too that birds can transfer diseases to us humans as well. Cheers Anna

[zeeky]

Thanks for your responses. I thought that was the case about letting them eat out of your mouth but sometimes they are determined to get at what ever is in your mouth even if your offering the same thing to them...lol