mother birds regurgitate swallowed food and the baby grabs the beak and jerks on it and takes in the regurgitated food. Humans buy baby bird formula and feed it with a dropper or bent spoon. The baby will take it in its beak and tug and the food spills into its mouth and it swallows it right down into its crop. I have hand fed three birds, I have two of them still, for years now. Both were talking before they were fully feathered and eating real food. when an adult bird really really loves you he will regurgitate food on you to show he cares. they will also masturbate when you come into the room sometimes, and if you handfeed them they are so bonded to you its incredible. Then their first spring as an adult, they may decide your husband, whom they have never even looked at before, is their new mate for the year and attack you and try to peck your eyes out when you try and handle them. birds are really complicated and messy and loud. you shouldnt think of getting one unless you are willing to make a huge committment.
in the youtube video of my amazon talking, the whole time, in the background you see my african grey doing a weird fluffed up head nodding display. Thats his baby display he used to tell me he was hungry. now as an older adult he still does that to me to tell me he wants or needs something, food, water, attention etc. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
