Had what may be a bit of an epiphany about my cockatiel, Terabit, today. I've wondered for quite a while why he goes through periods when he comes out of his cage and other periods when he does not. He may go a week or two where he will not come out and other periods when he is out of his cage as soon as opened before I even get his food and water bowls refreshed.
I'm betting dollars to donuts this behavior is caused by lunar cycles. Hey, why not? While not scientifically proven it is strongly believed that a cockatiel's molting is controlled by hormonal changes caused by lunar cycles. Keep in mind that lunar cycles are not the same as phases of the moon. Actually, if my understanding is correct, these lunar cycles are why high and low tides are not consistent throughout the year but are higher and lower during different periods. I'm going to have to start keeping track of his coming out and staying in if I remember. This behavior is not a day by day thing. Each stage can be weeks in length.
While I looking at things related to the affects of lunar cycles on animals which, as to many species, is pretty much proven I found something that does not relate to lunar cycles but to moon phases. Believe it or not it seems that an oyster will close up and not open during a full moon.
It is really interesting how much affect the moon has on our home planet. The moon and Earth make sort of a gyroscope which stabilizes the Earth's axis. Yes, the Earth's axis does shift but without the moon these shifts would be frequent enough to prevent stable climates.
Sigh, once again I'm going off in tangents which, of course, I never do...
I'll leave what I already typed but stop or this post could end up taking pages...
