Lineolated Parakeet (Linnie) Information

Lineolated Parakeets and ‘Electric Hugs”

by Shandi (skthurley)

Flockof5 & her linnie, Indie, giving an electric hug on her nose

Lineolated Parakeets are unique little birds. Anyone who owns one or who has met one will surely agree. They are curious, full of spunk, and are always climbing and exploring their environments.
And out of this uniqueness comes cute, silly, little antics like the ‘electric hug’.

Many linnie owners discovered that their little linnie would lean in during cuddle time, and run his/her head or beak back and forth really quickly on their owner’s forehead, neck, or cheek.

This gesture was coined by a former Linnie Forum member by the name of Carrie~Anne. She saw her female linnie do this several times to her son, and while mentioning this on the forum, she referred to it as an ‘electric hug’. And well the term stuck.

There has been talk as to whether this is a mating behaviour, but breeders have not noticed this between breeding pairs. Instead it is often seen as a cute gesture, full of affection towards the one receiving the hug.

A few comments from Linnie owners:

“Baylee gives me electric hugs every day and I give them back to him…it has become a game with us now. He leans aganist my cheek and rubs really quick to the top of my head and back down while making excited noises.” – Julea (LinElated)

“Parsley will take her the top of her beak and nudge it very quickly into my cheek or neck. It actually sort of tickles. It is sort of like a rat-a-tat-tat feeling. I love the term electric hug. What Parsley does is like an electric kiss!!!” – Nancy (luvmath)

“All my linnies give electric hugs. I adore them. It’s almost as if they’re “drilling” their beak into your neck. It’s gentle and sweet. Birdie hugs are the best! Especially after a looooooong crappy day at work. They sure do know how to make me smile!” – Naarah (Distract_A_Girl)

“She (Lily) loves to give electric hugs to my cheek and nose …” – Nick

Here is a video by Nancy (luvmath) with her linnie, Parsley:

Feel free to post a comment and share your Linnie electric hug stories!

Category: Lineolated Parakeet Behavior