Conure aggression please help we are giving up

We have had our conure, Charlie since June and she has always been very sweet natured. In the last couple of months her wings have grown in and we decided it would be good exercise for her and she seems to be happy with flight but I don't know if it's the change in season or what, but she will be very happy for like 20 mins and then suddenly begin attacking me and my husband. She bites super hard and lunges and is nearly impossible. We love her very much but are at our wish end. Does she need a sun lamp ? Or her wings clipped? Please please help

How old is she?

Alright. Sorry to hear. But remember. No problem was ever fixed by quitting. Give us some more information. Even pictures. What's his diet like? Have you done any training? What's his bed time or amount of time he sleeps? How old? Are you forcing it to do things it doesn't want to do? As much information as you can.

She is 14 months old, has a pellet and very little seed diet and fresh fruits and veg- up between 7/730am out for 2-3 hours ( more if we have the day off) then out again around 4 with a bedtime of 730/8 pm
She's just been extremely nippy, like biting super super hard and we don't know why. We are very gentle and loving, but she does not have any training. It seems to have gotten worse since her wings came in unless that's just coincidence. We don't want to give up on her of course, but it is causing a lot of stress. I just don't know what's wrong, unless it's hormones!?

Newsunmommy said:

She is 14 months old, has a pellet and very little seed diet and fresh fruits and veg- up between 7/730am out for 2-3 hours ( more if we have the day off) then out again around 4 with a bedtime of 730/8 pm
She's just been extremely nippy, like biting super super hard and we don't know why. We are very gentle and loving, but she does not have any training. It seems to have gotten worse since her wings came in unless that's just coincidence. We don't want to give up on her of course, but it is causing a lot of stress. I just don't know what's wrong, unless it's hormones!?

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At 14 months, could very well be hormones!
I would consider clipping her wings again and stick-training her. If you look up posts about hormonal behaviour and how to deal with it, you will find lots of helpful advice on here best of luck! I know when my little GCC decides to be like that it can be hard, I can't imagine what an even bigger beak might be like.

Yes we decided today we will take her to get clipped and work on training before letting her have her wings again. I really hope it helps, I love her to pieces!

Wings clipped should help! Nibbler starts to get aggressive when he can fly! As much fun as flying can be we have too many "dangers" to let him so it's just easier to be clipped for us all

I would have to go with all the other ones here, have her wings clipped. They would go through this temper tantrum, worse during hormone season. You'll see a night and day difference once the wings are clipped. It's just during when they're young they can be like this, once mature, leaving the flight feathers is usually ok. Unless they don't know who you are or need major training when mature that you may still need to clip. It'll get better, don't give up just yet. Both of our conures are flighted but both are mature birds.

Do you have a snuggle hut or happy hut in her cage? Or a nest-type of bed? I would bet that may have something to do with it. The fuzzy huts can cause major hormonal issues, territory behavior, and even possibly becoming egg-bound (which is life threatening).

I respect those who choose to do wing clipping if that's what they need to do for their birds, but for myself personally I would never use that method. But we all have our own ideas, advice, experience, and path of trying to do the best for our babies, so I do understand if that may be the path for others. For me, it's a similar analogy to this: if you had a cat that scratched up your furniture and home, or even scratched at you, and a quick solution was to de-claw the cat because that will eliminate THAT behavior. BUT, the cat will no longer have its natural ability to scratch, play, relieve boredom, walk and jump and balance normally, etc. And the cat will resort to other undesirable behaviors (like biting, spraying, meowing loudly, etc. at an attempt to relieve itself from the new void it has). In a case like that, it's more work, time, and resources to find the ROOT of the behavior issue and possibly seek help from a professional, but I think fixing the long term instead of the short term is a healthy solution. I can't bear the thought of wing clipping unless it's an absolute last resort. But I do understand that it works for some people. I would just do a very critical analysis of her environment, type of toys and cage items, routine, diet, sleep, and interactions you have with her (such as flinching/reacting when she bites, which can instigate the behavior). And I would surely consult your avian vet. They see a lot of birds and have a wealth of knowledge to share!

Good luck with your bird!

To compare declaw to wing clipping is not the samething! Declawing is cruel as the cats suffer as the claw is part of the bone and it still grows and cause pain. Thus not wanting to walk or use litter box cause it cause them pain, eventually lead to death is very possible.

Clipping feathers that can grow back and it doesn't cause pain can be essential if necessary especially the ones that does fly attack as it can be very dangerous. It is a invidual preference but the two comparison is far fetched.

Newsunmommy,

Sun lamp is a waste of money by the way. Make your decision on to clip or not to clip on your own term. It is a sensitive subject to discuss. The choice is yours to make. Let us know how he does in whatever you decide.

MikeyTN said:

To compare declaw to wing clipping is not the samething! Declawing is cruel as the cats suffer as the claw is part of the bone and it still grows and cause pain. Thus not wanting to walk or use litter box cause it cause them pain, eventually lead to death is very possible.

Clipping feathers that can grow back and it doesn't cause pain can be essential if necessary especially the ones that does fly attack as it can be very dangerous. It is a invidual preference but the two comparison is far fetched.

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That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. I disagree and I am entitled to have my feelings too and share them on this forum which I did in a respect manner. Please do the same. I acknowledged that I DO UNDERSTAND if that is what people feel they need to do for their birds. I couldn't have said it any nicer. We all have different thoughts, experiences, and values, which is part of what makes this forum so wonderful for everyone to read various experiences. I feel that wing clipping is not natural. It causes a bird to have balance difficulties in climbing, playing, and just being a bird. Some do better with it than others, and I know of birds who become bad biters due to wing clipping. It can also potentially harm them if they try to fly when they can't, and also they can fall easier. I believe that if a bird is at a point where it needs wing clipping to correct an undesirable behavior, then there is a deeper issue at the root of that problem that should be addressed.

Addressing an deeper issue is essential yes but wing clipping is a personal opinion and issue. You may feel your comparison is right on but I highly disagree. Especially having owned birds for more then half of my life I can agree and disagree with what you've said but mostly agree. What I'm saying is the comparison to declaw isn't the right comparison. I own cats too so I know. For anyone that is thinking to declaw should watch the video on it before you decide. I've clipped hundreds of birds, non of them have issues after I clipped them except a few, so that part I can agree, those that had a problem was when they started to chew on their feathers. I do mean there was just a few over the years. 3 total over the past 19 years. And I do mean I've raised hundreds of babies and rescued many parrots. Then there are many that I don't clip, I give them a evaluation to see what needs to be done before I do it. All of my existing flock are all flighted. Some were clipped at one point! They grow back without issue, cat comparison, in declawed it becomes ingrown within their paws to cause infection and pain, they basically cut off your knuckle in declaw. I use nail clippers to trim my cats nails. I was called cruel to do that....lol

We can agree to disagree on that

Respecfully, I too have a lot of experience with birds and I'm currently setting up a rescue in our home. Honestly, I've devoted my life to my parrots. They are my children. I enjoy these threads and the beauty of everyone coming together and sharing their experiences, values, and advice. No need to keep bashing my comparison. You have thoroughly expressed your opinion and I stand behind mine.

This thread is about clipping wings to correct an undesirable behavior (biting) which I feel isn't addressing an underlying issue the bird may have. I understand wing clipping may be necessary and successful for some, but I think this bird would benefit from training to correct the biting in order to be a happy, balanced bird. Training can be through a professional or from researching, learning, and conducting on your own.

If the choices we make for our birds are out of love and the best interest of our birds, then we have done right.

Not keep on bashing your comparison, just stating the facts. As your replying in doing the same!

If we agree to disagree then there shouldn't be an issue. I set up my home to do rescue years ago as you have lots to learn if you just started.

rosembers said:

Do you have a snuggle hut or happy hut in her cage? Or a nest-type of bed? I would bet that may have something to do with it. The fuzzy huts can cause major hormonal issues, territory behavior, and even possibly becoming egg-bound (which is life threatening).

I respect those who choose to do wing clipping if that's what they need to do for their birds, but for myself personally I would never use that method. But we all have our own ideas, advice, experience, and path of trying to do the best for our babies, so I do understand if that may be the path for others. For me, it's a similar analogy to this: if you had a cat that scratched up your furniture and home, or even scratched at you, and a quick solution was to de-claw the cat because that will eliminate THAT behavior. BUT, the cat will no longer have its natural ability to scratch, play, relieve boredom, walk and jump and balance normally, etc. And the cat will resort to other undesirable behaviors (like biting, spraying, meowing loudly, etc. at an attempt to relieve itself from the new void it has). In a case like that, it's more work, time, and resources to find the ROOT of the behavior issue and possibly seek help from a professional, but I think fixing the long term instead of the short term is a healthy solution. I can't bear the thought of wing clipping unless it's an absolute last resort. But I do understand that it works for some people. I would just do a very critical analysis of her environment, type of toys and cage items, routine, diet, sleep, and interactions you have with her (such as flinching/reacting when she bites, which can instigate the behavior). And I would surely consult your avian vet. They see a lot of birds and have a wealth of knowledge to share!

Good luck with your bird!

Click to expand...

Very well said, Rosembers! I wholeheartedly agree.

I understand and respect everyone's decision to clip or not to clip. IMHO, in many cases I think clipping a bird's wings can very reasonably be compared to declawing a cat. I'll explain my thinking. I have a nine year old U2, I've had her for over two years, her first owners kept her clipped for the first seven years of her life. She flew for the first time about a month ago and hasn't flown since, I think that's pretty sad. I saw a seven month old Harlequin Macaw in a pet store, the next time I saw her the store owner had mangled her wings, I'm not exaggerating, it wasn't a clip, it was a mutilation, the man who did it saw nothing wrong with it, he felt justified in his decision and his method. I have a cockatiel clipped by the same man before I got her, she still has problems two years later every time she molts.

I worked as a veterinary assistant for a couple of years, I handled enough big birds to be comfortable around them. I met a few biters and a lot of unruly big beaks. The most viscious biter I've ever met lives with me, her name is Harry. I should have named her Jude, everyone considered her a lost cause, everyone but me. She was also a plucker, for that reason, I refused to have her clipped, she had enough problems. She is one of the smartest parrots I've ever met. You can train a fully flighted parrot. Clipping is a personal choice but I think it should be a well informed choice.

I haven't owned or bred hundreds of birds and I don't have a degree. I'm not sure how much that matters. I've been inspired by first time bird owners, brand new bird owners and even future bird owners, and I can honestly say I've learned from them. That's the beauty of this forum, it's a place to share new and old ideas in a friendly environment. I hope I never become so arrogant that I can no longer learn.

MikeyTN said:

Not keep on bashing your comparison, just stating the facts. As your replying in doing the same!

If we agree to disagree then there shouldn't be an issue. I set up my home to do rescue years ago as you have lots to learn if you just started.

Click to expand...

Shame on you! You are obviously insecure and trying to hurt my feelings and I'm sorry for you. I actually have 14 years of experience with birds. Not that I even should need to defend myself with that. And you know what? EVERY SINGLE PARROT OWNER will ALWAYS have more to learn. Because all birds are different and what works for some may not work for others and there's always more information and new experiences we can all learn from.
Wing clipping is the same as declawing a cat. It is modifying an animal from its natural state. Doesn't matter if it's 'permanent' or 'temporary'. And if wing clipping is done for the sole purpose of making an animal 'more convenient' for its human guardian to live with, I think that is wrong.

Like it or not, I am entitled to my opinion. As you are to yours. But what you're NOT entitled to is to use this forum to be mean to people. Clearly that was your intention with your comments. That's ridiculous. Clearly, you have a lot to learn about respect and decency. It is inappropriate for you to try to force something onto anyone, and do it rudely, especially something that is merely your opinion. Enough already. I am confused as to why you feel the need to be so mean and try to bash me about having a lot to learn. Why are you part of this parrot forum community then? And as a "super moderator" I am even more confused by your rudeness. I'm sorry it bothers you so much that people have different opinions about something, but that is something only YOU can fix with YOU. We are not robots and we all have our own VALID feelings to share. That should not be such a bother to you. And as I said before, if what we do is done out of love and the best interest of our birds, then we have done right.

I wish you peace and love in your life

Allee said:

rosembers said:

Do you have a snuggle hut or happy hut in her cage? Or a nest-type of bed? I would bet that may have something to do with it. The fuzzy huts can cause major hormonal issues, territory behavior, and even possibly becoming egg-bound (which is life threatening).

I respect those who choose to do wing clipping if that's what they need to do for their birds, but for myself personally I would never use that method. But we all have our own ideas, advice, experience, and path of trying to do the best for our babies, so I do understand if that may be the path for others. For me, it's a similar analogy to this: if you had a cat that scratched up your furniture and home, or even scratched at you, and a quick solution was to de-claw the cat because that will eliminate THAT behavior. BUT, the cat will no longer have its natural ability to scratch, play, relieve boredom, walk and jump and balance normally, etc. And the cat will resort to other undesirable behaviors (like biting, spraying, meowing loudly, etc. at an attempt to relieve itself from the new void it has). In a case like that, it's more work, time, and resources to find the ROOT of the behavior issue and possibly seek help from a professional, but I think fixing the long term instead of the short term is a healthy solution. I can't bear the thought of wing clipping unless it's an absolute last resort. But I do understand that it works for some people. I would just do a very critical analysis of her environment, type of toys and cage items, routine, diet, sleep, and interactions you have with her (such as flinching/reacting when she bites, which can instigate the behavior). And I would surely consult your avian vet. They see a lot of birds and have a wealth of knowledge to share!

Good luck with your bird!

Click to expand...

Very well said, Rosembers! I wholeheartedly agree.

I understand and respect everyone's decision to clip or not to clip. IMHO, in many cases I think clipping a bird's wings can very reasonably be compared to declawing a cat. I'll explain my thinking. I have a nine year old U2, I've had her for over two years, her first owners kept her clipped for the first seven years of her life. She flew for the first time about a month ago and hasn't flown since, I think that's pretty sad. I saw a seven month old Harlequin Macaw in a pet store, the next time I saw her the store owner had mangled her wings, I'm not exaggerating, it wasn't a clip, it was a mutilation, the man who did it saw nothing wrong with it, he felt justified in his decision and his method. I have a cockatiel clipped by the same man before I got her, she still has problems two years later every time she molts.

I worked as a veterinary assistant for a couple of years, I handled enough big birds to be comfortable around them. I met a few biters and a lot of unruly big beaks. The most viscious biter I've ever met lives with me, her name is Harry. I should have named her Jude, everyone considered her a lost cause, everyone but me. She was also a plucker, for that reason, I refused to have her clipped, she had enough problems. She is one of the smartest parrots I've ever met. You can train a fully flighted parrot. Clipping is a personal choice but I think it should be a well informed choice.

I haven't owned or bred hundreds of birds and I don't have a degree. I'm not sure how much that matters. I've been inspired by first time bird owners, brand new bird owners and even future bird owners, and I can honestly say I've learned from them. That's the beauty of this forum, it's a place to share new and old ideas in a friendly environment. I hope I never become so arrogant that I can no longer learn.

Click to expand...

Allee, thank you for sharing your experience for everyone. The experience/examples you shared are very valuable for people to read as they are researching for their own decisions on this topic. In the spirit of this forum being a place for all to share their values and experiences respectfully and out of love for their parrots and NOT their ego's, your wise and humble comments are very valuable.

Declawing a cat is not the same as clipping a birds wings. I just watched the videos and read some articles. You won't see a parrot losing balance and loss of grasp and other functions going awry from a declipping. My belief is that some circumstances need a clipping but thats just me.

I do think the topic is getting lost at hand and that we need to respect the fact that a new forum member is seeking advice from us regarding the aggression of her conure.

Newsunmommy, I think your decision is a good one as you know your bird best. It may still be a bit of a trial determining if the wing clip will help, and in some birds it may. It can help re-establish a bond. I know personally if I clipped my IRN he wouldn't respond well, but his species is well known to do poorly with a clip.

Try your best to use positive reinforcement with your bird and try to create an understanding that your presence means good things - ie. when you enter the room and you're not bitten, give a treat. Or whenever your hand is near her. Basically you want to associate yourself with something that your sun conure really likes. They're incredibly smart creatures and when they come to understand that your presence means love, attention, and good things (when they behave!), they start to develop a desire to behave well around you because it's rewarding for them.

Roseembers could also have hit the nail on the head with potential hormonal aggression as well - has your sun displayed any breeding behaviour at all, such as rubbing her cloaca against things, nesting, seeking an item to touch her lower back near her preening gland, or crouching down low in anticipating of mating or being fed? If so, there's a chance she is just experiencing hormones for the first time and it can really throw them through a loop. My conure became a biting machine when it happened to her, and I just equate it to when teens hit puberty for the first time. There's so much changing with their body and so many inexplainable feelings that make it feel like sensory overload, and it becomes super easy to just "snap", if you will.

Please keep us updated with your progress, as we'd love to hear your bond improve and develop over the years!