YSGC
New member
- Jan 6, 2019
- 205
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- Parrots
- Pico, gender unknown, is a hand-fed Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure, born 2015.
How has your parrot reacted to changes in your flock
A year ago when I got divorced my ex moved out and took the dogs, leaving Pico and I alone.
Pico, then 2 years old, had spent his entire life with that 'flock'.
Often he'd call the dogs by name, but hasn't said their names since they moved out.
At home he slightly preferred my ex, but still let me handle him when we were all together.
Pico is highly socialized and loves meeting new humans, which is nearly every day when we go out.
Six months ago I met my new SO, John.
Pico immediately took to him, strongly preferring his shoulder to mine.
Sometimes Pico behaves as John's security guard, almost as if he's protecting John from me.
One time, when I got too close to them, Pico stood tall (with the feathers on the top of his head flared out) and marched over and bit me in a very deliberate way.
No blood, but it left a red mark for a few days.
While I didn't like it, I didn't mind it or take it personally.
I accept that developing a strong attachment to a bird-chosen person in the flock is simply how parrots are.
When Pico and I are alone he reverts back to a cuddle bunny.
One thing I'll mention that may be helpful to others ...
Originally every time John left the house Pico would be very anxious, searching every room of the house, calling and even screaming for John.
This drama could drag on for an hour or more.
A month ago I tried something new.
Now, when John leaves Pico and I stand outside to watch John drive away.
When the car disappears in the distance Pico must understand John is really gone because he settles down immediately.
The plan is for John to move in next month, so we'll see how the dynamic of our flock changes.
Birds are so fascinating.
Please post about how your parrot has reacted to changes in your flock.
A year ago when I got divorced my ex moved out and took the dogs, leaving Pico and I alone.
Pico, then 2 years old, had spent his entire life with that 'flock'.
Often he'd call the dogs by name, but hasn't said their names since they moved out.
At home he slightly preferred my ex, but still let me handle him when we were all together.
Pico is highly socialized and loves meeting new humans, which is nearly every day when we go out.
Six months ago I met my new SO, John.
Pico immediately took to him, strongly preferring his shoulder to mine.
Sometimes Pico behaves as John's security guard, almost as if he's protecting John from me.
One time, when I got too close to them, Pico stood tall (with the feathers on the top of his head flared out) and marched over and bit me in a very deliberate way.
No blood, but it left a red mark for a few days.
While I didn't like it, I didn't mind it or take it personally.
I accept that developing a strong attachment to a bird-chosen person in the flock is simply how parrots are.
When Pico and I are alone he reverts back to a cuddle bunny.
One thing I'll mention that may be helpful to others ...
Originally every time John left the house Pico would be very anxious, searching every room of the house, calling and even screaming for John.
This drama could drag on for an hour or more.
A month ago I tried something new.
Now, when John leaves Pico and I stand outside to watch John drive away.
When the car disappears in the distance Pico must understand John is really gone because he settles down immediately.
The plan is for John to move in next month, so we'll see how the dynamic of our flock changes.
Birds are so fascinating.
Please post about how your parrot has reacted to changes in your flock.
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