Angry and Happy?

[Boki]

I wonder if this is more of a philosophical question than a parrot question. I have a bonded pair of rescued Amazons and the male Blue Fronted is still very aggressive. They say don't bite the hands that feeds you. Well, this is the dream of this male. I really enjoy the company of the female of the pair so I put up with the aggression. But I got to asking myself, if he has been this aggressive all of his life (I believe so and he is guestimated 25 years old) does this mean he is happy?

He still shows healthy behaviors, gets excited in a good way when we play music, get special treats, and practice trying to talk. (He is trying so hard and getting better each day) But I can't reconcile aggression with happiness.

Again, this may be more of a philosophical question. He is healthy.

 

[texsize]

Hmm.
There is a lot of info missing but it could be simple jealousy.
Pair bonded birds can get aggressive if you start paying attention to the other bird.
They can get mad at you and they can get mad at there partner also. I have seen this happen, both cases.

texsize

 

[texsize]

Yes they can be happy with their partner and get angry at interference from you that causes divided loyalty if you know what I mean.

 

[noodles123]

If he is bonded to the female (and non-aggressive to her) then you could just be like a friendly flock acquaintance (but if you get too close to his "woman" or their "nest", then he has to show you how impressive he really is) lol--not for "dominance" but in order to protect her (as his partner) and his "nest" (cage/territory) as his home.
I guess that is technically aggression, but it is typical in bonding situations where limited desensitization/socialization has taken place...It is instinctual and in the wild, this wouldn't be unhealthy. With extreme patience and lots of time, you can probably change this behavior by forming positive associations, and through exposure/socialization and training. I guess my point is, he isn't being macho just for the heck of it (and you attempting to be more macho probably won't help- just in case you are tempted)...At least, in my opinion. He isn't actually angry. He is happy because in his mind, you are a flock member and this is normal.

 

[Boki]

Thank you all for the interesting perspectives. I know better not to get macho. Once I saw a fight where the female was angry at the male for being too long at the shared food bowl. I took over some food to the female and she spit it to the ground twice. At that point, the male timidly backed off from the food bowl. It was like she was telling me she can take care of herself and her male. I knew then not to get into the middle of domestic squabbles anymore.

But I won't stopped encouraging her to sing and talk to me. Her voice is so sweet. I guess Mac and I will continue the battle although she told me already I lost.

 

[ChristaNL]

It is not easy being the third wheel ...
Glad you respect their relationship and focus in their wellbeing.


We are so used to domesticate everything in sight (including ourselves!) it is very hard to decide to "step back a bit".
I applaud you for this, it is not easy and being bitten is no fun.


The plus thing: he gets to show of to his girl by telling you off, so that makes you his wing-man?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Great thread. Intriguing points.

I have observed wild Patagonians in their native breeding colonies. The pairs perch at the edge of their cliff burrows, and the roosters are famous for their scraps and fights and screeches. It's part of their lifestyle! The Rickeybird is the same way... constantly strutting around, looking for ways to "assert" himself in this modern, artificial environment. Happy? Yes, I believe so. He's 34, beautiful, an amazing specimen.

I enjoyed your questions. It's always good to think outside the box a bit. Box. Cage. Yeah!