Attack Bird

[Leslie]

Hi,
I am wondering if anyone has any advice for me. I own a Sun Conure (Sunnie) for a little over a year now, he is 1 1/2 years old. Let me start by saying he is the LOVE of my life!!!! I live with my husband and we have two step children that are over frequently. At first Sunnie loved everyone who came over but as he is getting older he actually flies on everyone that comes into our house and attacks them. The only people he does not attack are myself, my husband and one stepson. I am sure it is a territorial thing but it is a pain because when no one is here Sunnie is out of his cage all the time and now I have to put him in his cage whenever anyone comes over and of coarse he hates it. I am also comcernend about having anyone watch him when we go on vacation (actually no one wants to now that he attacks). Is there something I could do do stop him from doing this. Also just to let you know I was having his wings clipped but he flies anyway!! He is so determinded to fly that after his wings got clipped it would take a week or two and he would be able to fly pretty well again, I feel that it is mean to clip his wings because he has such a strong desire to fly. If anyone has any advice I would love to hear it.
Thanks,
Leslie

 

[rockinseattle]

High Leslie

Birds can be difficult at times for no apparent reason to us but there is always a reason.
It sounds to me like he is defending his territory. I think having your step kids offer him treats could help.

When they first come over have some treats set out for them to offer YOU first then Sunnie this way they associate company as welcomed guest with treats and not some scary threat. When your kids give you a treat act very happy about this cuz birds usually want want others are enjoying. Your stepkids can put the treats near Sunnie instead of offering to his mouth so they won't get bit.

After offering the treats then have your kids observe him from a distance and just act casual until he becomes more comfortable around them.

Good Luck

 

[nimuemerlin]

Sunnie sounds like he is exhibiting adolescent hormonal behavior to me. He (Are you sure the bird is a male?) is 18 months old (the approximate age for sexual maturity) and it is spring. He may just settle down on his own and he may not, but you must protect innocents from an attacking bird. Also, if he is out of his cage and allowed to roam free, I strongly recommend that you keep his wings clipped. You wouldn't want "the love of your life" to escape through a carelessly opened door, never to be seen again.