Cyrus GC: hormonal? winter blues? molting?

[sarafigal]

Sweet little Cyrus, a male GCC rehomed to us five months ago and definitely my bird, is suddenly biting up a storm. And not little nips, either. It's still nothing compared to what my Amazon can do, so I can take it. However, it does not exactly warm my heart. He acts like he wants to step up, wants to cuddle, and then, BAM.

He is my first little conure. What might be going on? Hormones? Do birds get the winter blues? Could it be molting? He has lots of pin feathers on his head and no one but me to help him out with them. Or is it just some special kind of conure demon possession?

FYI, we do have full-spectrum lighting; he is out of his cage most of the day; he is part of a flock including a BFA and three budgies, but he is the only bird who hangs out on my shoulder.

 

[weco]

I'd say you've got a green cheek seeking a mate.....it is that time of year.....(s)he'll probably be back to his/her old self in 30-90 days.

No body stroking or petting & if you must touch him/her, only head scritches...sparingly.....

 

[MonicaMc]

Go back to basics. Train with positive reinforcement. If you have to, lay one hand down flat against/on the cage and show Cyrus's favorite treat in the other hand. Have Cyrus get on your hand for the treat.