Desperate

[kasberger]

I just do not know what to do. My husband and i have 3 parrots, our CAG and Amazon we have had for 5 years, about 2 years ago we bought Marvin, he is a lesser sulfer. All has been great until recently, there have been major changes that feathered kids had to go through. We moved to a bigger home and we have my son his wife and daughter move in with us. Marvin is my bird, but he has taking a liking to my daughter in law and would have nothing to do with me. Here is my problem Marvin has become EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE, he no longer likes my DIL and slowly started to navigate back to me, but for no reason he has started this aggressiveness again towards me, 2 days ago i took him out of his cage and bit me so bad t thought i was going to need stitches. I just dont know what to do. Marvin was 5 when we got him, he was born at the store where we bought him, of course hand feed, he is now 7. I am not one to give in without a fight, i have had birds my most of my life but i have never had anything like this happen, i have read everything i can about this, i miss my baby boy so much!! Can anyone shed some light. We have lived in our new house about 4 months now. Sorry this is so long but i just wanted to give as much info as possible. Thank you.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi I enclose a link from mytoos which I hope stays put? Clicker Training to help calm Aggressive Parrots. | Behavior & Behavior Problems | Real Cockatoo Facts!

My feeling is it is hormonal behaviour but I hope our experienced white too members will jump in to help.

PS have you seen this on our forum?

http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/17694-owning-cockatoo.html

I can only pluck some ideas for you because I am not there but I would ask if he has plenty to do in his cage? Have you done any training with Marvin? Cockatoos are also prone to phobic behaviour and this could also answer your question. I think I would start from scratch as you Marvins Flock Leader and focus on some training and see how that goes? Get into the re-introductions and socialisation a bit later on. Oh is he on a good diet? Been for a AV check lately? Sorry for the 50 questions.

Aggression can stem from confusion ie mixed messages, inconsistencies or lack of predictability from it's human flock. Also changes to routine can bring on a reaction as well as sudden changes in their lives. It is often the favoured person that receives the aggression.

 

[Scott]

Sorry to hear Marvin has developed behavioral issues. Rest assured this is not uncommon with cockatoos and is a primary reason for re-homing. Glad to know you are determined to persevere!

Marvin clearly has bonding and jealousy issues associated with a changed environment. While not all toos are one-person birds, he was likely bonded to you prior to your DIL's arrival. For whatever reason Marvin developed an interest in her that has waned, and moved closer to you. While the tenets of human psychology don't fully apply, my guess is Marvin is conflicted, and in typical too fashion lashes out aggressively.

Other factors may include health, diet, and handling. Might be a good idea to have an avian vet give a basic exam to rule out health issues. May I ask about his diet in general? A hormonal too is a handful and negative behaviors may be exacerbated by touching on the back, below the wings, and on the belly/vent area. It is possible the new environment coincides with a hormonal period where Marvin will be all but unapproachable.

Is Marvin housed near your other parrots? They are very keen observers of their environment, and like children will size-up the relative time and affection paid to others.

I would suggest assessing his health, diet, and for now consider the strong possibility of transient hormonal behavior. Some folks advocate clipping the wings of an aggressive parrot, but that is with other considerations including basic philosophy. For now please don't let him on your shoulder, the holy-grail of trust as that is a perch from which serious damage may occur.

No doubt others will post with suggestions, perhaps some different and contradictory. No worries, there are no specific and cogent remedies to your dilemma. Please keep us advised!!