Extremely Aggressive Senegal - At Risk

[samirae]

I have an 8 year old Senegal, Ziggy, who is insanely aggressive, and his biting is bad enough that I'm considering options to have him removed from the house entirely.

I could manage just not handling him, but the problem goes well beyond that.

-He always bites with full force, and once he has you or whatever he's biting, he will NOT let go.
-He can't even be let out of his cage because he will fly at or chase anyone and anything, and but them with extreme force.
-He didn't do this when we first adopted him two years ago, he was very friendly, and had light biting, but would always give warning first. Because we already had two parrots, we knew the best thing was to not react, and be very gentle with him, which worked until the test bites turned into full force bites.
-He tears at flesh, with stitch inducing blood drawing bites, and will even chew and give repeated attacks, making the "don't react" technique impossible. BF lost the top of his pointer finger, and had to get stitches in his ear once when Ziggy flew to him.
-I can't even move him around with a stick anymore because he tears it up when he sees it, and will jump off of it to attack whoever is holding the stick, or anywhere nearby.

I really think I've tried everything, turning my hand certain ways, stick training, clicker treat training, talking to him, new toys, brand new big cage, and he's even got a room just for him. I try to take him outside all the time to try and enrich his experience, but even with his wings clipped he runs and jumps at me. I've even had his blood checked, and he's in ideal health, gorgeous feathers, no plucking, gets good pellets with blended veggies and some fruit/seed treats here and there, and yes, he bit the heck out of the doctor and nurse. I'm at my wit's end with him. He's legitimately at a point now where no one can get near him, and he can never be let out of his cage.

I don't know what to do. I can't imagine anyone else being able to deal with him, but I really don't think he's happy here, and as his aggression increases, I too become increasingly uncomfortable and afraid of him. I can't have anymore stitches in my family, and he's even killed one of my birds. I'm really desperate here, if anyone has any advice...I would appreciate it...

 

[dragonlady2]

Sennies do tend to bite and grind. I have a Sennie that has nailed me twice. The rest of my birds are flighted, but I keep Mookie clipped for everybody's safety. I too began isolating him and found he was getting more angry and moody. I moved him back into the main room. I clipped his wings again. I will only handle him out of the cage with really thick suede gloves. I pet his head and ruffle his feathers when he is out. He is only out when all other birds are away. When they are out, I have a clear plastic sheet covering the top of his cage so that no other bird lands on top of his cage. He occasionally will fly and land on the canary's cage and I gently towel him and pet his head with my gloves on. He seems to be seeking this as he closes his eyes while I am petting him. Initially, he bit the gloves, but now he understands that he will be picked up, moved and/or petted with them.
I am lucky that he lets me pet him with my bare fingers through the bars of his cage, but I ask him first. He displays signs that will let me know if he wants petting or if he is inviting me to a chompfest. I think he wants to be in the middle of things and not excluded, but just not directly interacted with....go figure. I try to ensure that I regularly acknowledge him.
I can't give him a treat through the bars of his cage unless he is shown the treat from 6 inches away first and he has to reach through the bars to get it. He is a pain in the butt, but I love the little stinker. I have just accepted that I will have a different relationship with him.
You could try Avicalm on your bird. It really didn't change Mookie any, but it may work for your bird.

 

[JamesC]

I too have had episodes with my Sennie where he has drawn blood or latched onto a finger and I had to pry him off. He is normally a moody but friendly bird most of the time. But with little to no warning he could snap. I call it anger management issues. He turned 10 this year and is finally calming down to an extent. I can even let him get somewhat close to the two Blue Crowns though I keep a constant eye on him.

But what you are going through is something that I cannot fathom. The only thing that I can think of is that the bird just isn't a good fit with your family and you might consider rehoming him. Not a decision to be taken lightly, though. I've considered that a couple of times with Sidney when he was at his worst. Which really was not all that long ago when I think of it.

Look around for and interview some rescues that have experience with aggressive birds that could rehabilitate him. Or at least give him a good permanent home if his aggression does not fade with time. I'd even go visit their facility if possible. It is a difficult decision and not something I would normally recommend. But it could work out for the best for everyone including the bird. New surroundings with new people who move and speak differently may be just what he needs.

 

[ArsenalBobo]

oh my that looks painful though.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hello and sorry you are going through it with Ziggy. I attach a link which will hopefully explain some things for you. There are also some to do's which may help?

I am wondering if hormones are adding to some additional issues?

https://www.beautyofbirds.com/senegalparrotsaspets.html