He's Just A Baby But...

[Mookie]

Hey, so I have a 4-5 month old Timneh and he's been an absolute joy.

I mean, it's only been a few weeks since we got him and I've read every book I can about parrots and how to properly train them starting out.

There is something I've noticed tho.

This little guy has gone into attack mode on me two times, both when I've approach something he was fully engaged in.

First time was his toys hanging from the play stand, second was a curtain he was playing with.

Nothing too serious, but I want to make sure I'm handling him right so he doesn't take a nasty nip on someone else.

Any way to suggest that I handle the possession / aggression ? Or is this just being a baby bird?

 

[wrench13]

Well your learning his body language and moods at least. I would work on his step up training, hit it hard. Respect his moods but he should be trained to step up no matter what. Read up on target training. Remember it is never the fault of the parrot, you got to figure out what your doing to set off bad or unwanted behaving.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Sounds like perfectly normal behavior to me. Main thing is don't take it personal when/if you get nipped. Knowing that's a trigger you have 2 choices... try train it out of them... which can be hard because its instinctive behavior...or...just don't pull that trigger and once you have gained the birds trust over time he will probably stop. Me... I pick my battles ( the ones I might win).
Example.. My BFA has adopted my lil SC as his "baby". We all get along great, no big deal. But now the lil SC needs meds 2 times a day from a syringe. When BFA sees me restrain the SC I get attacked with gusto!!!!!!!. I don't take it personal.. choose NOT to have the conflict and choose NOT to try to train that out of my BFA. I simply ask the BFA to go to his cage for a minute..(before restraining Booger).. THEN get Booger his meds. Once I let Booger go that hits the "off switch" in the attack mode ... then I can plop both birds on my shoulder... everyone happy and I don't need an ambulance.. )
That's a lil dif than what you are dealing with but its STILL instinctive behavior that triggers the aggression. Best of luck to ya and your new youngin.

 

[Mookie]

Thanks very much, for both of your feedback.

I'm really starting to 'get' Mookie's body language.

My wife has a harder time understanding that our bird isn't a dog.

So when it's hands off, it's hands off. lol