In PAIN!!

[Tro]

Hello,
My GCC is ANGRY about something.
Last night I packed my parrot and dogs up to go to my mothers house. We always do this at least 2 times a week so no change there. But last night while my conure was in his cage at my moms he started acting VERY aggressive putting on feather displays and charging the cage when some one would pass. I didn't think much of it just though a bad mood.
Once I brought him back home I let him out and he instantly flew on my shoulder attacking my neck.
I put him to bed thinking he'll cool off by morning but didn't. He has been attacking me all day long! He is fully flighted so Ill let him out of his cage and he'll fly straight towards me and attack whatever price of me he can get his beak on.
We have always been very close inseparable even. I even take him w me on trips. I have no clue why he is so pissed off. If you have had an experience like this input would be awesome!!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

 

[Sterling1113]

How old is your GCC? It may be possible it's a hormonal/maturity thing, especially since you two were so close.
My conure had her moody stages where she just doesn't want to be touched, and she's flighted also, lucky she hasn't been in such a bad mood to dive-bomb yet though..
Do you know if maybe something happened? Maybe he got hurt in some way when you put him in/took him out of the cage? I know my bird used to be clumsy and when she would fall and get bumped up she would take it out on me, and be embarrassed so she'd fluff up to be the "big bird who doesn't get pushed around" yknow? Mood swings like that are awful.. if you can't let him out at all sit near the cage and talk/sing to him, give him treats, if there's certain music you know he likes play it for him (Kiwi likes Blue October ) and if he stops fluffing up/seeming cage aggressive try having him come out again.. it may take a while if it's his first real hormonal swing so take it slowly. Don't try to rush anything, and we don't need you getting mauled by your GCC!!

 

[Tro]

Thanks for the input!
My GCC is about 3 I believe I've had him for almost 3 yr and I don't think he was ver old when I bought. Before last night he was being extra lovey dovey. He would hardly leave me when I was home. Then just suddenly the switch totally flips. I don't know if hormonal stuff happens that quick? Also I believe he has been building a nest inside my couch for about a month... Can't be sure though cause I can't see far through the hole he made in the couch, but I suppose if he has been that would support the hormonal thing.
I should also mention that I just got done bringing him to the vet and ruled out medical, the vet said she was 95%sure it is behavioral. the vet didn't think we needed to draw blood so not 100%.
It's so sad for me to be losing my best buddy.
Do I just leave him in cage the whole time he's like this? I heard it could take months before their hormones settle down.

 

[Sterling1113]

If it's severe enough that he will fly to you and attack you when he is let out, then I would recommend leaving him in the cage, otherwise it will only cause him more stress when you have to use a towel or something else to get him off of you, and into his cage.
Or you could try having his wings clipped, if you would be comfortable with doing that, my pineapple GCC is clipped because he was temperamental, but now he's better so I'm going to let them grow out with his next molt. Clipping the wings makes the bird more dependent on you, because YOU are the one that has to get them from point A to point B. They sort of can't afford to be mean to you, yknow? If you don't like having a birds wings clipped I completely understand, it was just a suggestion, as that has worked with my birds in the past. My other bird is flighted and she was also clipped at a young age.
Now I'm not 100% but I feel like conures reach maturity between 3-5, 5 being the late bloomers and some as early as 1-2.. I'm sure someone will pop in and correct me if I'm wrong, so it's quite likely he's going through the bird form of puberty. Just give him time to chill out and realize that you're not doing anything to hurt him, and good on you for already having him vet-checked. If anything else changes, his eating habits, droppings, he starts doing anything that's severely abnormal(plucking, sleeping on the floor of his cage, self mutilation) those blood tests may be a good idea, but as of now it seems like it's purely emotions. He's just a tad grumpy. Just sit around near him so he can see you're just trying to be friends, and after a few days(depending on how much time you spend talking to him/giving him treats, and of course if his mood changes.) go ahead and open the cage door and let him come out on his own. He tries to bite? Straight back in the cage, leave him alone for a while and he'll learn that if he's a meanie he can't come out and have fun anymore.. he'll catch on.

Make sure to update with how he does! Best wishes to you and your feathered friend.

 

[SoCalWendy]

I would clip him before I would leave him in the cage all the time. It's for his protection and yours. You will be able to keep a better eye on him better, and begin to work though this hormonal stage. No more holes or nesting in the sofa. Let him do some things to earn treats, etc.

 

[Kiwibird]

I was thinking the same as sterling, probably the onset of birdie "puberty". All parrot owners deal with in some form. It's the right time of year, and I think medium birds tend to hit it between 3-5 years old, so he's right on time. As with all things, some birds are barely affected by hormonal changes, but others have a really rough time with it. The good news is, the hormonal phase is only for a few months out of the year (in spring) and it does get better as they age. My normally well-behave male amazon gets it pretty rough (i.e. becomes a springtime demon), but he has mellowed with age. You can't really stop it, as it's natural hormones, but there are things you can do to help. First, cut out fruit during the mating season. Fruit has a lot of sugar, and it just fuels the fire. Substitute extra veggies instead. Second, make sure his sleep schedule is consistent. Changes in daylight hours is what triggers the hormonal behavior to start, and not getting enough/consistent rest will aggravate it. Third, don't pet him (if he allows it) during the mating season. Physical touch to the body (especially back, head and neck) sexually arouses them. Stepping up is fine, but all other touch should be "banned" during the mating season. Finally (and this is a really tough one), IGNORE the hormonal behavior as best you can, and continue to reward positive behavior. I know its difficult to ignore a chunk of flesh being ripped out, or excess screeching, but you don't want to accidentally encourage these negative behaviors. A lot of previously "sweet" birds go "bad" during their first mating season because owners accidentally encourage them to bite, scream and act out because they don't understand why the bird is doing these things "out of the blue" and react inappropriately.

One last "unfortunate" thing that you could possibly encounter is (and sorry for the language), but birds do, erm, pleasure themselve- often very loudly and at the worst possible times (like when dinner guests are there). You should ignore it, as embarrassing as it is to witness. Any other reaction (say, trying to make them stop) will only encourage them. Good luck with your bird, and remember, this is a NATURAL and NORMAL part of their development. Here is some further reading to help you better transition and understand this chapter in your birds life:

Signs of Hormonal Behavior in Pet Birds - Hormonal Behavior in Parrots

The Laughing Parrot - Tips for dealing with hormonal birds

Coping With Hormones

 

[Tro]

Thank you all so much for the helpful info and encouragement!
My little green cheek is still an out of control beast! I did manage to let him out this afternoon to get some exercise. He followed me all over the house like he loved me but still would attack if I got to close. He only flight attacked me once when he was out but I was wearing a scarf so he didn't get flesh.
I also managed to do very small amount of tricks with him today, didn't manage to get him to step up but at least it's a start!
I also did some rearranging his cage is now in the living room so even when he's in it I can interact w him. I also put his travle/night cage in my closet like one of the articles recommended he will prob still hear me come in at night but hopefully it's a little more quiet for him.
Hopefully he gets through this stage ASAP!
His vet also recommended clipping him for the time being, I will hold off on that for a week or two and see if I regain control w him flighted if not i may have to go that route
Thanks again!

 

[hacatta]

One last "unfortunate" thing that you could possibly encounter is (and sorry for the language), but birds do, erm, pleasure themselve- often very loudly and at the worst possible times (like when dinner guests are there). You should ignore it, as embarrassing as it is to witness. Any other reaction (say, trying to make them stop) will only encourage them. Good luck with your bird, and remember, this is a NATURAL and NORMAL part of their development. Here is some further reading to help you better transition and understand this natural.

i had to laugh so hard of this.
my rose crowned uses my computer mouse for this.
No way i was getting it back before he was finishd.
His mate was there beside him tying to get his attention,i found it just too funny.

 

[mtdoramike]

First off, I would leave him in his cage for a few days and then let him out to see how he does, secondly I would have his wings clipped especially if he's still aggressive towards you.

 

[mtdoramike]

Also, Tiki my Senegal will get very moody and bitey every time my grand baby comes over especially with my wife who spends more time with our grand baby. Like I told Tiki, don't make me have to choose between her and my grand baby because she will come out on the losing end of that stick in short order. With Tiki it's jealousy, which could also be your birds problem.

 

[goalerjones]

I've known people who actually had to rehome their Amazon. He was trying to attack their new baby.