Newbie with a grumpy parrot

[chalkysuper7]

Hi everyone, I have a CAG male called Pickles, I have had him since 12 weeks and he is now 11 months old. Up until 1 week ago we were as close as you can be, waiting to be let out of the cage at play time, cuddly and playful, speaks when spoken too all the good stuff, now he goes mental if i put my hand near him when he's in his cage, he bites and will actually attack me. He's very very jumpy and when I can persuade him out he's very jumpy and bity, wont allow me to stroke or cuddle or give him kisses without being biten. He calms down after an hour, but is still very short tempered and likes to bite my throat !! What can I do ??? Help if he keeps going on like this he will have to go and I dont want that !!

 

[brianlinkles]

I'm sure he is going through a hormonal period. I am sure someone with alot more experience will jump on here. I think it is normal for all birds to go through a sort of "terrible two" period. I would however suggest going to the vet to first rule out any type of medical issue.

 

[chalkysuper7]

it becomes very upsetting when he bites so hard that he draws blood, on my throat, my shoulders, arms !!

 

[henpecked]

I disagree with the hormones at that age. Has something changed lately,new picture on the wall,move the cage,change in routine. I would guess that something traumatic might have happen,has someone else looked after him while you were gone? Get toweled to go to the vet? Has he got lots of fresh pin feathers? Is there a new favorite person ? Don't throw him away yet,let's see if we can figure out what's different now.

 

[chalkysuper7]

Believe me i would not give up on him so easy, We have just moved his cage location from one side of the room to the other, and He a has a fair few new feathers on his head coming thru ( pin feathers ? ) how would this affect him ?

Regards Dale.3

 

[henpecked]

I was just joking about throwing him away,LOL. I'm not as up on CAG as other birds.If you think this behavioral change might be due to moving the cage,see what happens if you move it back or give it more time and see if he comes around. As far as molting some birds get grumpy when molting and the new pin feathers can be very tender,maybe try not petting him and see if that helps.Are there several people in the household? do you think he might have a new favorite person? Just because you are the main caregiver doesn't guarantee you favorite person status and that also is subject to change,especially with young birds.
Sorry i forgot to welcome you to the forum, you might want to see about posting this question in another section where it might get more notice. Lots of helpful CAG owners here and check out the behavioral section too.