Posted by Lance Uppercutt on Sun, 01/21/2007 - 04:15 :: Reducing Problem Behaviors
Just as the title says. I've had him, Eddie, for just over three years now and he used to be the sweetest little bird. Right around the beginning of November of last year Eddie turned into a hard-biting, mean bird, whenever I get close. It was like an overnight change. One day I could pick him up, pet him and do the things we always did. The next I was the devil, if I got near.

Sometimes he seems to be on the rag and is extra mean. He will nip at his partner bird, Freddy(a cinnamon who is about a year younger), on the leg and keep him away from me. If Freddy is on me Eddie will land on me and go for skin if he sees it. And they aren't little nips, he goes for broke.

After a little reading on the subject I decided to take them into another room, away from the cage, on a satellite perch. I just started this so I don't know if it helping or not.

My question to you guys is it possible to get my nice bird back? And if so, what should I be doing to help the process. I've seen this one guy, can't think of his name, and he is supposed to fix every problem with your bird through his videos. From what I can tell he has you scare your bird into submission. I don't like that idea. I don't want Eddie to be scared of me, nor hate me and to stop putting holes in me.


This them, Eddie is the close one.
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/765/dsc034523ms.jpg
Posted by karen on Sun, 01/21/2007 - 20:46.
It sounds like he's only nipping at Freddie to try to keep Freddie away from you. Meaning he's probably either decided you are dangerous, or thinks Freddie is his mate and is trying to keep you away, same as a one-person bird will try to drive other people away.
If there was a sudden change in your appearence or if you frightened him somehow, that sometimes can cause this behavior, but usually only for a few days.
If it is that he's pair bonded with Freddie, I don't know if there is a great deal you can do, except attempt to continue to handle him regularly and work with him. Seperating them if they're bonded will probably only lead to two unhappy birds screaming to be together.
The good news is that midwinter and midsummer seem to be the worst times for hormonal behavior. He may go back to his old self in another month or two.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI
Posted by Lance Uppercutt on Sun, 01/21/2007 - 21:25.
Thank you. I think I know what I need to do.
Posted by jtholley03 on Mon, 01/22/2007 - 04:16.
The to birds - are they the same sex?
Posted by Lance Uppercutt on Mon, 01/22/2007 - 05:24.
I haven't had them sexed. I think that Eddie is male and Freddy is female. I have seen Eddie hump Freddy on several occasions. I dunno, do they make gay birds?