Update on Meyers Parrot Aggression

[a_dead_bird]

Alright, I took Bartleby to the vet today. You guys had me so paranoid that he could be seriously ill, I couldn't get him there fast enough, so good job! The vet said he seems perfectly healthy: lungs and sinuses sounded clear, and normal weight. I expressed my concerns about exposure to my friend's flock, as well as the sudden aggression. He just

Comments

[banshea]

I'm so glad he's in good health! The thing with birds is since they can succumb to illness so quickly, it's always better to rule out physiological causes for behavioral changes first, and it sounds like you got some solid advice from a good vet. I haven't heard of this particular method, I'm interested to hear how it works out.

[a_dead_bird]

Thanks, I'm really happy with the visit (except for the exotic pet exam fee, wtf is that about?!). I ended up going to Dr Ken Harkewicz at the Berkeley Dog and Cat Hospital. The next two weeks are going to be tough on both me and Bartleby, but I guess it'll be worth it if the choice is between get bitten or not get bitten.

[mimimanderly]

Since you are attempting to reset Bartleby's behavior, it might be a good time to reset yours and those for the people who live there. I have found most birds to be highly intuitive creatures. Perhaps they see things in a range we cannot see, or perhaps it's the body language. Whatever the reason, they seem to pick up on our emotions. If you approach him with fear and the expectation of getting bitten, that is undoubtedly what will happen. The converse is also true. If you have some way of getting into a calm state before interacting with him, that would help. But the important thing is to change your thoughts in regard to him, and your emotions will follow. Act as if he is a new bird -- one that you have no reason to have negative assumptions about. How would you handle him if he were new? How would you speak to him... train him? Do that.

I wish you and Bartleby all the best, and I hope that he is able to "reboot".

[a_dead_bird]

I do try to keep in mind that my mood affects his and act accordingly, and I appreciate you reiterating that for me. It will be difficult to help reset my family, as they aren't interested in having pets anyhow, but my boyfriend is at least trying to build a nice relationship with Bartleby.

Thank you :)

[a_dead_bird]

I'm glad to hear the reset worked for you. How long did you go without taking him out? Did you let him out at all in order to change toys or clean his cage? I'm curious about that in particular because Bartleby's cage has a very large door, and when I open it enough to reach in for even a second, he climbs right out.

Also, you mentioned in another post the possibility of clipping Philippe's wings during this difficult period. Did you end up doing that, or if not, are you still planning to? I've allowed Bartleby full flight since his first clipping grew out. I've always wondered how different he would act if I clipped him again, since I know that sometimes the difference in behavior between flighted and clipped is huge. It seems terribly cruel to suddenly take away that freedom. What are your thoughts?

[a_dead_bird]

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with me. Thank you!

[lindabcs]

I've had to 'reset' the rules with my 27yo male YNAmazon, and it can do wonders. Part of it is that for those two weeks, you should only have positive interactions- no biting, running, flying about panicked, or chasing. You both get a choice about interacting (or not) through the cage bars and many of those interactions will involve positive (treat) reinforcement and no chances to practice the "bad" behaviors. After two to four weeks of practicing only the good and coming to expect the good, good is more likely to happen when you start to re-introduce out of the cage opportunities

[a_dead_bird]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm already feeling positively about the process!

And I have to say, "700g of PO'd Hormonal Amazon" had me giggling. I can imagine how terrible it can be, but that description is kinda funny :)