Post by beccilouise on May 12, 2017 18:26:42 GMT -5
So, possibly this is a new element of puberty, or a hormonal behaviour as a result of time-of-year, but Maya has spent the day trying to terrorise my poor sister, who had come to visit. She wasn't all that bad, but she lunged at Catt a couple of times, and sort of flew at her head. It has to be said, Catt dealt with it SO WELL, didn't flinch when Maya flew at or landed on her head and didn't react if Maya nipped or lunged at her. Eventually, Maya gave up trying to bully her and flew up to the window above the door, where she strutted and shouted for about half an hour. I felt really sorry for Catt but, as Maya has never taken a disliking SO SEVERE to anyone before, I am inclined to think it was hormones. Outside, in her harness, Maya will happily be petted and held by kids, and even gives flying demonstrations! She is a really friendly and well socialised bird who waddled back and forth between myself and my partner to alternative giving kisses and affection to both of us. She's so used to knew people that I have no worries about taking her out and about and being amongst strangers. This aggression or bossiness towards others only seems to take place in her home environment, and mainly the living room, which is the room in which she spends most of her time with her human flock. This is the first time it has been anywhere near this obvious and persistent.
My worry is that, although Catt reacted very well and Maya was discouraged after a while by a total lack of response, not all our guests will be quite so brave. I really don't want Maya to be the kind of bird that I have to put away whenever guests come over (though I acknowledge that certain times of year call for drastic measures!) I tried getting Catt to bribe Maya with a treat today, does anyone have any other suggestions for discouraging hormonal or territorial aggression towards strangers? Thanks in advance!
My worry is that, although Catt reacted very well and Maya was discouraged after a while by a total lack of response, not all our guests will be quite so brave. I really don't want Maya to be the kind of bird that I have to put away whenever guests come over (though I acknowledge that certain times of year call for drastic measures!) I tried getting Catt to bribe Maya with a treat today, does anyone have any other suggestions for discouraging hormonal or territorial aggression towards strangers? Thanks in advance!