Charm is not charming | Quaker Parrot Forum

charmmom
Hatchling

Posts: 6

Charm is not charming Nov 28, 2021 13:15:35 GMT -5

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Post by charmmom on Nov 28, 2021 13:15:35 GMT -5

Hello
I have had my little quackers for three months. Charm has been such a wonderful, fun-loving, easy to train little guy, but lately he's been showing signs of aggression towards me and I have no idea why. His behavior seems hormonal, given that he is biting me, as well as my husband. He just seems miffed at me and I don't know why. He also is disinterested in touch training and is distracted easily, often fleeing to his food bowl and sitting in it, like it's a nest. I had to remove the dish and put a smaller one in. I'm not angry with him at all, because he's a parrot and clearly I'm not, but being new to parrot ownership, I don't know what this all means. He was sweet, now completely different. We work with him on his step-ups, we encourage him to fly (he's a pro) and we have him on a pellet/fresh veg diet. I also make him lentils and beans. I just don't know if this is hormonal given that we're in Winter, but I can say, his behavior is unexpected and at times horrible. He still says to me, "Step-up!" I mean, how cute is that? but, I don't trust taking him out of his cage.

Thanks a head of time
Mom to Charm

cnyguy
Senior Forum Manager

Posts: 2,272

Charm is not charming Nov 28, 2021 21:02:28 GMT -5 biteybird likes this

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Post by cnyguy on Nov 28, 2021 21:02:28 GMT -5

Sorry that your relationship with Charm has turned a bit bumpy. There are a few different things that can cause such behavioral changes. You've already suggested a common one-- hormones. They are most typically a problem in the spring into summer, but can raise a fuss at other times of year too. So that may be what's causing Charm's behavior to change for the worse. Another possibility is that what's called the "honeymoon period" is over and he's testing the boundaries you've set for him, asserting himself to see how you'll react. Usually any aggressive behavior goes away on its own, though a few gentle reminders of who is boss may be needed. That can include turning your back to Charm when he's misbehaving or giving him a "time out" by walking away and ignoring him for a while. More rarely, illness can cause unusual behavior in parrots, but there are normally other indications besides behavior changes, such as changes in eating habits or abnormal droppings. When that's the case, a vet visit should be considered. In the meantime, be patient and don't give up.

Caseysmom
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 842

Charm is not charming Nov 28, 2021 22:33:37 GMT -5 cnyguy and biteybird like this

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Post by Caseysmom on Nov 28, 2021 22:33:37 GMT -5

Hi, sorry to hear about Charm. When we first got Casey at 4 months old he loved everyone and would let anyone hold him Then came a time, in that first year he chose who could hold him, everyone else got the beak. He’s 15 now and only had bad hormones for a short time last year. I think you did the right thing by switching out that cup. It’s good to keep rotating perches and things in their cage when they are young, it helps them not be too possessive. Cnyguy is right, they do love drama and anticipate your reaction. I had a friend come over when he was young and started being wary of prople. He bit her and she screeched. He loved that reaction and would always beak her even at a distance in hopes of hearing it. So if he tries you just have to take the bite, calmly say no bite and put him back on his cage Hopefully your little charmer will settle and know their boundaries soon for you

Casey

cnyguy
Senior Forum Manager

Posts: 2,272

Charm is not charming Nov 29, 2021 21:48:17 GMT -5 Caseysmom and biteybird like this

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Post by cnyguy on Nov 29, 2021 21:48:17 GMT -5

You might find more help in one of the many good parrot books, such as Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior or Julia Rach Mancini's Why Does My Bird Do That? They're useful references to have on hand (they can probably be found on Amazon), and at least are worth reading if you can borrow a copy from your local library.

heatherg
Senior Forum Manager

Posts: 412

Charm is not charming Sept 4, 2022 3:45:35 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by heatherg on Sept 4, 2022 3:45:35 GMT -5

Any possibility that Charm is a girl parrot?

When problematic hormonal behaviors are occurring, I look at the amount of daylight birds are getting, whether there are nestlike or shadowy areas in the cage/ play area, and if birdy is getting a lot of cuddles or rich food. Those are all cues that it is time to nest, lay eggs/fertilize eggs, and can bring a parrot into breeding condition.

Not only can this make parrots bite and scream more, or be more territorial/ possessive, but egg laying can often be dangerous.

You can’t take a food bowl away but you can look at other things in Charms environment to see if anything is setting him or her up for broodiness.