Ok Have a serious issue with Poppie.

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
Hi All,

Many of you remember when my BFA (Poppie) went for my wife and
literally got the jugular on her neck which she had to be rushed to ER
and spent a couple days in Hospital. That was a year ago, almost to the week.

We blew it off thinking maybe she gotten her claw caught in the wool sweater maybe. Now I'm not sure. She has been pretty good up until
November of this year. She has been extremely affectionate and lovable
towards me lately to the point she trys to turn my head and puts her beak practically in my mouth all the while purring and chripping like a new born chick.

I pushed her away gently, no more trying to get in my mouth and she
went completely ape. Attacking me with a vicious nature that she nearly
made Hamburg out of my hand, wrist neck and face. I had to have
14 stiches, no kidding. Glenda freaked, as did I. She's never bitten me like
that, not in that viciousness.

She has gotten Glenda a few more times, really got her good on the wrist
which also required stitches and that was a lot of blood. 3 weeks back
she Got Glenda yet again, ran over and attacked her face took a chunk out
just a quarter inch from her eye. Glenda says, " That's it with her" she won't sit in same room as Poppie.

Poppie went for a person that helped care for her when she was rescued
before I took over, and she went for her as well, leaving a nasty bite.
That person was a bit puzzeled as well.

Then attacked a friend that came over.

Poppie is a rescue, she's 9 now but had her 4 years. Previous owner has
17 amazons. Can't figure out what made them get rid of this one.
Did a little researching to find out that the previous owner's husband
had a mild stroke and is a bit mentally challenge now. He was in the
bird rescue store and found out he's been banned because he "Punched"
one of the parrots in the store he was trying to hold and was bitten good by.

I now wonder if perhaps Poppie was abused or hit while she was with them? I'm speculating I know, but she does seem to show aggressiveness
to sudden movements and takes vicious offense. Hormones are one thing
but this vicious aggression is extra ordinary in a parrot.

Any thoughts from anyone what steps you would take to
break her from this?

I'm a bit worried about her around the
rest of my birds as well. She's the only one that's a rescue,
the rest of my birds have been with me since wee little tots.
My grey doesn't know how to be mean, neither does my Ekkie.
I don't want to encourage the monkey see monkey do from
Poppie's behavior, in other words, copy what she does.
 

AmyMyBlueFront

Well-known member
Apr 14, 2015
6,315
Media
4
3,034
Connecticut
Parrots
Amy a Blue Front 'Zon
Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Wow! sorry to read this Hawk..:11: It sounds like my 'too Jonesy tho :eek:

My BF Amy..is a sweet lovable girl..had her since she was a pup 28 yrs ago. On occasion she will lunge/bite..during her hormone thing but we can read her lingo.
sorry I don't have any answers or advice for you :confused:


Jim
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
I am very sorry to hear she attacked you:( I have not heard about it in female BFA's being that bad but males are 'known' to have the potential to go through a very vicious period in the years after they become sexually mature, usually around 7-12ish. Raging hormones, just like teenagers get and some get it worse than others. Perhaps Poppy is having a more severe than normal hormonal issue? Many BFA's and other hot 3 zons tend to get rehomed for the first time around puberty and those first few years after becoming a sexually mature bird. It's nothing you've done as an owner, it's their biology going crazy.

When we first adopted Kiwi (around age 10), he was absolutely vicious. Pretty much what your describing Poppy doing, except he was in attack mode from the time he woke up till he went to bed. That lasted for the first few years we had him, gradually tapering off as he grew into a more mature bird and his hormones settled a bit. He was better with my husband, but I had to handle him with gloves and a stick for a long time. We did our absolute best to ignore and not react to bites or obvious hormonal behavior as not to encourage it. Basically, a lot of patience, band aides, understanding and dedication to not get rid of him (that and the fact I felt so sad about how he was treated in the past, I just couldn't bring myself to send him off to an unsure future. I mean, who else would want him and treat him right when he behaved like that?). At the end of the day, Kiwi has left me with a few scars, the top left part of my lip was numb/tingly for a good 6 months when he got my face the first time (though no lasting damage) but I'm glad we pushed through with him. Awful first few years, but he's such a sweet, mellowed out guy now who hasn't bit in a long time and just needed someone to not back down:)

If I were you, I would definitely keep Poppy away from your face/neck. Shouldering is out of the question. Hands and arms heal a lot easier than the face. Wear long sleeve and gloves if necessary when handling her. If she isn't already, consider giving her a light clip. Implement a unfavorable for her "bite procedure" that she can expect whenever she bites. Kiwi's is he gets returned to his cage and covered until I have time to treat the bite (which gives him time to calm down too), then he is uncovered and immediate step up drills. Glove if necessary. Step up drills reinforce good bird behavior and rebuilds trust. And I know your an experienced owner, but be sure your watching her body language. Foul body language=transport back to the cage with a stick to cool off or leave him alone until he calms down. Avoid petting anywhere but the head and make sure she's on a good routine with consistent light/dark. Also drop sugary fruits and up low sugar veg (sugar will amplify the hormones/aggression). If absolute worse comes to worse, you can consult with the vet about medicating her, but that is a last resort when all other efforts fail. I sincerely hope you can work things out with Poppy. It's nothing you or your wife have done either, and most importantly, it isn't personal. She's just a little bird and doesn't always know how to react the best way.
 
Last edited:

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Sorry to hear of your wounds an heartache, Michael. My family's first parrot, Gonzo, closely mirrors the experience of Kiwibird as posted above. He was purchased fully grown and feathered about 30 years ago and was incredibly sweet and gentle for about 4 years. The transition to vicious was fairly rapid, likely upon reaching adulthood.

His first bite was near a jugular, and believe it or not, he uttered "uh oh," a phrase never before used. It was all downhill from there, with frequent bites to the arms and fingers. We were quite ignorant of behavior modification techniques in that vintage, so he spent more time in a large cage with profuse toys and contact through the bars. The decision was made to keep him rather than re-home, and to this day he is difficult to handle. Gonzo has plenty of time out of the cage, is not aggressive towards other birds, and is mostly handled with a stick. He shows no interest in human contact other than preening of his feathers between the bars. He is a fantastic talker, and seems content. I wish he were more tame once again, but it seems to be his decision.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I am very sorry to hear she attacked you:( I have not heard about it in female BFA's being that bad but males are 'known' to have the potential to go through a very vicious period in the years after they become sexually mature, usually around 7-12ish. Raging hormones, just like teenagers get and some get it worse than others. Perhaps Poppy is having a more severe than normal hormonal issue? Many BFA's and other hot 3 zons tend to get rehomed for the first time around puberty and those first few years after becoming a sexually mature bird. It's nothing you've done as an owner, it's their biology going crazy.

When we first adopted Kiwi (around age 10), he was absolutely vicious. Pretty much what your describing Poppy doing, except he was in attack mode from the time he woke up till he went to bed. That lasted for the first few years we had him, gradually tapering off as he grew into a more mature bird and his hormones settled a bit. He was better with my husband, but I had to handle him with gloves and a stick for a long time. We did our absolute best to ignore and not react to bites or obvious hormonal behavior as not to encourage it. Basically, a lot of patience, band aides, understanding and dedication to not get rid of him (that and the fact I felt so sad about how he was treated in the past, I just couldn't bring myself to send him off to an unsure future. I mean, who else would want him and treat him right when he behaved like that?). At the end of the day, Kiwi has left me with a few scars, the top left part of my lip was numb/tingly for a good 6 months when he got my face the first time (though no lasting damage) but I'm glad we pushed through with him. Awful first few years, but he's such a sweet, mellowed out guy now who hasn't bit in a long time and just needed someone to not back down:)

If I were you, I would definitely keep Poppy away from your face/neck. Shouldering is out of the question. Hands and arms heal a lot easier than the face. Wear long sleeve and gloves if necessary when handling her. If she isn't already, consider giving her a light clip. Implement a unfavorable for her "bite procedure" that she can expect whenever she bites. Kiwi's is he gets returned to his cage and covered until I have time to treat the bite (which gives him time to calm down too), then he is uncovered and immediate step up drills. Glove if necessary. Step up drills reinforce good bird behavior and rebuilds trust. And I know your an experienced owner, but be sure your watching her body language. Foul body language=transport back to the cage with a stick to cool off or leave him alone until he calms down. Avoid petting anywhere but the head and make sure she's on a good routine with consistent light/dark. Also drop sugary fruits and up low sugar veg (sugar will amplify the hormones/aggression). If absolute worse comes to worse, you can consult with the vet about medicating her, but that is a last resort when all other efforts fail. I sincerely hope you can work things out with Poppy. It's nothing you or your wife have done either, and most importantly, it isn't personal. She's just a little bird and doesn't always know how to react the best way.

It's definitely Hormones. I must say it's a roller coaster ride with her,
she can be vicious from sun up to sun down all day, the next day a sweetie.

I'm patient and really have no desire to rehome her. Like you, I wonder how she'll be treated as she has it made in the shade here. She knows it
too. Being in Michigan, the days are short and there can be many days without sunshine, which she loves. I try to give as much full spectrum lighting as possible, but it's never the same.

You brought a good point I didn't think of, changing up her diet where
sugary fruit is cut down a bit. Amazing how much sugar is in fresh fruits
and even veggies. Cut back on treats a little as well.

There is a medication in liquid form that is used on chickens and even
cats and dogs that relieves stress and calms the animals. My wife says it
would not harm the parrots and should try it on poppie.
So I did, mixed some in her favorite drink. She has calmed right down and
is being sweet again. Yeay.

Poppie is 9, going on 10, so she's at that age as well. I do wear long sleeves around her, and she is fully flighted, and may just consider having
her clipped, at least some. May even have her beak trimmed a bit as it's
razor sharp now, and I mean SHARP !!!

Don't worry, have no intentions of getting rid of her, love her too much
even with these stiches. My doctor is shaking his head as it's the 3rd
time between my wife and I that he's seen us over the bird. Questions and jokes about what the insurance company would say when he writes report
to send in for billing. LOL.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Sorry to hear of your wounds an heartache, Michael. My family's first parrot, Gonzo, closely mirrors the experience of Kiwibird as posted above. He was purchased fully grown and feathered about 30 years ago and was incredibly sweet and gentle for about 4 years. The transition to vicious was fairly rapid, likely upon reaching adulthood.

His first bite was near a jugular, and believe it or not, he uttered "uh oh," a phrase never before used. It was all downhill from there, with frequent bites to the arms and fingers. We were quite ignorant of behavior modification techniques in that vintage, so he spent more time in a large cage with profuse toys and contact through the bars. The decision was made to keep him rather than re-home, and to this day he is difficult to handle. Gonzo has plenty of time out of the cage, is not aggressive towards other birds, and is mostly handled with a stick. He shows no interest in human contact other than preening of his feathers between the bars. He is a fantastic talker, and seems content. I wish he were more tame once again, but it seems to be his decision.

Hi Scott,

Yeah from about March to Mid October Poppie is the sweetest bird their
is, Come the winter months, she turns evil. She doesn't get to go in Gazebo, or outside anymore and yea, she gets mad about that.

Sometimes I wonder if it's winter blues, or boredom. I spend tons on toys
but she ignores them for the most part. Now and then she might play
and I will play with the toys with her which she loves.

But I do think it's a combination of that and not all hormones. She's also a very jealous bird too, does not like me with the other birds. I'm hers
and only hers as far as she's concerned. So I have to be sneaky and not
let her see me with other birds on my shoulders.
 

miloslave

New member
May 17, 2010
408
2
South Africa - Cape Town
Parrots
Mustache Parakeet - Milo
CAG - Charlie
Poor Poppie. And you of course, lol. But it is hard to become a big bird! I found time-outs worked wonders when Charlie threatened to become a biter. But not in in cage, that I feel should be a safe haven for them. I put Charlie in my little guest bathroom on top of the closed toilet seat and closed the door on him. Leave him there for five minutes max. He became a different bird as soon as he realized that biting had consequences. You can use the kitchen floor for example. Somewhere he is not comfortable and is deprived of your company for a couple of minutes. Don't like that at all? Then behave. Now I just have to ask if he wants time-out and he seems to pull himself towards himself very quickly. I know he is not a Amazon, but the behaviour was modified through him realizing there is consequences. The only thing is that it has to happen immediately. But then you already know that, Lol.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Poor Poppie. And you of course, lol. But it is hard to become a big bird! I found time-outs worked wonders when Charlie threatened to become a biter. But not in in cage, that I feel should be a safe haven for them. I put Charlie in my little guest bathroom on top of the closed toilet seat and closed the door on him. Leave him there for five minutes max. He became a different bird as soon as he realized that biting had consequences. You can use the kitchen floor for example. Somewhere he is not comfortable and is deprived of your company for a couple of minutes. Don't like that at all? Then behave. Now I just have to ask if he wants time-out and he seems to pull himself towards himself very quickly. I know he is not a Amazon, but the behaviour was modified through him realizing there is consequences. The only thing is that it has to happen immediately. But then you already know that, Lol.

With Poppie, I love her to bits, regardless of my serious bites. I have to
back track to get to the bottom of her viciousness, which I realize may be part hormonal. But I'm also taking a closer look at her diet in case I missed something that's triggering a more aggressive day.

I've cut back a bit on her treats, and amount of fruit. Fresh fruit has a lot of sugar which I won't deny her fruit. But cut back on the amount, and
look closely at what variety of chop I give her. She loves her veggies.

Funny thing though, my wife and I had salad that nite and had a bad tummy the next day, She gotten some of that salad as well. Spinach, Kale
greens and that. and she was aggressive the next day. Wondering if maybe
she too wasn't feeling too good as well.

Today I spent the morning just talking to her from a distant and she
finally said up up when she wants up, so I picked her up she leaned forward and gave me a kiss on the lips, and said Love youuuuuu.
She was beautiful and cuddled up next to me. That's my Poppie.
She's a beautiful bird, just have to guide her and support her through the
tough times of becoming a big bird. After all, she just wants to love and be loved back, play and have someone play toys with her which she likes,
and have a sing along.

She has a tremendous amount of freedom, never gets locked in cage
even at night unless she needs a time out. She's fully aware of what that means as well.
 

friendcaique

New member
Oct 18, 2015
114
0
Australia
Parrots
Hoping for a Budgie!
ok i am now terrified to get a caique because of these things:eek:

I do not want a bird attacking my friends and family or me but i know birds dont generally bite so ya.:confused:
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
ok i am now terrified to get a caique because of these things:eek:

I do not want a bird attacking my friends and family or me but i know birds dont generally bite so ya.:confused:

I would check on the caique part of the forum, but I don't think they are "known" to typically have the same level of "issues" with hormones as a certain 3 species of amazons.

But you are right, ALL parrots bite from time to time (from budgies to macaws) and all parrots experience some 'crazy' behavior with puberty/mating season. It is definitely something to consider when looking at parrots as pets. Some species are not as bad as others with hormonal aggression though and a caique would not be able to do the same level of damage as a zon because they are quite a bit smaller. I'm sure a caique could still inflict a painful enough bite though if they wanted:54:
 

drlisaort

New member
Nov 3, 2012
683
0
Hollywood, Florida
Parrots
Oliver, Male (SI) Eclectus
Although I have no words of advice, I must applaud you and your wife...you are amazing people to tolerate...with such patience...Poppie's behavior. I think given your research you might be on to something, perhaps there was abuse in Poppie's past. How very, very sad for all.....
 

OOwl

New member
Oct 12, 2010
723
3
Texas
Parrots
Rosebreasted Cockatoo, Congo Grey, MRH Amazon, Lovebird
I also am in respect and awe of your ability to approach this problem with such maturity and resolve to fix it. I genuinely worry for you, though, and would caution you not to face snuggle with this bird until you get a better handle on her problem with extreme aggression and unpredictability. I don't want to log on and find out she savaged your face again. There are just some horrific stories of Amazons and big cockatoos doing some serious damage to humans. I thought Kiwibird's advice for handling your parrot was so helpful. I'm going to be inheriting an Amazon someday, so I always read all the Amazon advice so I can be ready for him. Please be careful with your girl. I'm hoping this is just a phase in her life and she becomes more safe and predictable. Kudos to you, though, for being her for-better-or-worse friend.
 

torrap

Member
Jun 10, 2013
494
4
CO, USA
Parrots
Marley-YSA (hen) -hatched 07/20/2006;
Simba-DYHA (hen)-hatched 06/23/2003
I had a very hard time reading about all of your injuries, but I wanted to finish as I have zons myself. So sorry, that is sad for everybody.
The only thing that came to my mind is "Could this be a male zon?". I don't think I ever heard of a hen zon doing this to the caregiver.
I got bitten by my YSA hen yesterday after reprimanding her for chewing my bed. It was bleeding, but not near to what you are dealing with.
That's where I started to analyze, and I think you are right.
I know my DYHA hen is very unlikely to bite me, and I can trust her with her beak in my face anytime (which I know I shouldn't). But I also know she came to me from super nice owners, and only 2 of them before me.
The YSA on the other hand came to me from very questionable past and numerous owners before me. She is a very sweet bird, but I know better not to trust her in my face all the time.
 

mh434

New member
Oct 28, 2014
473
9
BC, Canada
Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazon "Sammy"
Love birds (4)
Green-cheeked Conure "Skittles" - now, sadly gone from my life
Blue-Crowned Conure "Tequila"
African Grey "Reno" - sadly, now gone from my life
I can only say I'm sorry for what you're going through, and I can sympathize. I have a YNA (in my avatar) who is (I believe - not confirmed) male. He goes through periods of 1-3 days at a time when I don't dare try to touch him, or my blood will definitely run. I'm learning to read his body language - pinning of the eyes, flaring of the tail, slight spreading of the wings - ALL indicate that he's ready to attack if approached. And remember - Amazons DON'T bluff!!!

He was that way (we call it "being pissy") for the past couple of days yet, right now, he's sitting on my shoulder as I write this, calm & gentle, making gentle cooing sounds & preening my hair.

We have 8 other parrots of various kinds (several Lovebirds, two Conures, and a CAG), and they all have hormonal issues from time to time, but Sammy the YNA is the king of attitude, and can easily hold a crazed-rabid-pitbull-on-speed-and-steroids grudge for 2-3 weeks at a time. The rest of the birds are a breeze compared to him...but I love him endlessly.

Such is life with a 'Zon...
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
I suspect hormonal aggression.

My red lored amazon is driving me nuts at the moment, chasing away the other amazons in the house, and generally behaving clingy hormonal...
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Although I have no words of advice, I must applaud you and your wife...you are amazing people to tolerate...with such patience...Poppie's behavior. I think given your research you might be on to something, perhaps there was abuse in Poppie's past. How very, very sad for all.....

Thank-you,

Myself I never show show fear towards aggressive animals. No matter what
the animal, they will sense fear and use it towards their advantage and towards you. parrots are much the same way, if you show no fear, they sense it and know that you can protect them from the elements. Just like animals in the wild dismiss the weakest and go for the strongest or alpha.

I do think Poppie was hit in the past, I can't prove it, but a couple people
that know the previous owner say differently and that she was. Regardless
That's in her past, and the key is to help her see that life here is far better
than where hse was a few years ago. Funny though how they can still remember that stuff.

I'm also keeping a daily log that will keep track of her behavior, what she
eats specifically, her activities everything. That way I can take a look
and alter or change something when needed once pin pointed.

My wife and I put up with a lot and rescue what we can. Just recently,
November, I seen some thrashing on our back adjoining property, and a closer look showed a deer, Doe, tangled in the fence. I called for my wife,
and we ran out towards it. My wife threw her Jacket over the does head,
which stops it from thrashing as it can't see, much like a deer in the headlights, and I untangled the leg.

She took the jacket off her head, and off went the doe, about 40 feet
and stopped. Looked at us for a few seconds as if saying thanks, and off it went. We love animals. I won't hunt them.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #17
I also am in respect and awe of your ability to approach this problem with such maturity and resolve to fix it. I genuinely worry for you, though, and would caution you not to face snuggle with this bird until you get a better handle on her problem with extreme aggression and unpredictability. I don't want to log on and find out she savaged your face again. There are just some horrific stories of Amazons and big cockatoos doing some serious damage to humans. I thought Kiwibird's advice for handling your parrot was so helpful. I'm going to be inheriting an Amazon someday, so I always read all the Amazon advice so I can be ready for him. Please be careful with your girl. I'm hoping this is just a phase in her life and she becomes more safe and predictable. Kudos to you, though, for being her for-better-or-worse friend.

Thank you buddy,

She is my for better or for worse bird. I show no fear around her, and
even a day after she made hamburg out of me, I showed no fear.
She wanted up, I let her get up on my hand. She looked at the gauze's
on my hand and wrist and I said, yeah, you did that. And just about that
time she leaned forward and I let her give me a kiss in the lips with
her beak. She then said, Love youuuuuuuu. Brought tears to
my wife's eye's and she got all emotional.

We know Poppie is trying, despite her past owners and what ever happened there. And we understand she's also trying to grow up
into a big girl too.

Kiwi always has great advice. I admire her and her Amazon.

I am cautious with her, my wife however keeps her distant. Though she
doesn't ignore poppie, she just avoids direct contact.

You'll love your amazon when you get it, they really are deep down,
one very beautiful, and whole hearted bird.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #18
I had a very hard time reading about all of your injuries, but I wanted to finish as I have zons myself. So sorry, that is sad for everybody.
The only thing that came to my mind is "Could this be a male zon?". I don't think I ever heard of a hen zon doing this to the caregiver.
I got bitten by my YSA hen yesterday after reprimanding her for chewing my bed. It was bleeding, but not near to what you are dealing with.
That's where I started to analyze, and I think you are right.
I know my DYHA hen is very unlikely to bite me, and I can trust her with her beak in my face anytime (which I know I shouldn't). But I also know she came to me from super nice owners, and only 2 of them before me.
The YSA on the other hand came to me from very questionable past and numerous owners before me. She is a very sweet bird, but I know better not to trust her in my face all the time.

Funny you mentioned that, I was just bringing that up with my wife,
and we too are thinking "she" might very well be a "he".
When we gotten her, she was only at the rescue for a day, and I had to have her. They claimed that she was "sex" and that she was a female.
However they couldn't produce papers that say so.

So, I'm going to have it done myself as I need to know for sure.
Though I have heard females can get just as aggressive, many
articles suggest the male is "more" aggressive.
I wonder though if research about that is 100 % accurate. That
I don't honestly know for sure.

I have always trusted Poppie near my face, on shoulder, but have limited it
lately. She is very sweet when she's not going thru this.
She did have a questionable past, and took poppie nearly 8 months
to settle in when I brought her home. She was not liking the change.
But the change was more freedom, a variety of cages not just
one, an outdoor Gazebo to hang out in. She loves it all.
The winter months have to be rough on a bird, I try to change things
up so they get to sit by window, have a few flowers by cage ( good ones,
not poisonous ones) and more toys.
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #19
I can only say I'm sorry for what you're going through, and I can sympathize. I have a YNA (in my avatar) who is (I believe - not confirmed) male. He goes through periods of 1-3 days at a time when I don't dare try to touch him, or my blood will definitely run. I'm learning to read his body language - pinning of the eyes, flaring of the tail, slight spreading of the wings - ALL indicate that he's ready to attack if approached. And remember - Amazons DON'T bluff!!!

He was that way (we call it "being pissy") for the past couple of days yet, right now, he's sitting on my shoulder as I write this, calm & gentle, making gentle cooing sounds & preening my hair.

We have 8 other parrots of various kinds (several Lovebirds, two Conures, and a CAG), and they all have hormonal issues from time to time, but Sammy the YNA is the king of attitude, and can easily hold a crazed-rabid-pitbull-on-speed-and-steroids grudge for 2-3 weeks at a time. The rest of the birds are a breeze compared to him...but I love him endlessly.

Such is life with a 'Zon...

Thanks,
Yeah that's like Poppie, usually 1 day at least one to 3 times a week she
see's red and.....RUN!!!! LOL. Blood will be drawn. The Amazon Death
dance has commenced!!! Amazons don't Bluff is absolutely correct.
They don't take prisoners either. They pin the eyes, fan the tail, wings
out slightly with the look " You will die "....LOL.

They really are king of the the attitude issue. I have several other
parrots, they don't even come close to the attitude of poppie when she has her issues. But she is my baby, and love her to bits....and she too
is sitting right here on my shoulder chewing on my ear, not hard. Today
is a good day for her. So far......
 
OP
Hawk

Hawk

Banned
Banned
Dec 5, 2014
1,052
Media
2
Albums
1
0
Michigan, USA
Parrots
5 Parrots, 8 year old Blue-fronted Amazon, 2 1/2 yr. old African Grey, 2 3/4 year old Senegal. 5 month old ekkie, 5 month old Albino parakeet. Major Mitchell Cockatoo, passed away at age 68.
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #20
I suspect hormonal aggression.

My red lored amazon is driving me nuts at the moment, chasing away the other amazons in the house, and generally behaving clingy hormonal...

Yeah you and me both, hormonal aggression big time. Plus
she drives all the other birds away as well.

Clingy isn't the word, She wants to be by me 24/7
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top