My Amazon Suddenly Turned Aggressive?

My parrot Bingo and I have been inseparable since I got him in May. He's a very cuddly bird and he always will come to me.

I just tried to pick him up to feed him some snacks from the kitchen (as I do almost every day) and he suddenly bit me. He's never acted that way to me before and I'm confused about this sudden mood swing. I let him be for a bit before coming back and trying again. He bit me again harder than last time.

Now he's sitting on his cage floor biting at the bars trying to get out. He's been perfectly okay before this and I'm worried something is wrong. Is there any explanation? Thanks!

Hi there. What kind of Amazon? Are you sure of the age?

WHat was he doing just before he bit you?

Did you give him adequate warning about what you were going to do?

DO not let this discourage you - parrot biting is not personal and he is not trying to get you. Its usually related to environment , attention, health or diet. GO to the Amazon sub forum, and read both the stickies at the top, in your case read them several times, out loud ( parrots love that).

wrench13 said:

Hi there. What kind of Amazon? Are you sure of the age?

WHat was he doing just before he bit you?

Did you give him adequate warning about what you were going to do?

DO not let this discourage you - parrot biting is not personal and he is not trying to get you. Its usually related to environment , attention, health or diet. GO to the Amazon sub forum, and read both the stickies at the top, in your case read them several times, out loud ( parrots love that).

Click to expand...

I was talking to him like I normally do. Saying hello, calling him good boy, etc. I opened his cage and held my hand out. He usually climbs his cage over to step up, but he climbed over and bit my finger.

I gave him some time and closed the door. Tried again by opening the cage and just holding my hand so he can come over again. He walked over and bit me again.

He's a yellow naped Amazon between the ages of 5-6.

I was able to get him to step up and go on my shoulder by playing a song he loves. Now when I try to pet him or have him step down so I can put him away, he keeps biting me and won't listen.

He's also being more quiet than normal. Usually he's up and exercising and talking and now he doesn't want to move from his perch and he won't talk. I'm really upset over this. I have actual tears streaming down my face because I had to catch him in a towel to put him safely back in his cage.

I love Bingo so much. I want him to be healthy and happy. I hope nothing's wrong.

Hi
I understand how much you love this bird as I do mine....after 32 years I have learned certain moods Baby can be in. For example if she is tired and just wants to sleep and not be bothers she will 'strike' out or put her head down refusing to get on the dowel rod. I respect it and move on. I do try again a bit later and all is normal again. Be patient and observant. You will work this out and others here will be of more help as they have more experience with lots of birds. Many things in combination tell you a bird is in need of a vet check......behavior is just one, fecal changes, (new foods can change the color too....blackberries anyone )
good luck to you.

It is very important with an Amazon to understand their Body Language and as stated above, assure that they 'fully' know what you are asking and they are ready to Step-Up. This requires that you have clearly stated Step-up and your YNA has responded with a raised foot or like signal.

You have less than three full months with your Amazon. This is a very short period of time to develop a strong bond, good communication, plus an understanding of Amazon Body Language.

Your interactions with your 'new' Amazon is to be honest, is amazing.

My vantage point with an Amazon is the same whether they a new members or long term members of our home:
- It is NEVER the fault of the Amazon!
- It is ALWAYS the fault of the Human!
By simply changing your vantage point, you will more quickly understand what you have done wrong and correct it.

To develop a strong relationship with an Amazon requires that you are constantly providing them a reason to trust you. You build the relationship with them by assuring that only good things happy when you are around.

In short, you are not being mindful of your Amazon's Body Language as you approach him. Not verifying that he is ready to be moved or come to you. He does not know your language, you need to learn his.

Start from step one, and redevelop /develop your relationship with your Amazon! It was not a mood swing as much as it was your Amazon trying to get you to pay attention.

SunnyJ said:

Hi
I understand how much you love this bird as I do mine....after 32 years I have learned certain moods Baby can be in. For example if she is tired and just wants to sleep and not be bothers she will 'strike' out or put her head down refusing to get on the dowel rod. I respect it and move on. I do try again a bit later and all is normal again. Be patient and observant. You will work this out and others here will be of more help as they have more experience with lots of birds. Many things in combination tell you a bird is in need of a vet check......behavior is just one, fecal changes, (new foods can change the color too....blackberries anyone )
good luck to you.

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I think what you mentioned is what Bingo is going through.

Since I got him back in his cage, he's been sleeping all day.

We did have company over yesterday and a lot of people came into my room to see him. Maybe he needs a day of sleep since it was draining and I didn't know. So me expecting him to step up like normal is what made him upset.

I gave him fresh food and water and I'm leaving him be for the day to sleep. I'll schedule a vet appointment anyway just to make sure he's healthy.

SunnyJ said:

Hi
I understand how much you love this bird as I do mine....after 32 years I have learned certain moods Baby can be in. For example if she is tired and just wants to sleep and not be bothers she will 'strike' out or put her head down refusing to get on the dowel rod. I respect it and move on. I do try again a bit later and all is normal again. Be patient and observant. You will work this out and others here will be of more help as they have more experience with lots of birds. Many things in combination tell you a bird is in need of a vet check......behavior is just one, fecal changes, (new foods can change the color too....blackberries anyone )
good luck to you.

Click to expand...

Yeah, this is important advice. Respect your bird. They have moods like people do and sometimes just want to be alone. I don't do things my bird doesn't want. I watch the body language. I give my bird her rights and choices. This is one of the best ways to built a mutually-respectful relationship.

As an example.. I wanted to take her out shopping today, but she saw I wanted to take her, then turned around, hid in the back of the closet (her hiding spot), and that was it. I had to respect that. I know if I stuck my hand in there, I would have gotten a serious bite and it would have been my fault.

* She built a nest/hiding spot on the top shelf in my closet. I had some regular towels and paper towels there and so she ripped it all up, etc.. and it's like her own place for when she wants to be alone and out of reach.

So be respectful. Two months is a short time to get on the same page anyway, but I always tell people to respect their bird. It's not a toy or an object.

Now at the end of the day, Bingo seems well rested and talkative! Tried again to have him step up and he did! Responded to head scratches and conversation like normal.

Only thing I noticed was that when it was time for him to go back in his cage, he wouldn't let me put my hand near him when he was on my left shoulder. On the right, he was perfectly fine. It was only him on my left that caused a biting warning. But not as severe as before.

I did notice today that his beak is somewhat chipped. Probably from when he was biting the bars. That may be what's causing him an issue and maybe he is trying to bite me when I get near it because it hurts him.

Otherwise, Bingo is playing with his toys, talking, and eating just fine! I'm scheduling a vet trip in the morning just to check that he's alright!