My Ollie (also a sun conure) was pretty well socialized since he was 3 months old when we got him. We used to be able to put him on just about anyone's should and he'd give them kisses. However, when he turned a year old he suddenly decided he was only going to accept me, my husband and my babysitter as his flock mates and attack anyone and everyone else who steps foot in the house. We've tried to fix it but no luck so far. We even clipped him for a different reason but as a result he can no longer do an aerial attack but doesn't pass up the chance to attack if someone gets too close to him if he's on his cage or my should. He has his beak open and ready for passerbys if they pass me in the kitchen or living room. Lol. Sometimes there is really nothing you can do... I've accepted it and I think it's not a big deal. Just put Mary in the cage when people come over and she can't behave.
I've had similar experiences with Skittles. He was a little over a year old when I bought him from the local pet store (that gets all their birds from local breeders). He had been to three different stores. The clerks at this particular store interact with the animals on a regular basis which I love.
Skittles was completely tamed when I got him. He was taught to make "kissy noises" and was also potty trained so he is free-flighted as a result. Some people become so afraid of being bit that it actually gives the birds the signal to bite. They "sense" the fear and react as a result. Thats why its so important to NOT react when getting bitten. Thats not to say you should just let them do it, a firm "no bite" and redirection are very effective methods. If it still persists, cage for timeout.
I rarely have company so when people come over I just put him in his cage and cover him up until they are gone (no one is ever here for more than half an hour, not even that. I don't like people in my house. So its only my neighbor or landlord that stop buy). But my situation is 'unique'. It wasn't always like this too. When I first got him, he was fine and I was having company (medical reasons) for about five hours, three days a week. Both my workers loved birds so it was easy. One even had a cockatiel.
Once it became just him and I, he became much less socialized. I can't work, so moving for a job does not apply. I don't travel (I would if I didn't have Skittles) and as for friends/relationships- they'd have to accept that Skittles will ALWAYS come first, thats just how it is. I put him even before myself.
I suppose one of the reasons I do that is out of guilt. I made a LOT of mistakes with birds I've had in the past. I've had dozens of birds over the years, and I regret that I didn't know then what I know now. Some of it was ignorance and some of it was just stupidity. I'll leave it at that. Being bipolar, I went through so many times not caring if I lived or died and as a result made horrible decisions. Now, all I worry about is dying before Skittles and him being alone. I can't hurt myself now that I have him and I pursue things to improve my health instead.
