What do you do?

[goodbred]

Hello,

I've had Boswell my GCC for about a week, and he has been very sweet. The past two days though he was been more aggressive towards me. The environment is the same. He doesn't really want to step up. He is lunging at my hand now, but only if I try to get him to step up. His nails are a bit long so I thought that might be the issue. Maybe it feels uncomfortable? My avian vet wont be back for another week, and I am not comfortable doing that by myself yet. I am not really buying into the whole flock leader theory, so I'm not going to push him. Just leaving his cage open and talking/whistling to him. Any ideas? What did/do you do when your conure is having a bad day or two in order to not get discouraged?

Randy

 

[goodbred]

He also is doing a lot of head bobbing, and rubbing his beak against things.

 

[BoomBoom]

I've heard of bluffing in gcc's where they try to test their limits with you. Maybe this is what's happening? The important thing is to not make it a habit with your bird. Once he gets used to doing it, it will be harder to correct. Try to avoid whatever it is that triggers these attacks.

Sometimes when my bird gets to excited he could nip me real hard on the neck or lips. I tell him very sternly NO and I give him his space. I would also avoid the trigger (in my case, over excitement so I revert to a more calm, even countenance). It's never really been a problem after that.

 

[BoomBoom]

Ps. I don't think the nails have anything to do with it. If anything they probably prefer having longer nails (within reason) to shortened ones.

 

[kiwiS]

Hi Randy!

Sometimes I try to think like Kiwi. If I were having a bad day and someone was bugging me to do something that I'm just not that invested in, I'd get real bitter. Depending on the bird/person - sometimes they will still comply, but some strong personalities will do an all out no or lash out.

I would give him some space for a day or two and then go back to it. If he is still resisting, you could try target/clicker training, which a lot of folks seem to do with success.

Be sure though, when he does step up nicely, to make it the biggest deal in the world. Praise and praise and give lots of treats and scratches till your little conure puffs up with pride! Before you know it he'll be DYING to step up just to show you how smart he is ^.^ It will be something he will want to do, even on bad days, so he can feel good!

They sure are funny little creatures. Kiwi tickles me silly every day, even on her bad days!

 

[goodbred]

Yeah we've been doing some clicker training. He picked up the targeting in a minute. We've been working on the step up using the clicker when I get home from work each day. I think he's just grumpy. He keeps calling for me when i'm not in the room, but he doesn't feel like being touched today I guess.

 

[kiwiS]

That's probably it ^.^ Grumpiness does happen! Don't worry he will get over it. Instead of focusing on that, maybe you can sit next to his cage (with the door open) and talk/sing or read a book to him. That way you both have the company of each other without much physical interaction. He might even come over and want to sit with you. it's just as rewarding ^.^ Enjoy!

 

[Calace]

It could also be that he is just getting used to his new environment and testing the boundaries! I have read quite a few threads about similar behaviour such as this one- http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/35230-agressive.html
All advice seems to be let him settle and don't push him, but let him know that aggression is not ok!
Good luck!

 

[goodbred]

**Update** Boswell is still not up for doing any clicker training today. I let him be and ignored him. When he realized that his nipping meant he wasn't coming out, he started to call for me. Tried to nip when I went to take him out, and I just walked away again. He started calling again and I managed to get him out. He's not letting me pet him, but he is sleeping in the nook of my arm.