AlbertaGirl
Expert Wheel Scrubber
I know there are people here who know about parrots, and I need some help. Any recommendations for a good parrot forum would be appreciated too. So here's the story:
My boyfriend knows a lot about birds, and a couple of years ago adopted a poor little Senegal who had been branded as a troublemaker. He's been through 7 or 8 homes, and has always been given back to the rescue because of his issues. My boyfriend has no intention of giving him back no matter what, which I think is admirable. But, the bird does have issues - especially with me. He's OK with my boyfriend, but he hates me. The last time I held him (which was over a year ago) he bit my thumb so hard that it took almost a week for the mark to go away, and now I'm a little bit afraid of him. I talk to him, give him treats, etc., but he makes it clear that he doesn't like me and will bite me if given a chance. No amount of (gentle) correction will change this behaviour. So far it hasn't been a huge issue because I only see him once or twice a week. However... I'll be moving in with my boyfriend soon, and I really want for Tiko and I to be friends. I would like to be able to have him out of his cage while my boyfriend isn't home. I need some suggestions on how I can help him adjust to me, and vice versa. I recognize that his behaviour is not his fault, and since he's been through so many homes, we may never fully understand what motivates him. I also understand that bird psychology and behaviour is very complex and there will not be an easy solution. But there must be something I can do to at least bring about a truce! Any suggestions would be very welcome.
My boyfriend knows a lot about birds, and a couple of years ago adopted a poor little Senegal who had been branded as a troublemaker. He's been through 7 or 8 homes, and has always been given back to the rescue because of his issues. My boyfriend has no intention of giving him back no matter what, which I think is admirable. But, the bird does have issues - especially with me. He's OK with my boyfriend, but he hates me. The last time I held him (which was over a year ago) he bit my thumb so hard that it took almost a week for the mark to go away, and now I'm a little bit afraid of him. I talk to him, give him treats, etc., but he makes it clear that he doesn't like me and will bite me if given a chance. No amount of (gentle) correction will change this behaviour. So far it hasn't been a huge issue because I only see him once or twice a week. However... I'll be moving in with my boyfriend soon, and I really want for Tiko and I to be friends. I would like to be able to have him out of his cage while my boyfriend isn't home. I need some suggestions on how I can help him adjust to me, and vice versa. I recognize that his behaviour is not his fault, and since he's been through so many homes, we may never fully understand what motivates him. I also understand that bird psychology and behaviour is very complex and there will not be an easy solution. But there must be something I can do to at least bring about a truce! Any suggestions would be very welcome.