I think this is a great thread and many can learn from this. First of all, this bird needs to learn where it stands within its flock. In a bird's natural environment, there is a pecking order and the dominate one makes the rules. If I remember correctly, all animals have a leader. In this case, the human is the leader of the flock and the bird needs to follow the rules. In many posts on various forums, people say birds are like children. Well, children need to know the rules and how to behave within their society. There is no reason why this bird should not be given a punishment of some sort for its misbehavior which is attacking people and animals no matter what the cause. In any animal environment, a member is put into place by slight physical violence and the member straightens up. We know violence is not the cure with birds because then there is no longer trust. I see no reason why a bird cannot receive a time out in its cage. We are taught as young parents when a child misbehaves to give it a timeout in a corner or his/her room, but to discuss the situation afterward and show affection as well so the child understands why it was punished and is still loved. With a bird, once the time out has allowed the bird to settle down, it then can be again brought out into the family environment. Birds are very intelligent animals and will associate their behavior with timeouts. Hopefully timeouts will cure this little bird's temper tantrums whenever it sees something it doesn't like.
A lot of people leave their birds unclipped and that is their choice. But to allow a bird who has shown violent behavior and terrorize everything in its path and remain unclipped is crazy in my opinion. The most important thing here is safety for everybody in the household. This is an animal and an animal does not run the household in which it's in. There are lots of training methods available and owners must choose what works for them. I do not see a reason why a bird cannot be clipped while being trained. What is wrong with a bird being dependent on its owner? She is the leader who provides everything it needs.
I have a rehomed bird that was free flighted and was spoiled. Whenever this bird sees us eat at the table while out on its playstand, it flies and lands on us expecting a handout. That is not acceptable in our household. I understand many people think of their pets as their children, but they aren't. They are animals and should be treated as such. These birds have long lives and most likely will have to be rehomed at some point because they will out live us. Please think ahead who may own the bird after you and teach it some manners.
Pretty sure this hasn't been touched for some obvious reasons but if people are going to read this thread for some good insight I think someone has to. Might as well be me.
Birds do not have a hierarchy. There is no "leader" in a flock (actually there are quite a few animal groups that do not have a leader mentality.) Humans are not in control of their parrots, they are
part of their flock. Eating with your birds is a great way to bond with them and include them in flock activities they would do in the wild together. And my birds ARE my children, and many people here will agree with that. Just because you do not see them as equals or your children does not mean they shouldn't be seen that way to others. I absolutely love my birds, they are my babies, and if I ever dated someone who didn't like them tough •••• - that person would get the boot, not my birds. (My partner loves my birds though, especially Zen - he really wants to have a relationship with Neelix too but he's a brat.) I don't treat my birds as just "animals" - I treat them as more or less equals. If there was a fire I would risk my life to save them, if I had to choose between them and a stranger I would choose them, if someone wanted to move in with me that didn't like birds I would say no, etc.
And as with humans positive reinforcement has always done a lot more to curb inappropriate behavior than punishment alone.
I also do not believe either that training automatically means the bird should be clipped. Neelix enjoys training whether he is clipped or not (he was only clipped when I first got him though, the breeder did it
) and he does great. He has some behavior issues but those are mostly only brought out with others. You shouldn't force a bird to rely on you just because you think you are their leader. That's wrong, imo. Stripping away someones confidence so you can force what you want on them is basically what this is. I would rather my birds come to me when they want, join me in activities if they want, go back to their cage if they are done hanging out, etc etc. I don't want to force myself on them or take away their confidence for my own convenience because that's selfish. Not to mention the benefits of flight are so high and watching Neelix fly around is amazing. He is my most skilled flyer and definitely the most confident.
Erica - I know exactly what kind of situation you are in. I'm currently in it with Neelix. He does NOT like other people at all. You're lucky that your hubby can touch Dexter! LOL. My partner wants so desperately to cuddle with Neelix, he's been trying so hard by giving him lots of treats and talking to him but Neelix is just a little brat. After puberty hit for him he decided he only liked me and strangers were fun aerial attack targets. He takes treats aggressively too if you're not careful. Since my partner moved in Neelix has been in his cage a bit more than usual and I think he's calmed down quite a bit. If I stand or sit by his cage while he's on his playstand he won't fly to anyone. But if I'm holding him and someone comes towards me he'll bite me very hard. I also put Neelix in his cage if he's too excited (or if I know I'll trigger the behavior i.e. if I want to eat food or if I know someone is coming over.) One thing I would recommend is giving him a treat every single time he goes to his cage for bed (not for being naughty) and not giving him treats when he's put in his cage for his behavior. I actually try to get Neelix to go in his own cage at night rather than me putting him in it myself. He's easily bribed with almonds lol.
These greenies are little spit fires lol. Good luck.
