I adopted Stinker about 5 years ago, so she's about 12 now, I'm 48. We got off to a rough start, but things definitely improved. I have had parrots before, an UC and a grey, and I have worked with tons of other species. I am familiar with all aspects of bird behavior: Positive reinforcement, aggression, breeding, training, you name it. Well, things have gone nuts lately and I just don't know what to do. In the last 2 weeks, without warning, she has pierced my upper lip, just below the nose, bit 2 fingers to the point I almost needed stitches, and just now, on offering her my towel covered shoulder, she stepped up, then latched on to my upper ear, resulting in another piecing. This comes after a healthy breakfast, some together time with no issues, fresh water (she prefers my water to hers, not a big deal), and a bit of friendly play. (I always wear a towel, for poops.)
She has a 30" by 30" by 36" cage, with LOTS of toys and regular toy swaps. Hasn't laid an egg in probably 2 years. 12-14 hours of sleep/covered time. Diet includes Nutriberries, Texas Freeze Dried chop, 1 pistachio, small parrot mix from My Safe Bird Store, fresh water twice a day. Out of cage time for 6-8 hours a day, or more.
I can't keep going like this, she's never been so randomly aggressive. A few people suggested rehoming her, I can't. That would be her 3rd home, and the first time she hurts someone, she's going to be off to another home. I am looking at a much larger cage, but she HATES being out without being ON ME. She will scream nonstop if I just let her out but not have her on me. But I am really tired of the biting. Sat down and had a good cry before coming here. Is there anything I can change, or add to her diet, to help us both?
She has a 30" by 30" by 36" cage, with LOTS of toys and regular toy swaps. Hasn't laid an egg in probably 2 years. 12-14 hours of sleep/covered time. Diet includes Nutriberries, Texas Freeze Dried chop, 1 pistachio, small parrot mix from My Safe Bird Store, fresh water twice a day. Out of cage time for 6-8 hours a day, or more.
I can't keep going like this, she's never been so randomly aggressive. A few people suggested rehoming her, I can't. That would be her 3rd home, and the first time she hurts someone, she's going to be off to another home. I am looking at a much larger cage, but she HATES being out without being ON ME. She will scream nonstop if I just let her out but not have her on me. But I am really tired of the biting. Sat down and had a good cry before coming here. Is there anything I can change, or add to her diet, to help us both?