Hello everyone!
Two weeks ago I brought home an approx. 12 week old Maximilian pionus, Freddie. Her breeder did a wonderful job at raising her, she was weaned naturally and she settled in remarkably well with both me and my partner since coming home. She's been as sweet as can be with both of us, trying out her beak as any baby does, and has been quick in learning what I can and can't tolerate in terms of beak pressure.
However, my partner doesn't have as much bird experience, and even when coached through it, he's been more reactive when Freddie has nipped a little too hard. In the past two days, this has escalated into full bites whenever I'm in the room with my partner at the same time.
She's been bonding with me much more strongly, but will act much sweeter to my partner when I'm not around. He took care of her alone for a few hours last night, only had one warning nip on his hand but she settled down immediately. Has anyone else had experience with this kind of behaviour in such a young bird? If so, do you have any tips on how to nip this in the bud before it becomes habit?
I've asked my partner to back off from handling for now, and to give her the yummiest treats/talk to her softly instead for the moment. I have a background in animal training, but Freddie's my first owned parrot (lifetime dream!
) and I would appreciate any guidance in the right direction!
(p.s. I'm a long time lurker on this forum, a huge thanks to you all for the interesting and informative posts!)
Two weeks ago I brought home an approx. 12 week old Maximilian pionus, Freddie. Her breeder did a wonderful job at raising her, she was weaned naturally and she settled in remarkably well with both me and my partner since coming home. She's been as sweet as can be with both of us, trying out her beak as any baby does, and has been quick in learning what I can and can't tolerate in terms of beak pressure.
However, my partner doesn't have as much bird experience, and even when coached through it, he's been more reactive when Freddie has nipped a little too hard. In the past two days, this has escalated into full bites whenever I'm in the room with my partner at the same time.
She's been bonding with me much more strongly, but will act much sweeter to my partner when I'm not around. He took care of her alone for a few hours last night, only had one warning nip on his hand but she settled down immediately. Has anyone else had experience with this kind of behaviour in such a young bird? If so, do you have any tips on how to nip this in the bud before it becomes habit?
I've asked my partner to back off from handling for now, and to give her the yummiest treats/talk to her softly instead for the moment. I have a background in animal training, but Freddie's my first owned parrot (lifetime dream!
) and I would appreciate any guidance in the right direction!(p.s. I'm a long time lurker on this forum, a huge thanks to you all for the interesting and informative posts!)
