HELLLLLLP! Our Nanday's being quite naughty!

[PJ68]

We were lucky enough to find a nanday conure two weeks ago. SEE ORIGINAL POST (http://forums.parrot.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=177)
He was a sweet bird who loved to be around people "at first!" As time progressed he would bite when you would try and put your hand in his cage, but would come out when the top was removed.

Once out, he was lovable and enjoyed being rubbed. He has been getting nastier day by day and is to the point where no matter what you do he wants to bite you and runs and hides. If scolded he will run to his toys and chew the wood to splinters in an almost rebellious manner.

We have no idea why he would regress like this! When he is bad we tell him "NO, DON'T BITE!" in a stern voice but it does no good!

We're at a loss with this behavior, how a sweet bird who is only shown love could become nasty and withdrawn is a mystery.
This is my 5th parrot and none of the others ever displayed this type of behavior.

ANY HELP OR ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thank you in advance.:(

[Amanda]

Hi. I don't own a Nanday Conure but I've been reading a lot of posts from other parrot boards (lovebirds, amazons, greys, pionus) and everyone seems to be reporting that their birds are acting "vicious", "aggressive", or "mean" lately. From what I've read, it seems that this time of the year (Spring) brings out the hormonal levels of certain birds into "high gear" and that's why these birds are acting this way. Maybe spring-time affects conures the same way?

For some species (lovebirds & amazons, for example) the females get very territorial about their "nest" (or cage) and won't allow anyone to go near it. Some people have said that they can't even change the water/food bowls without getting attacked. In some species (Pionus for instance), the males get aggressive and will exhibit what is called the "pionus strut" when they are trying to protect their territory.

I know this is not really related to Nanday Conures ... but hope it helps....

:confused:

[birdygirl]

It must be the time off the year of birds. Most companion birds will get hormaonal in the spring.

[Redstorm1721]

I agree,my Parrot is showing these signs too. When she bites hard,I put her away,and tell her thats naughty. She pops her head up high and doesn't mean it, this I know. But I let her sit in her cage a good 10 minutes. Then I go get her, and she is all lovey again. I also tell her why? she is going back in her cage. But never punish too long,5 or 10 is the best. They really forget why after that. Just like a child. Sunni is only 5 months, so I think with her, she is testing how far she can get. I sometimes have to look the other way, so she can't see me laugh! I never laugh in front of her when she is naughty. This will make her think its okay.when its not. Because when she does this she will look around to my face to see my expression. Birds are so smart. Good Luck!

[Jenny]

Oh, that's so unfortuneate about your Nanday! I'd suggest from what you've written that maybe you ought to try focusing more on the positive things and ignoring the negative. For example, if he lets you get close or touch him without going "crazy" or whatever, then verbally praise him and maybe give him a small treat. If he's acting up, ignore as best as possible what he's doing and don't give him any attention. Then once he stops the bad behavior, walk over and praise him. After you do that consistently for awhile, he should, *hopefully*, get the message. One thought is that maybe you thought he was so well behaved that you let him think he was incharge? I read about two westie terriers once in a book that were absolutely "vicious" to strangers and their owners. The problem was that the owners spoiled them rotten and let them get away with anything because they were so "cute" and "innocent" looking. I'm not saying you're doing that, but maybe you need to let your Nanday know your'e in charge more. If you want him out of his cage, make him step up onto your finger, and don't give in. Don't let him crawl out on his own, or crawl back in on his own without you putting him there. Each day try to spend two ten minute sessions working on "step-up" with him. If you don't have the book"My Parrot, My Friend", then think about getting that because somewhere in teh back is a program called "PRPT" (I think that's it...) and it has specific training steps to go through and it explains them each in detail. I hope this helps some- and keep us updated!

[BoscosMoM]

Yes....I totally agree with Jenny. I have a second hand Quaker and "Bosco" can have his spells through the day and I myself do handle the situation just like that. Positively!!!! And he has come along way he has ways to go but its working.

[JSimko]

Anytime one of our birds gets agressive, we say no in a firm voice and put the bird back in the cage and ignore it for a while. Since our birds want to be with us, this is the worst possible punishment.

[pionuspasion]

I do the same with my Dusky-headed Conure, JSimko. He's been especially nasty recently, which I chock up to hormonal changes as well.

[PJ68]

We'd like to thank all of you for your advice. We read "My parrot my friend". What a great book! Springtime can definitely awaken the hormonal Satan within all animals. Still, this is no excuse for raising a spoiled and nasty bird. We were giving him a little too much run of the house. Poor Guapo had a hard time out there for God knows how long. When we found him on our doorstep, we wanted him to feel at home and trust us. He probably took advantage. Little smarty-pants!
The first step we took was to eliminate the option for him to exit the cage from the top. If he wanted to leave and return to the cage, he'd have to use the front door- when we allowed him. We use "step up" and "step down" in an authoritative manner. We reward good behavior with toys, cuddles, cheerios, peanuts and apples. When he bites, we immediately say "NO BITE", place him in the cage and ignore him for 10 mins. Then when we return he seems calmer. I guess this approach gives him a chance to realize that being naughty means missing out on family fun time. In three days, Guapo has really improved. He seems more lovey, playful and attentive & less spiteful and nippy. We've even discovered that he loves the television. Also, when you clap hands or play music, He bobs his head up and down and "sings"-very loudly. Adorable!
He still has his moments but the book (M.P.M.F.) has shown us that birds, like humans have the right to be moody at times too. Rome wasn't built in a day. Aren't parrots so similar to children? You have to give them rules and love. Thanks again!!!

[Love Bird B]

I just wear gloves, LOL.

My little rascal is protecting her dud eggs and being a good mum. She loves her cage, and she can stay in there and shred paper until she doesn't feel like it anymore. I've learned the hard way. Any other way was too painful for the both of us!

[Mrs.Birdy]

PJ68:

I am so glad things are going well with your nanday. I must pick up that book, too. My Pi is mainly well behaved, but he does "act out" with my daughter and we need to work on it.

Good job....good luck.:)

[Jenny]

Yeah!!!! I'm so glad that your little Nanday is improving and that you're finding what works best with him! Keep up the good work! :)

[Amanda]

Pete, I'm so happy to hear that you've had positive results from reading the book and training your nanday the importance of "step up" and "time outs". All parrots are definitely like little children ... they'll always try and test the limits and see how far they can go....:)

[JSimko]

Sounds like after testing you, your bird has determined that you are weak and he is in total control. In the wild they have what we call the pecking order. If you are scared of being bitten your bird will assume more and more control over you as time goes on.

[dlaura]

Casegura,
Yes, it reminds me of giving kids a time out in their rooms nowadays - where they have the stereo, the computer, the nintendo or sega, the dvd player etc. - not such a punishment after all! Birds are soooo much like children.
diane (dsimko)

[dlaura]

Yes, they all do and they all know it. How true!