BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Exotic Pets violent amazon

i have an 8 yr. old blue front amazon, and i am his only owner. He talks, loves to sit on my shoulder, lay in my lap on his back, go for rides in the car, and has never had a health problem. We used to be a huge family with lots of other parrots, but due to a nasty divorce, he and i have been alone for the last 5 years. The problem now is, i was given an umbrella cockatoo a week ago, also 8 years old, very sweet, in excellent health......and my Amazon has gone ballistic! he has bitten me viciously 6 times in the last week, lunges at me, tries to attack me, is constantly "displaying" at me, and hasnt said any of his words. he chatters with the cockatoo, andhas investigated her cage, and does not harm her at all, but i can no longer approach him. their cages are in the same room, next to each other. i will not get rid of the cockatoo, and i dont want to get rid of my Amazon, but i cannot keep getting this deep vicious bites. can anyone suggest anything? it would be greatly appreciated. [EMAIL][/EMAIL]

I would be patient. He is most likely feeling pretty hurt. Many parrots "mate" for life and as far as your blue-front feels you need a marriage counselor, that you did him wrong. I don't blame him for feeling jealous and hurt. Give him time. I see my birds as children, and if one of my children is having a bad time and displaying it with bad behavior I would not "get rid of my child," Besides, who was the first?? Parrots don't often take to new comers to their flock meaning you and the blue-fronted to kindly.

How sad that he feels left out & is resorting to biting to get your attention. Did you put the cockatoo into his space immediately? Or has the cockatoo been quarantined to prevent any illnesses (for either one)? It sounds like you have them together or at least in the same room. The quarantine period is a good way to let one bird hear the other one without seeing him and usually in the long run, it helps with introduction because they are curious about each other long before they see each other.

If they are actually in the same space could you remove the cockatoo to another room and try to calm you amazon without the cockatoo right there (in his face)? At least if he can't see the intruder, he may return to his loveable self again and then you can slowly introduce them when he is more likely to accept the newcomer.

Per email, I am glad you took my advice and seperated the birds. Don't forget to get the new parrot "vet approved" including cultures. Birds love their human companions very much and their feelings run deep. Keep us posted on progress.
Diana