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I wish I could give you some good advice about Buddy. My Zeek was similar to Buddy. He went from the sweetest angel to about 3-4 yrs. of age to an unpredictable rotten little bird. Like Buddy, he bit HORRIBLY. This is what I did to manage/change the behavior, but I am not sure it has worked yet or if the change is a temporary response to breeding season being over:
I started interacting with him more. Instead of letting him just hang out with me, I started actively playing with him more and taking him out for walks outside. When he nipped or squealed in anger, I would say NO very sternly, hold his beak with my fingers. I would do this when he was rational and not crazed. I dont dare put my finger near his beak when he is REALLY upset. I am hoping he is sane and rational enough to reason that nipping (and biting) are not allowed. When I would say NO, he would stop immediately, almost in fear. This is what I was also afraid of...that in the past when he was truly mad and bit me, the bites were so horrible that I would scream and try to get him off of me. I would walk away, bleeding, or get him in the cage and leave him. All the commotion scared him and made him more confused and angry. So, when he nips now, after saying NO, I will grab him and cuddle him against my chest so that he knows that I am not going to yell and scare him. He immediately will chirp or purr happily and I give him kisses. I have since felt the beak scrape across my cheek when he is in a mood and I put him on my shoulder without thinking of it. Both times he held back from biting. I dont know if this is working, or if it is that breeding season is over.
I have also added foraging toys, and hidden food in the cage for him. I decided that he must be incredibly bored in the cage while I am at work, and so have tried to liven things up for him.
I am taking care of a rescue bird right now, and Zeek wants nothing more than to get to the bird. The funny thing is that both he and my conure have become EXTREMELY affectionate with me since this bird has entered the house. They snuggle, give me kisses and are on their best behavior. Very odd. The caique would still like to have it out with the pionus, however.
I know how unpredictable caiques can be. I am convinced that they are VERY intelligent and pick up subtleties in our behavior and actions. Oh, one more thing...I discovered that wearing sunglasses around my caique was one thing that was setting him off. Also wearing the beeper. And talking on the cell phone. I trained my little conure not to bite, and I am certain I can train the caique, but they are much more complicated and sensitive. And their bites are much worse!
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