My mexican red head story...

[DaFrank]

I don't own one but we do have one at work... The company owner travels/vacations alot, has no kids, and is not home most of the time. He finally decided to take the bird to work as it was very loud and demanding when he was at home (go figure). He hated women and most men, get close and he would lunge. I had seen him draw blood a few times.

Well being the animal sucker I am, I always say hello to the little guy and would have him spend lunch with me when I could. I can now say, after 2 years this guy loves me. He now climbs out of his cage whenever I'm around and walks right over to get some lovin LOL. Alot of the time, it won't have to be me as long as the guy looks like me he will run to get some attention and at least he isn't as aggressive as he was before.

Now though, when I pick him up to talk to him and pet him, he kind of bounces from one foot to the other, fluffs himself up and starts with head bobbing???? Is he just getting a little frisky??

At least he is happier, I just wish I could convince the owner to let me have him so I can take better care of him in a better home with some decent food...

Sigh

[debbielabella]

wish he would let you take him too! he should think of what's best for the bird. Not sure about the head bobbing thing, although my zon and my grey, when they beg for attention they flutter their wings and stretch their necks out towards me, that's not what he's doing is it?

[DaFrank]

Its almost like he's coughing up a furball.... yuck

[debbielabella]

he's probably trying to regurgitate on you, thinks you're his mate. wan't to feed you

[DaFrank]

Originally Posted by debbielabella

he's probably trying to regurgitate on you, thinks you're his mate. wan't to feed you

hmmm don't really think I'm into digested bird food LOL
On the serious side tho, is this behaviour something I should try and stop? I do try and distract him with other things when he starts with the head bobbing oh and he very gently bites my hand too.. More like he just wants to get my attention, he is very careful not to bite hard.

[debbielabella]

it's better to distract you don't want him to think your his mate because it can cause behavioral problems. There's a good thread on the forum somewhere how not to be a tease, if you search under that you should be able to find it.

[DaFrank]

Thanks for the "tease" thread advice I gave it a read.

The differences in my case are, most of the time all I am doing is just talking with the bird. There have been times he is on top of his cage or even inside his cage when he starts this behaviour.

I guess what I am concerned about is that he after a couple of years is much less aggressive towards most people and much quieter. Unless I spend no time with him (I think its a him) I can't do much less.

I'll do what I can not to tease him but I think that not spending any time with him is worse... Its not the poor birds fault his owner is a schmuck..

[debbielabella]

no don't spend less time with him, he is very attached to you. If you offered to buy him from the owner would he sell? maybe he just thinks of him as property? or is he actually attached to him? Is he aggressive with the owner?

[DaFrank]

No, he is not attached to the owner but he isn't aggressive with him either. I just hate seeing him in his dirty cage. Not taking any baths, his diet could be alot better... well you get the picture.

Oh and I am trying to work on the owner to let me have him. I would be willing to pay for him as long as its reasonable. I just want to poor guy to have a life he can enjoy.

[DaFrank]

Well the day has finally arrived.....

The boss gave in and told me to take the guy home.. I hope the little guy likes it.

Oh happy day, now I have to clean his cage properly tho.