Pionus - lots to learn

[papaya]

Hi,

just wanted to give a little update on Paco. I have been reading a lot about the Maximilian Pionus and I find that Paco fits the picture of a mature hormonal male. He is pretty cage aggressive. As soon as I get near his cage he climbs down, starts to rip the newspaper or chew the cardboard that I put in the cage for him. That is the only "toy" he touches. But he is really only letting out his frustration. He will chase my hand if I reach in the cage to change the food or water. I avoid that by putting him on the playstand while I take care of his cage. I always wrap a towel around my arm before I pick him up and usually he bites in it a couple of times. I then walk away from the cage with him and let him fly back. Then I pick him back up and repeat the whole procedure. After the second or third time he does not bite into the towel anymore and lets me pick him off the cage without a problem. It is just the initial getting him out of the cage or walking up to him. Once he calms down I always give him head rubs which he really loves.
I am wondering if his hormonal behaviour will change once the mating/breeding season is over.
Anyhow I had him outside today and took this picture which I love.
He is such a handsome little guy!

[Sally]

Handsome for sure! I just want to say thank you for using a cage outside for safety.

[papaya]

Hi Sally,

that is about the only possibility for Paco to enjoy the sun. I do have harnesses but I cannot think about putting a harness on him since he does not let me touch him except for his head. I am happy he is not a macaw because I would be afraid of him.
He is so cage aggressive and I don't know if that is because it is spring season or that is just him. He does the best "pionus strut" , I will capture that on video to get the idea -each time I get close to the cage.
But he is a good bird. He loves to sit on the playstand and he likes human company.
Next week I am planning to go to the vet to get him health checked so I can introduce him to my greys. Maybe that will help with his aggressiveness.
They all love to be outside. Yesterday they were out all day and I sprayed all with a spray bottle. Summer is such a great time!

[loganzheroz06]

Ah isnt the pionus strut great to see!
My wcp does it everytime someones at the front door...lol
he's are little guard bird! By the way thats one handsome guy you have there.

[papaya]

Here is a nice picture of the "STRUT!"
Unfortunately Paco is this little guard bird with me every time I get close to his cage!

[loganzheroz06]

haha yep..thats the all mighty pionus "strut" i dont have any of joker struting on my work computer..but i do have these.