upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi.......hoping someone can tell me what's going on with my M2, "Wickie". He has always been a loving cuddly guy. But lately (3-4 weeks) he seems to be absolutely terrified of my husband and my 18 year old son. as soon as they approach him or even enter the room, he will do anything to get away from them. He will come to me or my daughter as he always has. He is approx. 8 years old and has had no changes in his life. Can someone give me any ideas on what to do? Thank you in advance.

This is a heartbreaker I wish you'd posted in the first few days. It's the sort of behavioral change that usually responds best to immediate, focused attention. You can still hope for change, but you need to really tackle it hard and determinedly. I don't think this forum has enough active participants to help you, but I suggest you contact Michelle Karras at PoliteParrot.com and see if she can work with you by phone or can recommend a behaviorist who can. Whomever you select must base her behavioral work on the positive reinforcement principles of Susan Friedman.

Please hurry!

PS I've not been able to get Michelle's site to open. Maybe it's a problem at my end. Google for other ways to contact her. She's in Chicago. Also, if your 'too hasn't had a vet exam with comprehensive bloodwork in the last month, that's always the first step when dealing with any change in behavior. You want to rule out illness right away. If you need help finding a GOOD avian vet, just tell us where you are and we'll help.

Hi Kobismom:

Here is the link to join the PBAS list. The people on this list are graduates of Dr. Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Parrots and they volunteer their time to help people who have birds with problem behaviours. It may take some time to get a threadleader but in the meantime there are lots of articles on that site that you can read in the files section.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parr ... =131468770

In the meantime, you might have your husband and son be the only ones who give Kobi his favourite treats. You need to step back a little. Kobi will learn that they are the bringers of all things good.

When was the last time he saw a vet. A sudden change in behaviour always warrants a visit to a good avian vet.

Bev