We are currently having an issue with Max the sennie. He is currently totally in love with Emma and I am therefore a threat. If I go to his cage I can talk to him, treat him and give him loads of head strokes. Let him out and I am in the firing line for a good biting. If Emma is in the room or not he dives at me to bite anywhere he can, fingers are his favourite. I am talking to him, rewarding him when he sits on me without biting. If he does bite I don’t react. It’s hard but I can just about cope if I have long sleeves on.

We have no idea how old Max is as he was a found bird, so this could be hormones or just him asserting himself as the mate. I am taking my time to make sure that he knows I am not a threat and that he is not the boss. I know this is going to be a long slog but we will get there. He was such a good boy until he changed, (overnight!) which is what leads e to think it is hormones.

We once safe housed an African Grey. He used to fly at my husband and was very aggressive. We contacted Doddie,our ACO,and said he would have to go. She suggested clipping him. After thought and discussion we agreed. Alfie CAG is now our fostered bird and has lived with us for over 2 years. He will never be a cuddle bunny and we keep him clipped as the agression starts to return as his flight does but he is happy and loved here. I would never clip a bird without exploring other avenues as well but it CAN help. Before everyone starts on the clipping debate remember if the Bl show birds weren't clipped there would be no birds for the public to get to touch and learn about. Sometimes clipping IS right and it is not permanent. Next moult the feathers re grow and flying can resume. It can just help get over a difficult period.

Talk to me, Simon,
D

i will go through it tonight!