Bluffing

[matthewlong512]

Hi

So I have recently bought a male pet ringneck, he is 4 years old and has been really nice until the other day when he has started being really aggressive towards me. He lunges and bites me when ever I try to get him out of his cage. From what i understand bluffing usually occurs at a younger age. Has anyone had a similar issue or can offer some advice?

Thanks

[avinet]

Bluffing in ringnecks can occur at any age if they move to a new home. Have you read the article on ringneck bluffing at www.indianringneck.com/bluffing/

How long have you owned the bird, and can you give us some idea of how and where he is housed - cage size, toys, when doe she come out of the cage, where is the cage. diet etc.

cheers,

Mike

[matthewlong512]

Ok thanks. Yes I have read the article. I have had him 3 weeks now, he is housed in a cage which 90x90x60cm he has about 3 toys in his cage a a few on his play stand. He comes inside for a few hours a day, but otherwise he is in his cage which is just outside our living room and kitchen windows. I feed him a good quality parrot mix as well as fresh fruit daily ( apples, grapes, pomegranate and a few others). Thanks for your help.

If it is bluffing do you know how long it usually lasts?

Thanks Matt

[avinet]

Some ringnecks never bluff, some never stop bluffing, so it is difficult to say how long it might go on. Basically patience, and trying to win the confidence of the bird - possibly by offering treats from your fingers - if necessary through the bars of the cage initially so he doesn't bite. Possible treats I find work with ringnecks are pieces of cashews or almonds, maybe a bit of apple or passionfruit, even a bit of a plain biscuit. My 20 year old pair will do absolutely anything for a bit of bacon!! You will have to experiment a bit to see what he likes most and which isn't a regular part of his normal diet.

regarding diet - add some veggies to his daily feed as well - see the article at scas.org.au/html/pet_parrot_care.html for some suggestions.

Also I always find that behaviour is better if the cage is in the house where people are - it gives the bird more of a "belonging to a flock" feel and can lead to a happier and settled bird that will make a better pet. I feel that his bluffing behaviour might be due to this relative isolation due to being outside for the majority of the time.

cheers,

Mike

[matthewlong512]

Thanks for that, ill try those things and see what happens
hopefully it wont last too long.

Thanks Matt

[matthewlong512]

Also Mike just wondering if bluffing is usually only towards one person? Both my sister and girlfriend can take him out of his cage no worries but when i try to he will attack me? Is this due to the previous owner being a female?

thanks matt

[avinet]

Ringnecks will quite often prefer either male or female - often the human that is the opposite sex to whaqt they are. So since you have a male ringneck (I presume he has a neck ring) it is quite possible that he doesn't like you but likes your GF and sister.

Getting him to accept you will take time - the treat/reward method (positive reinforcement) is the most likely to be successful in the long run. The books and DVD's by Barbara Heidenriech are especially good value as a behavioural aid - see
www.birdkeeper.com.au/bird-behaviour-products/good-bird
www.birdkeeper.com.au/bird-behaviour-products/parrot-problem-solver-finding-solutions-to-aggressive-behaviour
www.birdkeeper.com.au/bird-behaviour-products/dvd88-parrot-behaviour-and-training-an-introduction-to-training

cheers,

Mike