African Grey aggression

Question
hello!
i recently (about 2 weeks ago) purchased a 37 year old male African grey, George, from a woman. she had issues with George attacking her husband at times and did little to change the behavior.
George is now aggressive toward my live-in boyfriend; will cruise right off of his cage and bee-line to by my man.  
i don't know what to do in order to curb this behavior.  i've read and read and keep reading about positive reinforcement, but am having a difficult time figuring out what i could possibly do to turn this into a "positive."
i generally scoop George up and put him back in his cage when he's aggressive.  ultimately, i'd like to use his instinct and/or intelligence to teach him a better, more acceptable behavior.
can you help??  what is the best way to respond to George in this specific situation??  
please and thank you!!

Answer
Hi Becky!

Thank you for asking my advice and Kudos to you for adopting an older more "challenging" parrot!

Let's try to figure this out.

It sounds to me as though George has chosen first his previous owner and now you as his mate.  Parrots can be very territorial and will "defend" that territory.  He is only doing what is natural.  Punishing him will not work.  I would strongly recommend clicker training.

First thing you need to do is develop a consistent routine.  Parrots are most alert in the morning and calmer in the evening.  These are the best times to schedule training sessions.  Take him away from his cage to an unfamiliar room in order to train him.  Always keep your head higher than his and Never allow him on your shoulders!  It can also be beneficial to dim the lights in order to calm him.

Start by having your husband offer him his favorite treat, gradually trying to hand feed it to him.  If he bites or attacks your husband do not reward the behavior.  By putting him in his cage you are inadvertently rewarding him.  He wants away from the intruder (your husband), you took him away.  He has learned that to get away he only needs to bite.  This is a very difficult habit to break.  However it is possible.

It would be wise for your husband to spend time in the same room as George without you.  Talking to George while he is in the cage.  Again with the lights dim ect...  

Though it is very controversial and a personal choice some people believe that clipping an aggressive bird's wings aides in taming it.  I can neither confirm or deny this.

When George lunges or bites be sure to tell him firmly no!  But do not give him what he wants.  When he shows acceptable behavior be sure to reward him immediately!

A consistent routine and a lot of patience on your part and your husband's is very important.  Be firm but gentle.

Sincerely
Danielle