Quaker parrot biting unexpectedly

Question
Hi, My husband has a 13-year old female Quaker parrot "Freddie" that he hand-raised from a baby. Freddie is a one-person bird and has always been very affectionate with my husband (kisses, tricks, etc.) Suddenly this past week she has been very aggressive towards him, biting him when he goes to pick her up either from her cage or from elsewhere within the house, yet she still snuggles up to him on his shoulder. She has free reign of the house and nothing has changed in her environment or with her food. Her obsession seems to be in biting his hands, and for a change, will allow me to pick her up from the floor, but nowhere else (she never has allowed me to handle her.)  My husband is upset with his "baby" and doesn't know what triggered this behavior. We are stumped! Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hello,

Have you taken your bird in for an exam by an avian veterinarian yet? A sudden change in behavior, especially one as extreme as you have described, can be a symptom of illness. An avian vet appointment must be your first step.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com

Hello again,

You are welcome. I am writing again in hopes that you get this. Please do not wait to take your bird to the vet. I am very concerned about her. Because birds are naturally wild animals and hide their symptoms until they are very sick. Waiting it out like you might a cat or a dog is never worth the risk, by then it may be too late. This is one reason why birds need a vet check yearly. Please make an appointment a soon as the office opens.

Here is a link to help you find an avian veterinarian in your area.

http://www.aav.org/activemembers.html

I do hope your bird is fine, but please do take her to an avian vet immediately.

Jennifer