pionus behavior

Question
Hey Dianna:  If you would, I would like to get your opinion on something.  I have a white-capped pionus that I've had for going on 9 months now.  He's just turned 2 in June.  He has always been very tame and I've had no major problems with his behavior but all of a sudden (starting last week) he's become very aggressive and biting me.
I get him out most everyday and he spends time on a perch by my computer right beside me so it's not like he's being ignored.  All of a sudden he's like a different bird (Jeckyll and Hyde!).  I went to get him out last night and he bit me severely on the thumb.  I know they say not to scream but good Lord, when a bird bites you so hard the blood is squirting out, don't tell me not to scream!  Anyway, I had to pretty much sling him off my finger before he would let go and just left him in his cage.  This morning, I decided I would give it another try for fear of becoming too scared to get him out if I kept waiting.  I used a small perch this time to get him out but you could tell the way he was biting the perch that if my finger had been closer he would have gotten me again.  I acted just like I always do and placed him on his perch and talked to him and at first his feathers were ruffled like he was going to get me but after I talked to him a while he seemed to calm down. After about an hour I decided I needed to put him back up.  I used the perch and took him back to his cage and it was on then.  Even on the perch he latched onto my left thumb and sure enough I'm bleeding again.  Bandages now on both hands.  Only difference was when he bit me this morning I did not say anything, just put him back up( it was realllly hard to do!).  What gets me is that he's always said "step up, step up" when I go to get him and he's still doing that but when I reach in to get him he's really mean.  I just can't believe it.  I've never been scared of him before, but now I honestly am scared to get him out.  I have a 6 yr old dtr who he has always been very gentle with but there is NO WAY I will ever let her hold him again with this attitude.  I've read the articles on biting but I just wanted to talk to somebody first hand to see what you think.  I was supposed to go check on a baby macaw but at this point, I'm afraid the way this parrot has turned I could really be in trouble.
Thanks so much for taking the time to help.

Have a blessed day!
Pam

Answer
Hello Pam and thank you for your question.
There could be several reasons why your bird has turned into a "Jekyl & Hyde" type.
First, have there been any changes in your home?  Have you moved any furniture or anything like that.  Something as simple as that can set a bird off.  
He could also be ready to breed, or "he" could be a "she" and be getting ready to lay eggs.
Molting is also another reason why a bird would bite.  When a bird molts, it is hard on them sometimes.  It does take a lot out of them.  Give your bird a couple of days and see if he/she calms down any.
I know how it hurts to have a bird bite you, my Amazon Parrot has taken chunks out of me before, no when I handle him, I use leather gloves.  I still feel the pressure of the bite, but it doesn't draw blood.
Do keep talking to him, and spending time with him.  Just try not to handle him for a couple of days and see if his attitude goes back to normal.
If "he" is actually a "she", and "she" lays eggs, do not try to handle the eggs.  This will only cause the bird to get mad and bite to protect the eggs.  
If you have moved soe furniture, or hung curtains, try moving the furniture back to where it was, or take the curtains down.  Your feathered friend should go back to it normal personality.

I am also sending you a link from one of my sources.  The tecniques here are proven, and I have used them on my birds successfully.

http://www.birdtricks.com/video/Secret-Method.WMV

I hope this helps.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna