Pat22,

 

Birds have a mind of their own, and THEY decide who they will become close to, and who they don't like all that much. It may be that he can pick up on your fear, or can sense that you are not very confident when handleing him. I do not like carrying a bird on my shoulder unless he is very good about minding, because when a bird gets up at head level or higher, they think they are in the  position of dominance, and this can make him more likely to bite. I like to keep them on my forearm at about elbow heighth or so. You say he liked you until he was about 2, well, it may be that he is really a "she" and reached sexual maturity and liked the man better. I don't know, but I sympathize with your problem. I have handfed a baby eclectus, and when she was weaned, she hated me! Go figure! Just keep trying, be consistant, and exert loving dominance over the bird. Try to gain a little more confidence, and maybe the bird will come around. If not, go get YOU a bird!!lol

Good luck,

Cyndi

      

I think senegals are more likely to be one person birds than any other bird--at least in my experience. It just might not be the same person everyday! And both of mine prefer men if given a choice. They can be stubborn and hold long grudges--even when we don't know what made them mad.  Just keep being yourself with the bird and you may be the favored person again one of these days.      Katz

Dear Pat, I know precisely what you are going through. We got our Senegal in Oct.2002, the only reason we got her is because she was all over my Husband, kissing and loving him till it was down right embarrassing. We were looking for A cockatoo. But we took her home instead. Well after having her about 1 month she decided to hate my Husband and like me, She stills to this day if she gets a chance she charges him to attack,  It is so funny she drops her wings and away we go to get the big man. But it is getting better in the last few weeks, he has just left her along till lately, now he is starting to rub her head, if she starts to try to bite I'll tell her in voice that lets her know that is not good. And she will let him, even tho she doesn't want him to. But now he has his Too to love on., Go figure?? Happycamper

 

Bluehawk may be right. Sounds like he's a she. And she wants to be the alpha female but your it. Hang in there. Be patient. Just continue to be your friendliest best with her.

Watch for those little cues that she will bite and don't let her follow through on her threats. Your hubby should also encourage her to be nicer to you. She wants his approval. Remember they have personalities like little kids so expect that kind of behavior. Once she understands the hierarchy of her flock, she may become less aggressive towards you.  Good luck.   Louise and Tiela

 

I can't really add anything to how you might work with a bird who has changed loyalties, as I live alone so don't know if my Senegal would abandon me or not.  Mine is 6 years old and would like to be surgically attached to me.  I've had her since she was a baby, and she has always had strong opinions about people, and makes up her mind instantly, as to whether she will go to someone or not.  And there is little rhyme or reason to how she chooses a friend, although I am thinking that people with glasses may not be on her favored list.

 

A suggestion on how to work with her in close proximity, without putting yourself in a vulnerable position, and without her feeling too threatened.  I will often sit with a bird on my knee.  Sit somewhere and get comfortable, then cross your legs so that one knee is up higher and let the bird sit on that knee.  Just sit and talk softly to her without touching at all.  Do it only for as long as her comfort and attention span will allow.  When she starts to get antsy, put her where she is more at ease.