Aggression towards everyone but me

[RykerLyrix]

Hi y'all, I'm new but needing lots of help. I have a double yellow headed amazon that just turned 34. He's been in my family longer then me. I finally took him from my mother after finding him without food or water several times. He used to be really friendly when I was little. My mother would take m to show and tell at schools, he was on an open perch in our house, no issues. Then we had a ranch and he was put in a large cage outside(about 20 years ago). At this point I was around 10 and felt bad that the bird was outside so I brought him into my room. At this point he became violent to everyone except me. When we moved when I was 15 he was put into a smaller cage in our loft area and sadly given very little attention other then food and water. When I moved into my house I realized my mother wasnt even going upstairs where he was and he was being left without the necessities. So I took him. He lets me hold him, pet him, and kiss him but hates everyone else. Especially if they are near me. I want him to be a bigger part of the family. After all I took him to give him a better life. I recently moved him up to our theater room where we spend much of our time and started letting him be out of his cage for a few hours a day. He spends some of the time on top of his cage and some sitting with me on the couch. I got him toys since his cage was bare at my mothers and have started working with him on things like "up", he doesn't like to do anything he doesn't want to do. I would like to get him a much larger cage but that isn't gonna be for awhile bc of the money. I do have a play perch on order for him and lots of treats to help with training. I want my husband to be able to play with m as well. Honestly, I'm not even sure how much he trusts me at this point. How can I make our bond stronger and develop trust while also letting m bond with others? Everyone I have talked too said he sees me as a mate and that's why he doesn't like others being near me. What can I do to help him be more social and happy?

[Michael]

http://TrainedParrot.com/Taming
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1528
http://TrainedParrot.com/Socialization
http://ParrotWizard.com/Book

[RykerLyrix]

I was just reading some of those. Lol. I guess I worry with his age that he has been too damaged to become friendly. It doesn't help that my husband is scared of him. Hopefully with time and some work he can become more social.

[janetafloat]

That's a sad tale though things are looking up for your bird now you've taken him under your wing! I'm sure there's room for improvement but it'll take work from you and your husband, and some patience and persistence. Does your husband have an interest in forming a relationship with your bird? If so, he needs to spend some time with him every day, just sitting with at first talking quietly. Then start offering a treat through the bars. The bird's going to have to set the pace and your husband's going to need to be really patient. When you've figured out the bird's favourite treat then reserve that for your husband to offer him. Follow Michael's training guide, it does work, and the training will give your bird some stimulation and strengthen the bond between you. His book is excellent too.

[Pajarita]

Mmmmm, it's a real tough one. Yes, the ones that told you that he sees you as his mate are correct. He also sees you as his savior (you took him out of the abusive situation). I take in abused birds and it's REAL HARD to get them turned around - I have failed myself in this regard -meaning they will not attack me but they distrust everybody else. Even merely neglected birds would sometimes never 'come back'. Parrots are VERY intelligent and have long memories... Training will help but your husband has to be the one doing it and that implies no fear and HUGE commitment on his part -which might not be the case here.
As to a favorite treat, all of mine would kill for a peanut.

[CSLFiero]

As to a favorite treat, all of mine would kill for a peanut.

A useful trick when hiring a hitman can cost several grand.