Dr Jekyll Mr Hyde

[lifesazoo33]

[background info] I have a Jardines parrot who is just about 2 years old. He was at the store I worked at, and I helped to hand raise him. He bonded with me around 5-9 months old, and I finally convinced my parents to let me get him. I got him in July. He has been to the vet and had blood work done and is in ideal weight and health. He receives a variety of fresh foods and loves his pellets. He has plenty of enrichment in and out of his cage. He is semi-flighted (can get from point A to B but cannot get height) as I have a Husky, and do not want an accident to happen (even though they are not out at the same time - rooms are separated by gates when he is out). I am a veterinary technician, and have also completed a wildlife rehabilitation program, so have a good understanding of the body systems and health and nutrition.

Now onto his "split personality"
I know that he has trust issues around strangers (understandably, since he was at a pet store for 1 1/2 years). He is super trusting of me, and I am able to do just about anything to him. I know that he is protective of me, but with work has gotten much better stepping up onto strangers. Now that I am away at school, my parents are watching him for me. When I am not home he is fantastic with my mother - regurgitates for her, and even tried to do a mating dance for her (previously I was the only one who would get one). Whenever I come home though, he becomes aggressive to her, and she cannot do anything around him. I know that she gets more apprehensive around him when I am home, but he has drawn blood before, so I understand why she gets like that. My mother is working on this, because I know that has a big influence on his actions. I am just wondering why he switches from nice to "evil" towards her when I get home, and how I can keep him nice when I am home to the rest of my family.

Your help is greatly appreciated.
Any questions that will help you to help me, I will definitely answer

[eyeoftheowl]

I would say that in your absence your mom is his "mate" but when you arrive he prefers you and tries to scare her away.

I would probably suggest getting her to work with him (trick/click/treat, etc) while you are away and when he becomes semi-reliable with that, then get her to do it while you are home but NOT near enough to step in. Then gradually get closer as time goes on.

(Great job with the nutrition, health, cage enrichment!)

[lifesazoo33]

Thank you for the tips. I believe that a big role in the way that he acts has to do with her apprehension when I am home (because of past bites). I know that birds can pick up on this very well. Do you think that this plays a major role in his behavior too? Also, should I reserve his favorite treats as something that only she (and other family members) gives to him, and I do not give to him/use in his foraging toys?

It is still a learning process, and I try new things as I go along and do my best to reward only the behaviors that I want.