Why does my pet bird keep attacking me?

Birds attacking their owners can be alarming and upsetting. However, there are usually understandable reasons behind this behavior. By understanding why your bird is acting aggressively, you can take steps to correct the behavior and rebuild your bond.

Common Reasons for Bird Aggression

Here are some of the most common reasons pet birds become aggressive toward their owners:

• Territory and dominance – Birds are highly territorial, and they have a social hierarchy with a “top bird.” They may see their cage or even their owners as part of their territory, and will defend it aggressively.
• Hormones – Reproductive hormones can cause significant behavior changes in birds, including increased aggression. This is most common in spring.
• Boredom – Birds are highly intelligent and need constant stimulation. A lack of toys, activities, and social interaction can lead to frustration and aggressive behaviors.
• Illness or injury – Birds instinctively hide signs of weakness from potential predators. An ill or injured bird may lash out from fear and pain.
• Fear – Birds usually attack out of fear, even if you did not intend to scare them. Sudden movements, loud noises or new objects can trigger an aggressive response.
• Improper handling – Birds need gentle, positive handling from an early age to become comfortable with their owners. Rough handling can make them bite defensively.
• Lack of trust – It takes time and patience for birds to build trust with owners. Without that bond, they are more likely to bite and attack.

Aggressive Bird Body Language

Birds will usually display body language signs before resorting to biting or other aggressive behaviors. Understanding these warning signs allows you to avoid antagonizing your bird further:

• Ruffled feathers
• Flapping or fluttering wings
• Tail fanning
• Crouching posture
• Lunging forward or sideways
• Beak snapping
• Hissing, growling or squawking

If you notice these behaviors, it is best to pause and give your bird some space until they settle down. Pushing your bird too far can provoke an attack.

Aggression Triggers to Avoid

Once you identify what is causing your bird to act aggressively, you can take steps to prevent and redirect biting and other unwanted behaviors:

• Limit hormone-driven behaviors – For aggressive breeding behaviors, limit petting, rearrange cages, and decrease daylight hours.
• Reduce dominance displays – Do not punish aggressive acts, as this reinforces the behavior. Instead, reward good behavior.
• Add enrichment – Provide plenty of toys, social interaction with other birds, and training sessions to stimulate your pet.
• Give space – Birds should have their own cage as a safe zone. Do not reach into the cage or force interaction when your bird seems uncomfortable.
• Check for illness – Schedule a vet exam to rule out pain or sickness as a cause.
• Use positive reinforcement – Birds respond better to rewards than punishment. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
• Remain calm – Do not yell, wave arms, or make sudden movements, as this can seem threatening to a bird.

Recovering from Bird Bites

Even if you avoid known triggers, bird bites and scratches may still occur on occasion. Here is how to start recovering from a bird injury:

• Clean the wound immediately with soap and warm water to avoid infection. Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
• Cover with a clean bandage or gauze wrap.
• Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, or increased pain.
• Contact your doctor if the wound is severe, bleeds heavily, or shows signs of infection.
• Get a tetanus shot or booster if needed.
• Allow time to heal fully before interacting with your bird again.

Rebuilding Trust and Stopping Attacks

With time, patience and effort, you can rebuild a bond of trust with an aggressive bird. Here are some tips for stopping attacks and creating a friendly relationship again:

• Give your bird space while everyone cools down after an incident.
• Evaluate the environment – does your bird have enough space, enrichment and comforts?
• Identify triggers – note timing, environment, body language etc for attacks.
• Increase positive reinforcement – offer verbal praise and treats for good behavior.
• Enroll in training classes to learn positive techniques.
• Spend time talking and interacting calmly from outside the cage.
• Limit handling to necessary medical care/cage cleaning until trust develops again.
• Be patient and move slowly to rebuild your relationship over time.

When to Seek Professional Help

In some cases, aggressive bird behavior does not improve with owner efforts. Seek help from an avian vet or certified expert if:

• Aggression increases in frequency or intensity despite changes.
• Bird draws blood.
• Bird escapes the cage to attack.
• You are afraid of your pet.
• Bird displays obsessive behaviors like screaming for hours.
• You are overwhelmed and unable to keep yourself or the bird safe.

With expert guidance, medical treatment if needed, and targeted training, even seriously aggressive birds can become wonderful companions again.

Conclusion

Bird aggression can be surprising and upsetting for owners, but is a natural bird behavior. By understanding common reasons for attacks, avoiding known triggers, increasing enrichment, rebuilding positive relationships and seeking professional help if needed, you can stop bird aggression and maintain a happy, healthy pet.

With patience and consistent positive reinforcement, an aggressive bird can become a friendly and treasured pet once again. Don’t give up – your feathery friend is depending on you to help them be their best self!