By Rosemary Low

There is a lot of anecdotal information on aggression in parrots, usually in the context of companion birds. The usual story is the problem regarding a parrot attacking the partner of the person to whom the bird is bonded. Managing this is really a question of common sense and avoiding the opportunity for the parrot to behave in this way, because it will not change this instinctive behaviour.

Aggression towards humans may also be seasonal, often described as ‘hormonal’, due to the bird (more likely a male) being in breeding condition. It also occurs in a cage that is too small. The parrot cannot retreat from the owner’s possibly unwelcome attentions, and therefore lunges and/or bites.

In another scenario, which is more cage possessiveness than aggression, a parrot will try to bite you if you touch its cage. Even the most loving companion might do this habitually, so just be aware and inform family members.

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