Ask Lafeber

Why did my male Senegal parrot suddenly becomes aggressive after the death of the female one.

I had 2 Senegal parrot, they have been living with me for 2 years.
It was one Saturday morning the female one started to act weird by sleeping with her head bent over and drinking too much water and she doesn’t eat, I thought it was just part of their behavior.
When she died the male one showed less concerned about the death. Then after a day he became aggressive, he started to bite me whenever I touch him.
Pls can you guys help me out
Thanks.

Hi,

Birds can grieve like people, so your bird is most likely grieving for the other bird. He may feel insecure with the other bird gone. Did you take the other bird to a Vet to see what was wrong? Are you sure this one isn’t sick, too? A sick bird can get aggressive, or sometimes they get very gentle. But if he isn’t sick, the other bird’s death clearly affected him. Be patient and reassuring with him. Talk to him and give him extra treats. Since birds are prey animals, this may have triggered his fight or flight instinct. He may be afraid you did something to the other bird. It’s important to show a surviving bird the body if it loses a mate or companion. He may not understand that the other bird died. He may think you took the bird away and never brought it back. Again, be patient and understanding with him. Don’t reach for him if he doesn’t seem to want you to. Offer treats to entice him to approach you. Senegals can go from being a good pet to being fearful, and this change isn’t understood. Give him time and hopefully he will go back to being the bird he was before.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda