1. Jealousy: Cockatoos are known to be possessive of their owners and can become jealous if they perceive someone else as a threat. If the male you mentioned is interested in you and your cockatoo senses this, it may feel jealous and protective of you, leading it to bite him when he is around.
2. Resource guarding: Cockatoos may also exhibit resource guarding behaviors, where they protect their food, toys, or other objects from others. If the male is trying to approach you or interact with you in a way that the cockatoo perceives as a threat to its relationship with you, it may bite him in an attempt to guard its resource (you).
3. Fear or anxiety: Cockatoos can also become fearful or anxious in certain situations, such as when they feel threatened or stressed. If the male's presence makes the cockatoo feel uncomfortable or threatened, it may resort to biting as a defense mechanism.
4. Past negative experiences: If the cockatoo has had negative experiences with men in the past, it may associate men with danger or discomfort and become more likely to bite them.
To address this issue, it is important to understand the underlying reason for your cockatoo's behavior. Here are some tips that may help:
- Establish a positive relationship with your cockatoo: Spend quality time with your cockatoo, engage in positive interactions, and provide it with love and attention. This will help strengthen your bond with the bird and make it less likely to feel jealous or threatened by others.
- Set clear boundaries: Make sure your cockatoo knows that it is not acceptable to bite anyone. If it does bite, firmly say "no" and immediately remove it from the situation. Consistency is key in training your cockatoo to understand that biting is not tolerated.
- Control the environment: When the male is around, try to keep your interactions with him low-key and avoid any behaviors that might make the cockatoo feel jealous or threatened. This may involve not giving the male too much attention or affection in front of the cockatoo.
- Redirect the behavior: If the cockatoo starts to show signs of aggression, try to redirect its attention to something else, such as a toy or a treat. This can help distract the bird and prevent it from biting.
If the problem persists or escalates, it is advisable to consult with an avian behaviorist or veterinarian for professional advice and guidance on how to handle this situation.