I had two parrots as a child and when they died I knew I had to have another. And thus, my BFF Frankie the Jenday came into mylife. He acts like a guard dog when he is around me. If he is sitting in my lap or on my shoulder and someone he is not familiar with comes near me he freaks out-- acting very unsettled and stressed and even makes biting gestures with his beak. He has even bitten me before because someone was standing too close. As soon as I tell the person to back up a few feet he is fine and doesn't act stressed/nervous anymore. Also, when someone comes over to my place that he hasn't seen before he acts like it really bothers him. He also absolutely will not let someone take him off of my shoulder. You rise the loss of your finger. Are conures known for being protective over their owners? Frankie is five and when I adopted him he was living in a cage about the size of a small tv. So small in fact that he could not fit through the door as it was too small for his body. Additionally, his prior owner said that when i held him, it was only the second time in his entire life that someone had handled him. He was handled once in 5 years!!!!!!!! Needless to say I bought him a mansion, plenty of food, and lots of toys. He seems really happy but I just wonder that when he acts like that is it an act of protection towards me. Thanks guys. I have learned so much through ya'll!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for telling Frankie's story. Poor guy what a lonely life before you. I'd consider him special needs. I wouldn't even bother attempting to let anybody take him off you for now. He sees you as his mate, the only person to love and be loved by (in bird emotions) and that's how it's gonna be for now. Yes you can call it protection and he will even nip YOU perhaps if something happens that he feels you need to be alerted to. Don't worry about that.

I would help Frankie with confidence. First being flying if you can. Then routine and knowing what his day will be like. Following a natural daylight schedule sleeping in natural not fake light from dusk/sundown till dawn/sunup all times of year meaning long nights in winter long days in summer. Just like outside. To give him a solid foundation.

Then alot of enrichment. Different play areas, boings by the windows, foraging, hiding food, a complicated diet of interesting enriching healthy food to mess with for hours each day, bathing, different ways like on wet greens or in a little tub or spray bottle sometimes, setting up play areas with different things and mirrors to watch himself. Notice they all have nothing to do with you per se. To let him explore alone hopefully off and on. Yes it's boring for him but anything enrichment is good. Even learning dumb tricks if he's the type is keeping his mind active and interacting in a non physical way with you.

As far as "other people" go, if they can give him a treat or something fine, but I wouldnt push. I also would avoid stimulating him sexually by not touching beak feet back or butt. Not nesting in small spaces or dark places. And not encouraging regurging at all or mutual feeding type stuff. This is where flying and confidence help make him a bird not a baby human. He's going to have sexual urges not fulfilled especially in spring so limiting that to that time of year is very helpful for him physically and emotionally.

With time he should relax. I didnt notice how long he's lived with you?

If you're like me without a big family and occasional visitors then I wouldnt worry but know it's "best" for him to get used to variety slowly over time and not get completely focused on you 365 24/7. If you can, let him be exposed to others it's better. Over time.

Thank you for caring about him and changing his life.

I have had him since April of this year so he's been my boy for about 5 months. We have both learned a lot together. Thank you for your response

Cindy is right, my sun did not start off as my bird, my son raised him and now he defends me against all comers. Lets others give him treats but not try ask him to step up. He may need to learn that others mean him no harm.

he is cute, I see he likes to help with food selection

I fixed your image link, Anna. You need to use the [IMG] codes instead of html.

It sounds like you and Frankie have a wonderful relationship. As Cindy said, many birds will be protective and jealous of their "chosen person". Frankie has bonded with you, and thinks of you as his mate. He will try to protect you, and if all else fails, try to drive you away from what he perceives as a threat.