How can we encourage Scarlett not to become a one person bird? She will step up for Evan and I fine if we pick her up from her cage. But if Evan tries to take her from my hand or from near me (like when she hangs out on the couch with me but isn't neccessarily on me) she growls at him and this morning she bit him. I don't want her to really favor me over him. Nor do I want her to think it is okay to growl and bite at people. Other than this she is such a sweetie and will let Evan scratch her and kiss all over her. He just can't take her from me without her getting all upset. Any advice?

That's the exact opposite of Ollie. Both Matt and I (and sometimes my dad) are the only ones who can get her off of her cage/gyms. Anybody else is going to suffer serious damage. However, I can get her to go to anybody from my hand to their hand. If Matt's holding her, he can also get her to go from his hand to anybody else's hand. If I tell her to go to somebody, she's also not going to bite them. She'll sit still as a statue.

Here is how I was able to get Ollie used to Matt (he joined our little family when Ollie was 1), and how I continue to get her to step up for other people. Praise, praise, praise, and treats, treats, treats!! In the beginning Ollie got exuberant praise from both of us when she stepped up for Matt. You have to make a big deal out of it. High, excited voice, and her favorite treat. Make baby steps, just have her step up to Evan then take her right back at first.

What Camille said. In spite of your best efforts though, you may have to make sure to always "give" Scarlett to Evan if you are there, rather than him "take" her. That can make a huge difference. Also, he should work one-on-one with her when you are out of sight, with lots of praise and treats.

My TAG was a rehome. Was said to be vicious. I took her to work with me every day. I worked in a large office with over 100 employees. Every time I would turn around, one of the attorneys or secretaries would have her. I have to say she is one of the most socialized birds insofar as HUMANS are concerned. Birds are another story altogether.

I am a true believe that lots of socialization will make them realize that people are friendly and, in the end, help deter the "one person bird" syndrome.

Nate is 100% right. Peanut does blood transfusions to anyone who tries to "take" from me, but I can "give' him to anyone.

At about what age do they start being picky about who gets them?

I can't imagine what its like to get bit so hard that it causes serious dammage. I have cut my self open with a nail sticking out of a board, but a bite is with lots of pressure. Ouch!

Thanks for all the advice, I'll show all this to Evan tonight.

And Scarlett is 7 months old and has started this within the last week or so. And she doesn't bite very hard actually, she hasn't broke skin.

as i read this thread an hour aago ,,,had to come back ...toby who is 5 months old wouldnt come out of his cage for my middle daughter...he did come out for me 15 mins later when i took him out my youngest went to pet him he went to bite her but got me so i can get away after my youngest got the nerve again she went to toby and i said be a good boy and step up ,,he did so he got a treat...i didn think i had to start this early

We practiced me giving Scarlett to Evan last night and praised her for being so good about. It went well with minimal growling. We're just going to work with her everyday and hopefully on sat. we will be able to take her to the park to play in a more social setting.

Good luck Patti! I am sorry you are having this problem with Toby too.

these are one determine birds when they have their mind made up is so hard to change it...
whe he first came home all he want was too be near me he would do anything to get to me we thought this was cute ...i see that its not now
at least i know im not alone with this problem