Sudden Aggression

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: My two year old bronze wing pionous has always been extremely good natured, outgoing, playful, and calm. For the last few days I have noticed that he has been talking much more and fluttering his wings (body somewhat hunched). I went to take him out of his cage last night and he jumped off my hand and onto the back of the couch (normal). When I put my finger to him and commanded up he literally attacked me. He jumped onto my shoulder, bit through my ear (ouch!) and when I grabbed him to remove him from attacking my head he bit my finger (flesh wound). I immediately flicked him to the floor where the attacking started again. He was hissing,breathing very heavy and would lunge at my finger and the perches I put in front of him as I tried to command him up. It was only after I placed a towel over him that I was able to get him back in the cage. I am obviously terribly distressed as he has been my best and most constant companion. : Note following: : I picked up some seed that was sunflower based rather than safflower based. I have had him off of sunflower seeds for quite a while because of the tendency of pionous to get overweight. He was four days into this food when attack began. : He also has been taking this food and putting it into his water bowl. : I moved his cage about three weeks ago where he could see out the window but away from direct sunlight. : There has been a wee bit more activity here lately, however he has always thrived on that. : In the last week or so every once in a while he'll let out a "scream" that sends me running to check on him. He has never made this noise before that last week or nine days and when I go in there he is usually satisfied when he hears me talk to him.\ : : Help me solve this problem please...I know this may end up being a long process but I'm in it for the long haul. : P.S. I took him out early today and he was fine (I kept him chest high and against me and rubbed his neck and cuddled him). : I took him out this afternoon and he again tried to attack, not nearly as aggressive but I was also prepared and able to take the towel and put him back in his cage. I have not scolded him verbally or (obviously) physically. I just give him a real dirty look than walk away. : Sue

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