Many people claim that their parrots love just them and are "one person" birds. The only reason why this behavior exists is because their owners encourage & teach this type of behavior. Parrots are social animals and although they will always have a favorite person, they will also seek others' attention - and that is the behavior of a healthy, trusting pet bird. The parrot's favorite person can either encourage it to love others, or to love only him or her. And all that can be done by a simple reaction when the bird shows favoritism. A laugh over displays of aggression, an acceptance of ".... my bird will bite the ones he doesn't like..." for example, will only encourage the parrot to become this "one person" type bird. Some people do that unintentionally; and many do it because of selfishness or pride. The truth is that encouraging this type of behavior only benefits the (unknowingly selfish) human, not the pet bird. The parrot in this situation will only be happy being with that one person and can never adapt to being contented while that person is away, whether short or long term. Also it creates other avenues of aggression from that parrot - who has already learnt that being aggressive will keep some people away.
Remember that a happy and trusting pet bird will always love its favorite person and will not dislike you just because it is enjoying a few laughs and having fun with someone else.
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It builds confidence in the bird when they can do that, and it creates a trusting and contented pet bird.
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When they trust humans and still get the favorite person's love and assurance, they will become more trusting than you ever thought a parrot could be.
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If your bird refuses to go to someone else (someone you approve of), slowly encourage him (don't laugh when he tries to bite) and tell him that it's OK and that you're there. All you need to help him do, is to step up on another person's hand and then praise him enthusiastically. Then let your bird step back up on your hand, to assure him that as long as he can accept others, he will always get to come back to you. In time, the bird will actually want to spend a little more time with that other person and then when he's done, he'll look for you. Parrots are loyal pets and with proper training, they will also be sociable, loving and trusting pets.
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For issues on a overbonding with one person, read our page entitled Correcting Overbonding.
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