The past few weeks have been upsetting for all of us. Elmo has been in a foul mood and nothing Richard and I do seems to make him happy. We don’t know what has happened to upset Elmo so much but we’re trying our best to improve things so Elmo feels better.
Here’s what I do know:
- Elmo’s bad mood started shortly after we went on holiday.
- Elmo started moulting during the week of our holiday.
Now I could understand his bad mood if we had left him for a week, but no, we didn’t leave at all! We stayed at home for our holiday, so what’s Elmo so angry about? Was it my constant presence (since I’m the rival)? I know that my pigeons can feel vulnerable when moulting, but Elmo’s behaviour is a bit extreme.
Elmo has now stopped moulting and we have gone back to work, but he’s still not his usual cuddly-cute, happy self. 
The day we went back to work Elmo did show a bit of his usual behaviour – he cooed to us and greeted us – but that was short lived. He’s a bit better with Richard, no longer pecking him like he was during our holiday, but he’s not showing him the love that he usually does. I’m finding this all a bit stressful since I hate to see Elmo so angry.
All Elmo does now is chase me about the flat to attack my feet. I know the difference from his playful attacking behaviour, and this is not it. He wants to hurt me and he attacks in anger. The last time he was like this was when he was broody and sitting on the fake eggs.
I really hope Elmo feels better soon because I feel he’s also getting stressed about the situation. I’ve been giving him treats and trying to be loving but Elmo does not want me to be around him, so I will try to keep out of his way.
Even the sight of the camera didn’t excite his usual amorous feelings towards it!
Elmo giving me the evil eye
Elmo staring me down
Could it be change of season? Mind you I’m still in winter here and I know the birds are getting ansy with spring around the corner, it’s been an extremely long winter here! Has Georgie been bothering him lately? Silly little boy, Elmo? What about a new scent you are wearing or your husband? Strange! I’m sure hell change his attitude soon, feel sorry for him and you guys!
Hi Wendy, I guess it could be the change in season, although I don’t remember him being like this last year. Georgie hasn’t been bothering him and we haven’t changed scents, so it is all very strange. I’m sure Elmo will snap out of it but it’s taking a while. Thanks for your comment!
Maybe there is a health reason for his change of behavior. Perhaps he’s in pain? He has a chronic limp so maybe he developed some arthritis in the leg. Any other changes in the house….new furniture, stuff moved around…etc. Or perhaps some new toys to take his anger out on? Hope he settles down soon!
Lovey-Dove goes through moods too… (although I’m sure he would be mortified to know I just tattled on him like that!) Sending love and prayers Rev, I know how deeply these funny little creatures can get in our hearts and it just drives us absolutely bonkers when they aren’t ‘right’!
Hi Jen, thanks for commenting. We have some pain relief medication (left from when Georgie visited the vet) so we’ll give him some to see if that helps. Otherwise, no changes in the flat that may have angered Elmo. He does have a toy to vent his anger on, which I had given to him the other day to let him ‘kill’ it. He seemed happy to do that.
Hi Cara Louise, thanks for your comment. It is very true what you say that these little birds get into our hearts and drive us mad with worry!
maybe,the below text is the answer you are looking for. The pigeon may be accustomed to owning the whole space (your house) when you were going out for work at a regular timeslot basis. He could do and enjoy everything he thinks interesting, and at this timeslot he might feel least stressful.
>>Now I could understand his bad mood if we had left him for a week, but no, we didn’t leave at all! We stayed at home for our holiday, so what’s Elmo so angry about? Was it my constant presence (since I’m the rival)?
Hi Jean, thanks for commenting. Yes, you could be right. This episode of Elmo being “unhappy” was short lived if memory serves me correctly. He’s had to get used to a different routine now that we’ve moved house and I have a new job with new time schedules. Overall Elmo is a happy boy.