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bird brain
Flutterer
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 130
Location: Tn. USA |
| Help with a nipping B&G |
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Some days this is driving me CRAZY!! Angel is is our B&G. She is not "my bird" but she is closer to me. Really alot closer to me than her ownwer. I play with her alot. she has 4 different places to hang out (her cage, play gym and 2 perches). She's not negleted or doing without anything. I love all these fids more than I love most people. They are my best friends. What I mean is I don't think any of that is the cause of her nipping me but she's nipping & leaving bruises when she does it. Have you had somebody pinch you really hard and your first reaction is the thought to smack the "$%%#" out of them? That little pinch that really hurts!! Angel does this at any given time, playing or not. She'll do it anywhere on my body, arm, neck, any place close. We are soooo close! She runs to the room I'm in, she walks over her "mom" to get to me and can be so sweet! This pinching hurts and I want to try to get her to stop! Any ideas?? |
Saturday January 13, 2007 12:10 am |
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Jrmno1
Flying tumbler
Joined: 28 Aug 2005
Posts: 2310
Location: Ohio, USA |
There are a number of reasons for a Macaw to be nippy.....
The first question I would have for you is,
1. How old is she?
2. How long has she been doing this behievor?
3. Can you isulate a trigger?
Keep in mind that it is that time of year for these guys. It may be that you will have to live with it for a while.... Here is a thread that may help you with that problem...
http://www.fluffies.org/en/par.....t4157.html
John |
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Saturday January 13, 2007 1:29 am |
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bird brain
Flutterer
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 130
Location: Tn. USA |
I've been trying to see if anything triggers this. Nothing does. She does it when she's happy, excited, not happy or just sitting with me watching TV. She will be 4 yrs old this July. When we got her, 1 1/2 yrs ago, she did this but about stopped as she got use to us. Don't recall when it started again. I'm thinking it must be a breeding season thing but I gotta say.. POOR MATES!! This hurts and if she were doing it to a mate, bet he'd be nipping back! LOL Maybe that's what I should do!! LOL Just kidding. I'd never do that but bet a mate would. I have learned a shower calms her down. |
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Saturday January 13, 2007 1:55 am |
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Jrmno1
Flying tumbler
Joined: 28 Aug 2005
Posts: 2310
Location: Ohio, USA |
It very well could be a breeding season thing, I know our Alex is not behieving very well himself, and Ann is slowly turning into the monster that eat New York.. 
That thread I sent you to has a lot of good ideas. Let us know if this does not seem to work. There is a stage that a Macaw goes through at about 4 to 5 years, where they start to really test their becks. But stick with the breeding thing for now. Most of the things I would recommand for breeding season problems, would be the same...
John |
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Saturday January 13, 2007 2:04 am |
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bird brain
Flutterer
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 130
Location: Tn. USA |
Ok, we are going for a happy shot like Lucy got. Angel is nipping still but she's also biting me and not playing around. She has bitten my earlobe so hard that it's bruised and I can't sleep on that ear. She's also bitten my arm so hard I was almost in tears. I have a knot the size of a grape turning purple alittle above my wrist. I have 6 bruises on me total from Angel. I can't hardly control her.If she doesn't need that shot, something is very wrong. Talk about hurting feelings! My best friend is really attacking me and means it! We are going to the vet. |
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Tuesday January 16, 2007 1:36 am |
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Cathy
Kamikaze pilot
Joined: 02 Apr 2005
Posts: 6673
Location: Omaha, NE USA |
I think it's a good idea you're going to the vet to begin with, just to rule out anything physically that might be wrong.
After ruling out anything physical, I my first course of action would probably be to re-establish some boundaries by going thru simple step up/step down excercises with her.
I think all birds go thru phases, & some times relationships need to be re-established & re-inforced.
I'm curious to hear what the vet has to say, so please let us know! |
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Tuesday January 16, 2007 3:21 am |
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Jrmno1
Flying tumbler
Joined: 28 Aug 2005
Posts: 2310
Location: Ohio, USA |
I agree with Cathy,
You have some issues. But the first stop is the Vet. which is good. Let us know what he says.
John |
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Tuesday January 16, 2007 4:26 am |
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bird brain
Flutterer
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 130
Location: Tn. USA |
We can't go til Thursday or Friday but I will let you know. Thanks! |
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Tuesday January 16, 2007 4:27 am |
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Lisa
Egg
Joined: 02 Jun 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Ohio |
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Did you ever get to the vet? My mini is doing the exact same thing!!! If he's happy, quiet, tempermental, anything. But he won't let me out of his sight.... I'm definatly the momma. But he thinks it's funny or feels good or something. Just little pinches... not a bite. Cheek, arm, neck, anywhere! He'll sneak up behind me on the sofa and do it to the back of my neck, and I can't help but to react. Other than that specific time, I never react. Sometimes I look away from him... as recommended by many... walk away when he nibbles... but my baby flies and if I turn around and start to walk... he flies right to my shoulder. These nips are in between nothings out of nowhere. No triggers, healthy, I think breeding season is over (when esactly IS breeding season? Just late winter/early spring?). He just loves to love-nibble, and it freaking hurts, and he'll do it over and over and over again.... so believe me ... I've tried several approaches. Any work for you yet? If so..... PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!!!!!!! |
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Wednesday June 4, 2008 10:19 pm |
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