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debi
Flutterer
Joined: 30 Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Location: South Jordan, Utah |
| Can't get my bird to quit bitting me. |
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I was in the hospital for a week and when I came home and ever since, Bella has found a new main person. She will also go to my son as a second. See sits on my arm just as innocent as can be and then she will run and take a bite. Not a little bite, but like chews to get blood. I have tried many things from not making a big deal about it, ignoring the negative praising the positive, to stop it Bella. It’s funny though, when she is in the bath with me I can play with me and she will never bite. But when she is dry, she is the same.
I read that if I ignore her when she is biting she will find no joy in it and stop.  did not work. I always talk to her and repeat her sounds she has learned. I have tried everything I have read in books nothing works. I have not quit trying, but you should see my hands.   |
Sunday August 12, 2007 9:31 pm |
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jletaz
Experienced flier
Joined: 28 Feb 2007
Posts: 1286
Location: CA, USA |
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Debi... I feel for you! I have a mature male Red Bellied parrot who can inflict more damage than a lot of big birds!
I know the common advice is to not give the "drama reward"... ignore the biting and don't give a big reaction. I know that it doesn't always work. It depends on WHY they're biting. If they are biting to get a reaction, then not giving the 'drama reward' works... but as we know, parrots bite for other reasons too. It's not always easy to tell why.
I will tell you from my experience with Robin, as well as hearing from other Poicephalus owners in the 13 years that I've had Robin... that a good percentage of Poicephalus parrots bite very badly, and you will not be able to stop it completely. It is a natural tendency of the species. You can diminish it by knowing their body language and WHEN they are most likely to bite. Robin is also stick trained which is a real pain sometimes, but really saves my flesh! Since Robin became a mature male, I unfortunately can't just pick him up and cuddle and play with him at any time as if he were a stuffed animal... I used to be able to when he was younger. It also helps with Poicephalus to establish ground rules and commands when they are young.
Good luck... I know you'll still love your little bird no matter what!
Julie |
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Sunday August 12, 2007 10:01 pm |
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cashmeer
Just hatched
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 33
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I feel for you...I have had choo choo for almost 3 years...and he will still bite...I ve read where some parrots will take food from their owners hands...if I give choo choo food...its a BIG piece not little as he will bite me...I dont know about the reward or punishment thing..all I know is if I get bit...I say BAD BIRD...saying anything only helps me..as he has never changed his behavior...but I have changed mine...I am always cautious around him..and careful to use slow movements...VERY slow movements! |
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Thursday September 6, 2007 7:48 pm |
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homebird
Flier
Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 480
Location: Toronto, Canada |
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Even Budgies will get into biting
. I really feel for you as well. At least with Budgies the bites are tolerable but i still try to avoid them. My Mom's Tiel will saw away if giventhe chance & blood bites where an issue.
One thing i've noticed is along with reading their body language
you can use a word or words
to show them you're onto them. For example my Budgie was very territorial about his cage, the key board, etc. As soon as i see him hunker down to get ready to bite i stop all movement & say 'excuse me'. I only move again when he relaxes. Now he will stop as well & even steps aside & no longer takes offense with these issues.
Another type of biting is the bird disciplining you.
Again i have experienced this with our Budgie & my mother's Tiels. If I've been busy or away for a while he/she will feel it is OK to bite at me  - especially if i am physically close or ask them to step-up.  SOOOOoooo I've learned to start talking to them before i get near & also to talk for a while before making contact. This seems to appease their sense of propriety. 
For larger birds
i think it is very much the same but unfortunately the bites are much more serious. I know that many people will say that the bird no longer can sit on you- that they have lost the privilege. When i wouldn't allow my Teil to run up my arm because of biting she was very confused at first. The good side was her stopping the biting.
One person i know keeps a
paper roll
available for all biting issues - they get this in their face to bite instead. All frustrations are redirected towards this object. Choose an object wisely - paper is tricky because they might take apart other paper , thinking it's OK. But i think they all like paper to chew.... He decorated the paper roll to make it more of a toy.
You might also try spending more time with the bird - alone & not on you. Do you take your bird out at all?
Have you tried the Blinking Game?
This simple game will calm the bird - mine fall asleep! You talk softly, look to the side ¬ right at them & then blink very slowly. This is so non threatening that they tend to relax a lot & when relaxed they are less inclined to bite.
It maybe hormonal.
have you gone thru your list of things that might be setting him/her off? |
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Thursday September 6, 2007 8:15 pm |
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homebird
Flier
Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 480
Location: Toronto, Canada |
I know i go on a long time but i remembered what my friend who has a Sennie said to me. Her's bites only to discipline her - when she's going out especially. So look for clues.
Her bird loves car rides & all outings - they really want to be with you all the time. Maybe your bird is angry at you or has chosen another human mate. this can happen even without you being absent a lot.
Be patient & try not to take this personally.
Oh - & my Budgie also is crabby when he's hungry or tired. I try & find out what the issues are.
All the best. |
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Thursday September 6, 2007 8:21 pm |
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cashmeer
Just hatched
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 33
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gosh..its kind of scary...parrots are so close to humans..in the way they act/react... |
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Saturday September 8, 2007 1:37 am |
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cashmeer
Just hatched
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 33
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| homebird... |
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awesome sites...thanks for sharing! |
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Saturday September 8, 2007 1:41 am |
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