Comments on: Tell Me About Your Parrot’s Random Biting http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/ Blog about how to train parrots Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:02:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Colleen Howard http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-73 Colleen Howard Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:54:38 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-73 My Severe Macaw Lucy is the sweetest girl until my husband come near me. Lucy will climb or fly off of her cage, walk across the floor and rear up like she is going to tear him apart. If he walks in to the kitchen Lucy get crazy. Last night we were all settled in to watch TV and she was of course on her cage and when he came near me, she went after him, but instead got me. She goes from sweet to mean, what can I do to stop this behavior? I have used your cd's before and they do work, so I am hoping you can help this time. Thanks Colleen My Severe Macaw Lucy is the sweetest girl until my husband come near me. Lucy will climb or fly off of her cage, walk across the floor and rear up like she is going to tear him apart. If he walks in to the kitchen Lucy get crazy. Last night we were all settled in to watch TV and she was of course on her cage and when he came near me, she went after him, but instead got me. She goes from sweet to mean, what can I do to stop this behavior? I have used your cd’s before and they do work, so I am hoping you can help this time.
Thanks Colleen

]]> By: Harriet http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-74 Harriet Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:45:54 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-74 I have a Blue Fount Amason, about 4.6 years old. This past winter he started to bite and draw blood. This was on my face,ears, neck and in my hair. I never knew what would set him off. He would bite going thouth doorway, in the kitchen, bathroom and twice just watching TV. Paying attention to him or not , he would walk up to me and want tobe picked up, be there on my shoulder or chest and then bite. It is hard for me to trust him any more! He loves to play with me, he really wants to be with me and I really don't want him on me, it hurts me when he nails me. I do wrap him in a towel losely, but he does not really like it. I have a Blue Fount Amason, about 4.6 years old. This past winter he started to bite and draw blood. This was on my face,ears, neck and in my hair. I never knew what would set him off. He would bite going thouth doorway, in the kitchen, bathroom and twice just watching TV. Paying attention to him or not , he would walk up to me and want tobe picked up, be there on my shoulder or chest and then bite.
It is hard for me to trust him any more!
He loves to play with me, he really wants to be with me and I really don’t want him on me, it hurts me when he nails me. I do wrap him in a towel losely, but he does not really like it.

]]> By: Charlotte Burr http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-75 Charlotte Burr Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:07:48 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-75 My macaw will tap on the cage and say "come here" and I can go over to stroke him and after the first touch or tow he can turn and try to take a chunk out of my finger. Also, the past few months when he is on my shoulder, he too can out of no where, try to rip my ear off. Always before, I could read him, when he was going to be naughty, but now I can not always. Just out of the blue, he decides to bite.(bite as you know is an understatement. My macaw will tap on the cage and say “come here” and I can go over to stroke him and after the first touch or tow he can turn and try to take a chunk out of my finger.
Also, the past few months when he is on my shoulder, he too can out of no where, try to rip my ear off.
Always before, I could read him, when he was going to be naughty, but now I can not always. Just out of the blue, he decides to bite.(bite as you know is an understatement.

]]> By: Vivienne Worth http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-76 Vivienne Worth Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:27:35 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-76 Hi Chet I have a blue fronted amazon named Amazon aged 3 years What a delightful bird. He loves my husband I suppose that's because he hand fed him as a baby. He has a habbit all of a sudden of telling me to come and when I do approach him thinking his going to kiss me like he always does he takes chunks out of my fingers or where ever he can can get hold of me. He has become so unpredictable lately but I put it down to hormonal change maybe. His fine with my husband and ok with me when his not around. Just to add fuel to the fire he has this awful scream which we are having difficulty in trying to figure out why he does that. Please help. Many thanks Vivienne Hi Chet
I have a blue fronted amazon named Amazon aged 3 years What a delightful bird. He loves my husband I suppose that’s because he hand fed him as a baby. He has a habbit all of a sudden of telling me to come and when I do approach him thinking his going to kiss me like he always does he takes chunks out of my fingers or where ever he can can get hold of me. He has become so unpredictable lately but I put it down to hormonal change maybe. His fine with my husband and ok with me when his not around. Just to add fuel to the fire he has this awful scream which we are having difficulty in trying to figure out why he does that. Please help. Many thanks Vivienne

]]> By: Laila http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-77 Laila Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:33:46 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-77 Hi Chet, My bird will be just sitting on his cage and loving a good careful scratch avoiding his new feathers that are growing in and out of the blue she will jolt her head and bite right into my hand. I try to keep the pain from showing on my face and I try pushing my hand into her mouth and telling her a short "no". Day in and day out she will do this. I also have another topic I would wish you would talk about and that is . Putting on a harness on a grown four year old amazon. Do you know if it is possible. I have tried but she screams and runs away. Won't talk to me for several days if she sees that harnes. It is a aviator, they just show on their CD already birds that are used to these harness. Thank you, look forward to hearing from you. Oslo, Norway Hi Chet,

My bird will be just sitting on his cage and loving a good careful scratch avoiding his new feathers that are growing in and out of the blue she will jolt her head and bite right into my hand. I try to keep the pain from showing on my face and I try pushing my hand into her mouth and telling her a short “no”. Day in and day out she will do this.

I also have another topic I would wish you would talk about and that is . Putting on a harness on a grown four year old amazon. Do you know if it is possible. I have tried but she screams and runs away. Won’t talk to me for several days if she sees that harnes. It is a aviator, they just show on their CD already birds that are used to these harness. Thank you, look forward to hearing from you. Oslo, Norway

]]> By: Lorrie Meharg http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-78 Lorrie Meharg Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:34:36 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-78 Hello Chet: I have a 2 yr old Conure who will sit on my shoulder and behave well, until someone comes near me and it's me that gets bit!! Owww but that hurts! He will try to bite my Labs nose too if the dog is looking for affection from me. If he's on the floor he will go after my son's feet and bite their toes. In the beginning he was very friendly with everyone but now he has an attitude and seems jealous of anyone or anything that wants to come near me. I would love for everyone to be able to enjoy him. What can I do to help him socialize better? Thanks. Lorrie Hello Chet: I have a 2 yr old Conure who will sit on my shoulder and behave well, until someone comes near me and it’s me that gets bit!! Owww but that hurts! He will try to bite my Labs nose too if the dog is looking for affection from me. If he’s on the floor he will go after my son’s feet and bite their toes. In the beginning he was very friendly with everyone but now he has an attitude and seems jealous of anyone or anything that wants to come near me. I would love for everyone to be able to enjoy him. What can I do to help him socialize better? Thanks. Lorrie

]]> By: Ann Marie http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-79 Ann Marie Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:41:53 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-79 I have a Pacific Parrotlet named Buka. He is 1 year old. He sits on my shoulder and goes with me everywhere in the building where I live and work. With no warning, he arches his back and begins viciously biting my ear, face, neck and shoulder. If I try to get him off my shoulder, he rips skin off my finger. If I try using a stick to get him off, he flutters down to the floor, arches his back and flares his wings and begins biting my toes. I walk away and in a minute he is his calm, loving self who just want up on my finger. When I put him back on my shoulder he starts kissing my cheek like nothing happened. Please help! I have a Pacific Parrotlet named Buka. He is 1 year old. He sits on my shoulder and goes with me everywhere in the building where I live and work. With no warning, he arches his back and begins viciously biting my ear, face, neck and shoulder. If I try to get him off my shoulder, he rips skin off my finger. If I try using a stick to get him off, he flutters down to the floor, arches his back and flares his wings and begins biting my toes. I walk away and in a minute he is his calm, loving self who just want up on my finger. When I put him back on my shoulder he starts kissing my cheek like nothing happened. Please help!

]]> By: Linda http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-80 Linda Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:01:22 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-80 My 2 year old conure, bites at the children and others who she does not want me paying attention to. True the kids have teased her in the past, but I have tried to teach them how to talk to her and how to act around her.Biting is not an acceptable behavior , nor is the squawking that goes on constantly when the children are here and she is put in her cage to keep her from biting. I would appreciate any help on this part you could give me and Lucy (my conure). Thanks My 2 year old conure, bites at the children and others who she does not want me paying attention to. True the kids have teased her in the past, but I have tried to teach them how to talk to her and how to act around her.Biting is not an acceptable behavior , nor is the squawking that goes on constantly when the children are here and she is put in her cage to keep her from biting. I would appreciate any help on this part you could give me and Lucy (my conure).
Thanks

]]> By: Maria Bush http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-81 Maria Bush Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:11:28 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-81 I have a seven year old yellow nape amazon. Smart as a whip, funny, talkative and headstrong. Her and I have had a few "moments" and i seem to be the one she bites the most. She won't do it to my husband EXCEPT for those random times you are speaking about. I just had that experience the other day. She has not bitten me for behavioral reasons since your course but last week I was holding her, she was dancing, singing and having a time of it, we were in "deep conversation" as she calmly sat on my hand, when out of nowhere "wamp...she took a chunk out of my arm"....this has happened to both my husband and I with her and we can't explain it. HELP!!!!! I have a seven year old yellow nape amazon. Smart as a whip, funny, talkative and headstrong. Her and I have had a few “moments” and i seem to be the one she bites the most. She won’t do it to my husband EXCEPT for those random times you are speaking about. I just had that experience the other day. She has not bitten me for behavioral reasons since your course but last week I was holding her, she was dancing, singing and having a time of it, we were in “deep conversation” as she calmly sat on my hand, when out of nowhere “wamp…she took a chunk out of my arm”….this has happened to both my husband and I with her and we can’t explain it. HELP!!!!!

]]> By: Ben http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-82 Ben Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:14:13 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-82 (first, conducting is not spelled with a u.) Second, how do you deal with a bird that bites whenever your fingers (or any part of your body) are close enough? 12 year old grey won't step up (used to) or obey any commands? Been trying to find help for years. So far, all advice has failed. (first, conducting is not spelled with a u.)

Second, how do you deal with a bird that bites whenever your fingers (or any
part of your body) are close enough? 12 year old grey won’t step up (used to) or obey any commands? Been trying to find help for years. So far, all advice has failed.

]]> By: marilee winkenbasch http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-83 marilee winkenbasch Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:18:56 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-83 I have a cockatoo names Joey that I have had since he was 7. He is now 28. He was very sweet and always out of his cage until about 6 years ago. One day he was outside with me and I bent down to pick him up and he attacked my arm and would not stop bitting me. I had to shake my arm for him to let go. I later put on cotton gloves to take him into the house. He latched on to my thumb and I though I had lost it. After placing him in his cage, he turned into a crazy bird trying to attack me from inside his cage. I took him to a bird specialist and she did blood work on him but found nothing and he was very loving with her. For years he was crazy and I could not even get close to his cage. I had many bad bits trying to pet him from outside. After about 3 years I was able to take him outside again but he attacked me once again biting my wrist and I went to the fire dept to be checked as I could not get it to stop bleedning. When I have him boarded while on vacation he is very sweet with the staff and it appears the problem is only with me as he thinks I am his mate. It was not until two weeks ago that he bit someone that he as know for 11 yr. while petting him from outside of his cage. I still let him out occationaly but have to place a bath towel around my arm while putting him in his cage as he bits very aggressivly. He will never be on my shoulder again as I can not trust hm. I will never give up on him and hope to resolve the problem so he can be my buddy again. I have a cockatoo names Joey that I have had since he was 7. He is now 28. He was very sweet and always out of his cage until about 6 years ago. One day he was outside with me and I bent down to pick him up and he attacked my arm and would not stop bitting me. I had to shake my arm for him to let go.
I later put on cotton gloves to take him into the house. He latched on to my thumb and I though I had lost it. After placing him in his cage, he turned into a crazy bird trying to attack me from inside his cage. I took him to a bird specialist and she did blood work on him but found nothing and he was very loving with her. For years he was crazy and I could not even get close to his cage. I had many bad bits trying to pet him from outside.
After about 3 years I was able to take him outside again but he attacked me once again biting my wrist and I went to the fire dept to be checked as I could not get it to stop bleedning. When I have him boarded while on vacation he is very sweet with the staff and it appears the problem is only with me as he thinks I am his mate. It was not until two weeks ago that he bit someone that he as know for 11 yr. while petting him from outside of his cage. I still let him out occationaly but have to place a bath towel around my arm while putting him in his cage as he bits very aggressivly. He will never be on my shoulder again as I can not trust hm. I will never give up on him and hope to resolve the problem so he can be my buddy again.

]]> By: Teresa http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-84 Teresa Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:31:11 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-84 I am so very lucky! I have a blue front amazon and they are known for their biting watch for eyes pinning and get out of the way!!!!! I was bitten severly in the lip huge chunk taken out of the center of my bottom lip, I was so mad at my parrot that I put her back in her cage and dident talk to her probably for 2 weeks or play w/ her just cleaned the cage and fed her, i KNOW THIS IS NOT THE WAY you should train a parrot, but this is my first parrot and @ the time I had only owned her for a short time and dident know any better, well since then it has never happened again, I cant even remember when I was bit last I dont know what I have done right but I have a GREAT bird. She gets out of her cage every day loves showers usually once or twice a month eats an organic diet (harrisons) and an occasional sweet potatoe and some fresh fruit,and she sleeps when the sun goes down, I could ramble on forever, but I bet those key factors would help alot, btw a freakish bite out of the blue means your bird id trying to protect you from something, how to stop it? Chet? I am so very lucky! I have a blue front amazon and they are known for their biting watch for eyes pinning and get out of the way!!!!! I was bitten severly in the lip huge chunk taken out of the center of my bottom lip, I was so mad at my parrot that I put her back in her cage and dident talk to her probably for 2 weeks or play w/ her just cleaned the cage and fed her, i KNOW THIS IS NOT THE WAY you should train a parrot, but this is my first parrot and @ the time I had only owned her for a short time
and dident know any better, well since then it has never happened again, I cant even remember when I was bit last I dont know what I have done right but I have a GREAT bird. She gets out of her cage every day loves showers usually once or twice a month eats an organic diet (harrisons) and an occasional sweet potatoe and some fresh fruit,and she sleeps when the sun goes down, I could ramble on forever, but I bet those key factors would help alot, btw a freakish bite out of the blue means your bird id trying to protect you from something, how to stop it? Chet?

]]> By: Michelle http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-85 Michelle Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:34:26 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-85 I have a Blue Crowned Conure and he is very special to me. He is more like my child than a pet bird. He is well tamed and has even gotten more social with others in our household over the years. He is almost 3 yrs. old and is very attached to me, but like I said he will allow my 11 yr. old son & husband to pet him but not pick him up. Most of the time he is very talkative and happy go lucky but like you said of your macaw, after a while of sitting on my shoulder he will rear back & bite the mess out of my ear, and it seems like he does it more if my son or husband is talking to me and if he's chewing on my shirt / button and I make him stop he will lunge for my whatever and nip, but sometimes his little nips really hurt and I don't think he realizes that what he's doing is a no no either. It's like "he's" the boss and that's that, but I have always wondered if there was a correct way to teach them not to do that. I also know that they have good and bad days too so, I am very interested in learning what to do so I don't hurt his little feelings or cause him to be afraid of me. Thank you so much! I have a Blue Crowned Conure and he is very special to me. He is more like my child than a pet bird. He is well tamed and has even gotten more social with others in our household over the years. He is almost 3 yrs. old and is very attached to me, but like I said he will allow my 11 yr. old son & husband to pet him but not pick him up. Most of the time he is very talkative and happy go lucky but like you said of your macaw, after a while of sitting on my shoulder he will rear back & bite the mess out of my ear, and it seems like he does it more if my son or husband is talking to me and if he’s chewing on my shirt / button and I make him stop he will lunge for my whatever and nip, but sometimes his little nips really hurt and I don’t think he realizes that what he’s doing is a no no either. It’s like “he’s” the boss and that’s that, but I have always wondered if there was a correct way to teach them not to do that. I also know that they have good and bad days too so, I am very interested in learning what to do so I don’t hurt his little feelings or cause him to be afraid of me. Thank you so much!

]]> By: Steve Tharp http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-86 Steve Tharp Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:36:29 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-86 Nalani, my Blue and Gold Macaw, just had his 2nd birthday and so far I haven't had this happen, knock on wood. He does have short, unexplained aggressiveness when I least expect it, but it's fleeting and usually stops short of clamping down into a real bite. The reason I write is because I'm trying to understand the whole "change things back to how they were before" the bird started the bad behaviour versus help the bird to become more tolerant and flexible. Otherwise, it almost seems like the bird is making the rules. Don't like the red tub, bite until they move it. Am I being too much of a disciplinarian to suggest a compromise like moving the tub a little further from the cage and force the bird to "deal with it" until he gets used to it? Maybe bring the tub in for an hour or 2 without picking up the bird and then remove it and make contact? Am I totally out to lunch here? Steve & Nalani Nalani, my Blue and Gold Macaw, just had his 2nd birthday and so far I haven’t had this happen, knock on wood. He does have short, unexplained aggressiveness when I least expect it, but it’s fleeting and usually stops short of clamping down into a real bite.

The reason I write is because I’m trying to understand the whole “change things back to how they were before” the bird started the bad behaviour versus help the bird to become more tolerant and flexible. Otherwise, it almost seems like the bird is making the rules. Don’t like the red tub, bite until they move it. Am I being too much of a disciplinarian to suggest a compromise like moving the tub a little further from the cage and force the bird to “deal with it” until he gets used to it? Maybe bring the tub in for an hour or 2 without picking up the bird and then remove it and make contact? Am I totally out to lunch here?

Steve & Nalani

]]> By: Cheryl Hindsley http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-87 Cheryl Hindsley Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:47:40 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-87 I am very interested in hearing the call. My blue & gold MacCaw is biting and screaming for no reason. I am very interested in hearing the call. My blue & gold MacCaw is biting and screaming for no reason.

]]> By: Sue Anderson http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-88 Sue Anderson Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:50:15 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-88 Peppy is a 14 year old male sulpher crested Triton cockatoo. I've had him since he was 2 1/2 years old. He and I have really bonded. However since he became a teenager he has exhibited some more aggressive behavior and he does do some random unexpected biting! This summer the line of women's clothing that I sell has 2 flared skirts and it seems that the flare is a moving object to be reckoned with! Peppy can be across the room on top of his cage when I walk in wearing one of these skirts and he can't seem to get himself down off the cage and across the room fast enough to come at my legs just below the flare! It is more of an open beaked hit than a bite which sometimes results in a blood blister, sometimes broken skin! (At least I think it is the skirt that is triggering this!) Usually now when I return home from someplace where I have worn the skirt, I change into pants before I take him out of the cage! Peppy is a 14 year old male sulpher crested Triton cockatoo. I’ve had him since he was 2 1/2 years old. He and I have really bonded. However since he became a teenager he has exhibited some more aggressive behavior and he does do some random unexpected biting! This summer the line of women’s clothing that I sell has 2 flared skirts and it seems that the flare is a moving object to be reckoned with! Peppy can be across the room on top of his cage when I walk in wearing one of these skirts and he can’t seem to get himself down off the cage and across the room fast enough to come at my legs just below the flare! It is more of an open beaked hit than a bite which sometimes results in a blood blister, sometimes broken skin! (At least I think it is the skirt that is triggering this!) Usually now when I return home from someplace where I have worn the skirt, I change into pants before I take him out of the cage!

]]> By: Barbara http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-89 Barbara Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:17:48 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-89 We have a sweet loving Umbrella Cockatoo she is really great most the time. She loves the great-kids,but and its a biggie she will bite them for what seems like no reason. She wants to play with them and loves them sooo much . Can't have a bike go by without her thinking its them and she yells hello etc. So whats up with this. Also at nite she can' become a demon bird to anyone that does'nt belong in her home. I love her but after 14 yrs is this spoiled and something we are doing. LOL I know the answer, can you tell me what to change, she has and I mean has never bite me. Love my bird hate what she does at times. Thanks Barbara We have a sweet loving Umbrella Cockatoo she is really great most the time. She loves the great-kids,but and its a biggie she will bite them for what seems like no reason. She wants to play with them and loves them sooo much . Can’t have a bike go by without her thinking its them and she yells hello etc. So whats up with this. Also at nite she can’ become a demon bird to anyone that does’nt belong in her home. I love her but after 14 yrs is this spoiled and something we are doing. LOL I know the answer, can you tell me what to change, she has and I mean has never bite me. Love my bird hate what she does at times. Thanks Barbara

]]> By: Mary http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-90 Mary Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:57:54 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-90 I have a green cheecked Conure. It's at least 11 years old. I bought it at a pet store. Bandit wants to automatically bite because he/she is scared. He/she WILL get up on my shoulder and does talk a bit but (& I know I don't spend enough time with it). Isn't there anything quick & easy to teach so she won't bite? She has always been like this but honestly is a good bird. Whe she/he has bitten me, if I get really mad and yell at her, she finally wil get on my finger and will be okay. OR if I trim her nails, because she's scared & it seems I'm in control, she's always nice after that too. She goes back to normal the next time I pick her up though. I have a green cheecked Conure. It’s at least 11 years old. I bought it at a pet store. Bandit wants to automatically bite because he/she is scared. He/she WILL get up on my shoulder and does talk a bit but (& I know I don’t spend enough time with it). Isn’t there anything quick & easy to teach so she won’t bite? She has always been like this but honestly is a good bird. Whe she/he has bitten me, if I get really mad and yell at her, she finally wil get on my finger and will be okay. OR if I trim her nails, because she’s scared & it seems I’m in control, she’s always nice after that too. She goes back to normal the next time I pick her up though.

]]> By: Deanna Emery http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-91 Deanna Emery Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:59:20 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-91 I have a 5 month old african grey who always wants to bite first (not hard, just a nip) before she will step up. It doesn't matter where she is stepping up from, either her cage or back of the couch, she always seems to want to taste first before she steps up. I have a 5 month old african grey who always wants to bite first (not hard, just a nip) before she will step up. It doesn’t matter where she is stepping up from, either her cage or back of the couch, she always seems to want to taste first before she steps up.

]]> By: Haya http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-92 Haya Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:15:23 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-92 Hey Chet, I need some advice from you for teaching my parrot to stand on my hand and to obey my orders.... I've had my african grey parrot for almost a year or two now, but it doesn't seem to get used to me or my family that much. What shall I do? Hey Chet,
I need some advice from you for teaching my parrot to stand on my hand and to obey my orders….
I’ve had my african grey parrot for almost a year or two now, but it doesn’t seem to get used to me or my family that much.
What shall I do?

]]> By: Haya http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-93 Haya Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:17:28 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-93 Hey Chet, I need some advice from you for teaching my parrot to stand on my hand and to obey my orders.... I've had my african grey parrot for almost a year or two now, but it doesn't seem to get used to me or my family that much. What shall I do? P.S. Sometimes he bites so hard when I'm simply giving him a pat on the head! Hey Chet,
I need some advice from you for teaching my parrot to stand on my hand and to obey my orders….
I’ve had my african grey parrot for almost a year or two now, but it doesn’t seem to get used to me or my family that much.
What shall I do?
P.S.
Sometimes he bites so hard when I’m simply giving him a pat on the head!

]]> By: Bonnie http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-94 Bonnie Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:01:22 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-94 My 28 yr old Yellow Nape, Screwie, is the sweetest, most affectionate, funny, smart bird I've ever known. I know she loves me, but perhaps too much. I adopted her 2 yrs ago from a home where she was well cared for but not handled and loved enough. In all her years, she has laid only one egg, until this past spring, when she laid 5, so I know she's happy and content. However, I cannot pick up my cell phone or wear a cap without having a piece of my ear torn off. What's that about?? My 28 yr old Yellow Nape, Screwie, is the sweetest, most affectionate, funny, smart bird I’ve ever known. I know she loves me, but perhaps too much. I adopted her 2 yrs ago from a home where she was well cared for but not handled and loved enough. In all her years, she has laid only one egg, until this past spring, when she laid 5, so I know she’s happy and content.
However, I cannot pick up my cell phone or wear a cap without having a piece of my ear torn off. What’s that about??

]]> By: Eric Baron http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-95 Eric Baron Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:08:30 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-95 My wife and I have a 3.5 year old white bellied Caique, there are times when we can handle him and stroke him and most of the time we have to handle him with thick winter gloves and not let him near our faces. A few times now when walking past his cage while he was on the top of his cage he darted out of no where and latched himself onto my forearm and continued to twist, all while hanging from his beak. Whenever he is about to attack his eyes get pinned. Thanx, Eric My wife and I have a 3.5 year old white bellied Caique, there are times when we can handle him and stroke him and most of the time we have to handle him with thick winter gloves and not let him near our faces. A few times now when walking past his cage while he was on the top of his cage he darted out of no where and latched himself onto my forearm and continued to twist, all while hanging from his beak. Whenever he is about to attack his eyes get pinned.

Thanx, Eric

]]> By: Edith Cargill http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-96 Edith Cargill Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:23:49 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-96 I recently got my sun conure back after 1 1/2 years. Prior to giving him up, he was loveable and we were best friend, even took showers together. He slept on the couch in a towel with me. Since I got him back, he acts like he is afraid of me, backs off from me and bites me when I attempt to put him on my finger. He has bitten me on the finger, check and neck when he did get on me. He is friendly and loving with my husband. He has bitten him a couple of times but when corrected stopped. He was difinitely my bird when I had him before and closer to m e than my husband. I am afraid that he was mistreated by some women who he was with the past 1 1/2 years and so got more attached to the man. How can I overcome this fear with him and have him become my friend again??? Edie I recently got my sun conure back after 1 1/2 years. Prior to giving him up, he was loveable and we were best friend, even took showers together. He slept on the couch in a towel with me.

Since I got him back, he acts like he is afraid of me, backs off from me and bites me when I attempt to put him on my finger. He has bitten me on the finger, check and neck when he did get on me. He is friendly and loving with my husband. He has bitten him a couple of times but when corrected stopped. He was difinitely my bird when I had him before and closer to m e than my husband.

I am afraid that he was mistreated by some women who he was with the past 1 1/2 years and so got more attached to the man.

How can I overcome this fear with him and have him become my friend again???

Edie

]]> By: Ann B. http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-97 Ann B. Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:24:04 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-97 I have an Indian Ringneck named Jessie. I received her when my neighbor was going to let her go out the window. I bought her a new cage which tured out to be zinc coated, so my poor Jessie was very sick. We did nurse her back to health. As a result of the zinc she has seizures,which medicine has helped.So my Jessie has quite a background. She has bonded with me,does not like anyone else. I am in the midst of moving and my little friend is beginning to bite for no reason.Please give some help to my little friend. thanks,Ann and Jessie I have an Indian Ringneck named Jessie. I received her when my neighbor was going to let her go out the window. I bought her a new cage which tured out to be zinc coated, so my poor Jessie was very sick. We did nurse her back to health. As a result of the zinc she has seizures,which medicine has helped.So my Jessie has quite a background. She has bonded with me,does not like anyone else.
I am in the midst of moving and my little friend is beginning to bite for no reason.Please give some help to my little friend.
thanks,Ann and Jessie

]]> By: Joan Fish http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-98 Joan Fish Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:33:18 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-98 HI - I have a 12 year old Blue and Gold macaw. Casey seems to go through periods where he is very crabby and aggressive, he is particularly aggressive towards my husband, but he has been know to be so mean I have to wait until he calms down to put him back in his cage. I tried to get him on my arm during one these times and he bit my thumb nearly half way through. There does not appear to be any inidication that would warrant this bad behavior. HI - I have a 12 year old Blue and Gold macaw. Casey seems to go through periods where he is very crabby and aggressive, he is particularly aggressive towards my husband, but he has been know to be so mean I have to wait until he calms down to put him back in his cage. I tried to get him on my arm during one these times and he bit my thumb nearly half way through. There does not appear to be any inidication that would warrant this bad behavior.

]]> By: Himanshu http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-99 Himanshu Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:39:26 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-99 Hi Chet, We have a 2.5 year old African Grey. She is very sweet bird and loves to play. Just recently she started biting my fingers and toes out of no where. Everytime we sit down to eat at the table... she would come under the table and just randomly start biting everyones toes. Not sure what is triggering this behavior, but she is getting worse and worse day by day. It is to a point where she draws blood. Any help or guidance will be much appreciated. Thanks Hi Chet,

We have a 2.5 year old African Grey. She is very sweet bird and loves to play. Just recently she started biting my fingers and toes out of no where. Everytime we sit down to eat at the table… she would come under the table and just randomly start biting everyones toes. Not sure what is triggering this behavior, but she is getting worse and worse day by day. It is to a point where she draws blood.
Any help or guidance will be much appreciated.

Thanks

]]> By: sammyz mama http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-100 sammyz mama Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:41:19 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-100 my citron cockatoo loves to go for walks (on my shoulder) but will bite me if anyone stops to talk to me- my citron cockatoo loves to go for walks (on my shoulder) but will bite me if anyone stops to talk to me-

]]> By: June Oldham http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-101 June Oldham Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:48:46 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-101 My Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Baby Bird (now dubbed Cockatoosaurus Rex), was the ideal, loving, playful and snuggly companion until my grandchildren paid a visit. After luring me to his cage with a cute little "Come here, baby!" he proceeded to bite my finger visciously three times in rapid fire succession bringing blood and yelps with each crunch. Thereafter, for the last 6 months, my hands, feet, ears and anything else he can get to have been nothing less than targets to him and I have the scars (mental as well as physical) to prove it. He will step up, then run up my arm to bite my ear. There is no doubt he wants cuddling, but only on his mysterious, demanding terms. I've tried all suggested right things and most of the wrong ones to no success. I am at least his third owner, so I have no idea as to his age or history other than his first owner made the mistake of bringing a new wife home. Unless I find the key to his displeasure we're doomed to love one another unhappily from afar. My Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Baby Bird (now dubbed Cockatoosaurus Rex), was the ideal, loving, playful and snuggly companion until my grandchildren paid a visit. After luring me to his cage with a cute little “Come here, baby!” he proceeded to bite my finger visciously three times in rapid fire succession bringing blood and yelps with each crunch. Thereafter, for the last 6 months, my hands, feet, ears and anything else he can get to have been nothing less than targets to him and I have the scars (mental as well as physical) to prove it. He will step up, then run up my arm to bite my ear. There is no doubt he wants cuddling, but only on his mysterious, demanding terms. I’ve tried all suggested right things and most of the wrong ones to no success. I am at least his third owner, so I have no idea as to his age or history other than his first owner made the mistake of bringing a new wife home. Unless I find the key to his displeasure we’re doomed to love one another unhappily from afar.

]]> By: Randy Thompson http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-102 Randy Thompson Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:51:54 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-102 Mine is a three year old Sengal Parrot named Kiwi, he is a great little guy most of the time, evry so often he will try to bite and go on a real aggresive attack. I am his third owner, have had him for alittle over 18 months now. If he is out of his area, as in the shower I can do anything with him without fear of being bit. My wife can not get near him, he will come to the cage edge and almost dare her to pet her saying hello and tlaking to my wife, the from no where insint attack mode. Thank you, Randy T. Mine is a three year old Sengal Parrot named Kiwi, he is a great little guy most of the time, evry so often he will try to bite and go on a real aggresive attack. I am his third owner, have had him for alittle over 18 months now. If he is out of his area, as in the shower I can do anything with him without fear of being bit. My wife can not get near him, he will come to the cage edge and almost dare her to pet her saying hello and tlaking to my wife, the from no where insint attack mode.

Thank you,

Randy T.

]]> By: Mel http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-103 Mel Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:53:46 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-103 Hi Chet, I would be interested in hearing a recording on how best to go about this problem. Our umbrella cockatoo will be having tickles in-front of the TV for 30-40 minutes then decide to go on the floor and run at your toes, if he gets you it hurts, so far having been using the *boring* "no" technique he does stop and run off but it doesn't seem to cure the behavior completely. Additionally to my horror the other day he bit my sister on the chin after he'd just let her pamper him. He is a sweet little soul and has never bitten me, it seems to be the odd nip which can be very unpredictable which is why I am increasingly aware of him and strangers in the house. Be sweet as pie one minute and all of a sudden lash out. Very strange! Hi Chet,

I would be interested in hearing a recording on how best to go about this problem. Our umbrella cockatoo will be having tickles in-front of the TV for 30-40 minutes then decide to go on the floor and run at your toes, if he gets you it hurts, so far having been using the *boring* “no” technique he does stop and run off but it doesn’t seem to cure the behavior completely. Additionally to my horror the other day he bit my sister on the chin after he’d just let her pamper him. He is a sweet little soul and has never bitten me, it seems to be the odd nip which can be very unpredictable which is why I am increasingly aware of him and strangers in the house. Be sweet as pie one minute and all of a sudden lash out. Very strange!

]]> By: Pamela http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-104 Pamela Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:15:26 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-104 I have a 22 yr. African grey (congo) who I adopted when he was seventeen. He was known to bite and had been abused. I have gained his trust as he shows no fear of me. He wants to be petted as he will stand as close to me as he can get and crawl up the couch to be with me and yet he will bite into any part of me he can get to and a really mean bite to. He chases my feet with or without shoes and has bitten through the leather. He will down his head and spread his feathers and enjoys being gently scratched and yet will suddenly turn around and bite as hard as he can. There is no way I can stand those bites in order to stop him. I also have a blue front amazon who tries a little nip every once in a while but is easily controlled by saying No bite which she repeats or by gently pushing her beak away from me. I love them both and feel really bad that I cannot be as loving with the grey because of his terrible bite. I have a 22 yr. African grey (congo) who I adopted when he was seventeen. He was known to bite and had been abused. I have gained his trust as he shows no fear of me. He wants to be petted as he will stand as close to me as he can get and crawl up the couch to be with me and yet he will bite into any part of me he can get to and a really mean bite to. He chases my feet with or without shoes and has bitten through the leather. He will down his head and spread his feathers and enjoys being gently scratched and yet will suddenly turn around and bite as hard as he can. There is no way I can stand those bites in order to stop him. I also have a blue front amazon who tries a little nip every once in a while but is easily controlled by saying No bite which she repeats or by gently pushing her beak away from me. I love them both and feel really bad that I cannot be as loving with the grey because of his terrible bite.

]]> By: Danielle http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-105 Danielle Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:27:04 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-105 I have a 6 year old female Eclectus that bites me and my dad's feet when where sitting on the couch. She Dose'nt just do it just to us but she does it our 4 year old male Eclectus too. Why does she do this? I have a 6 year old female Eclectus that bites me and my dad’s feet when where sitting on the couch. She Dose’nt just do it just to us but she does it our 4 year old male Eclectus too. Why does she do this?

]]> By: Nelson http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-106 Nelson Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:39:18 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-106 Hi, I have a Myers Parrot, whom flew into my house for hurricane Wilma, I do not know how old he is but he is very sweet 99% of the time but sometimes when I'm playing with her or rubbing her head she will all the sudden turn around and try to bite me for no reason what so ever, I think she is fine whit tuching her head, but once you start moving to the body he does not like it. Also when she is out of the cage and I try to get her to go back in if he is not ready, he won't let me pick him up, and will try to bite me. Hopefully you can provide us with an answer. Thanks. Hi, I have a Myers Parrot, whom flew into my house for hurricane Wilma, I do not know how old he is but he is very sweet 99% of the time but sometimes when I’m playing with her or rubbing her head she will all the sudden turn around and try to bite me for no reason what so ever, I think she is fine whit tuching her head, but once you start moving to the body he does not like it. Also when she is out of the cage and I try to get her to go back in if he is not ready, he won’t let me pick him up, and will try to bite me. Hopefully you can provide us with an answer. Thanks.

]]> By: Lauren Grimm http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-107 Lauren Grimm Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:40:40 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-107 My 10 yr old Blue and Gold Macaw was the sweetest bird on earth until he bacame an adult @ 7 or 8 yrs old. He would let me do just about anything to him and he loved to give me kisses. That is, until all of a sudden, he bite my lip for no reason. My lip was all torn up and swollen. From that point on, when he would bite (which was all of the time) he would bite like he was trying to break my bones. He attacks when I'm trying to emty his water bowl from his cage. Seems like he is possessive of his cage. He also, for no reason will be playing with my feet and then suddenly bite them. Not super hard but enough to get my attention. He is very spoiled and acts more like a dog than a bird. He doesn't like to be stuck in his cage much so when I'm home, he walks around the house and plays with his toys. Believe it or not, when he has to "go poopy" as I call it, he will go back to his cage and go. His biting has somewhat improved. I can touch him on his back with my hand or I can touch him any where with my foot. If my hand is covered with a towel then I can touch him any way I like and he can be close without always attacking me but he still bites. I don't trust him anymore even though there are times when he wants to give kisses. He seems to love rubbing his beak up and down my legs and seems to not like when I leave the room too long. I put up with his biting because he shows (on occasion) much love. If I'm upset or crying, he has on many occasions, come out of his cage and walk over to where I'm sitting and climb on to my lap. He will act upset as well. I guess you can say that we have a "love-hate" relationship thing going. Any suggestions on how to stop the biting would be greatly appreciated....especially to my body parts! Thanks, Lauren My 10 yr old Blue and Gold Macaw was the sweetest bird on earth until he bacame an adult @ 7 or 8 yrs old. He would let me do just about anything to him and he loved to give me kisses. That is, until all of a sudden, he bite my lip for no reason. My lip was all torn up and swollen. From that point on, when he would bite (which was all of the time) he would bite like he was trying to break my bones. He attacks when I’m trying to emty his water bowl from his cage. Seems like he is possessive of his cage. He also, for no reason will be playing with my feet and then suddenly bite them. Not super hard but enough to get my attention. He is very spoiled and acts more like a dog than a bird. He doesn’t like to be stuck in his cage much so when I’m home, he walks around the house and plays with his toys. Believe it or not, when he has to “go poopy” as I call it, he will go back to his cage and go. His biting has somewhat improved. I can touch him on his back with my hand or I can touch him any where with my foot. If my hand is covered with a towel then I can touch him any way I like and he can be close without always attacking me but he still bites. I don’t trust him anymore even though there are times when he wants to give kisses. He seems to love rubbing his beak up and down my legs and seems to not like when I leave the room too long. I put up with his biting because he shows (on occasion) much love. If I’m upset or crying, he has on many occasions, come out of his cage and walk over to where I’m sitting and climb on to my lap. He will act upset as well. I guess you can say that we have a “love-hate” relationship thing going. Any suggestions on how to stop the biting would be greatly appreciated….especially to my body parts! Thanks, Lauren

]]> By: Paula Monks http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-108 Paula Monks Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:52:50 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-108 Hi Chet, I have a 3 yr.old Congo. He has a night/inside cage, and an big/day/outside cage. Every morning he lets me take him outside to his day cage, Because he loves to be outside with all our other birds. We have Eight other species of birds, altogether about 100+_ . My problem is that I can't bring him in unless it's dark and everyone,(the birds) are quite and settle down for the evening. The other day I had an appointment to get his wings and claws trimmed, so I went out to get him, opened his door and he attack me and bit me. I knew it was not going to be easy to get him out. His pattern of comming out of his cage was changed on that day, and he was letting me know that. Oh, by the way when he does let me pick him up to be brought in the house he will screech to let everyone else that he is being brought in the house; and they aren't. Hi Chet, I have a 3 yr.old Congo. He has a night/inside cage, and an big/day/outside cage. Every morning he lets me take him
outside to his day cage, Because he loves to be outside with all our other birds. We have Eight other species of birds, altogether
about 100+_ . My problem is that I can’t bring him in unless it’s dark and everyone,(the birds) are quite and settle down for the evening.
The other day I had an appointment to get his wings and claws trimmed, so I went out to get him, opened his door and he attack me and bit me. I knew it was not going to be easy to
get him out. His pattern of comming out of his cage was changed on that day, and he was letting me know that. Oh, by the way when he does let me pick him up to be brought in the house he will screech to let everyone else that he is being brought in the house; and they aren’t.

]]> By: Cheryl http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-109 Cheryl Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:53:25 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-109 I have a black capped conure, about 1-1/2 years old, who will also go onto the floor and bite feet. Sometimes he will be playing and appear perfectly fine when he decides to lunge after one of the family to bite. Thanks for any help. I have a black capped conure, about 1-1/2 years old, who will also go onto the floor and bite feet. Sometimes he will be playing and appear perfectly fine when he decides to lunge after one of the family to bite. Thanks for any help.

]]> By: Lisa Marshall http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-110 Lisa Marshall Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:57:44 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-110 Hi Chet- I would like to listen in on a seminar. I have been trying to decide how to find a bird trainer help me reduce my injuries, which just recently began. Trixie is my 8 year old Rose Breasted Cockatoo. She lives with me and my husband in the living room. She has a large tree with toys, a cage with more toys, gets lots of attention from both of us and plays by her self too. The bird has not been sexed & most groomers & the vet think it is likely male. I do not know if this changes the way I correct the biting behavior. Trixie will be on my arm- then see my husband, and WHAMMO- I get a pirahna on my arm, collar bone hand- or what ever flesh is available to grab on to by Trixie. She does not get to shoulder ride too much any more as a result- as I wish to keep my eyeballs in tact. The bird will charge and bite anyone's feet on the floor, we try to keep her from moseying around on the floor any longer at all, as that is trouble and danger for the bird. Trixie puffs up like a feathered ballon & then strikes like a cobra. We have nicknamed her Diablo since the last full moon. Please, Chet, also if you have any recommendations of trainers in L.A. That I can work with, please tell me. Thanks. Lisa Hi Chet-
I would like to listen in on a seminar. I have been trying to decide how to find a bird trainer help me reduce my injuries, which just recently began.

Trixie is my 8 year old Rose Breasted Cockatoo. She lives with me and my husband in the living room. She has a large tree with toys, a cage with more toys, gets lots of attention from both of us and plays by her self too. The bird has not been sexed & most groomers & the vet think it is likely male. I do not know if this changes the way I correct the biting behavior.

Trixie will be on my arm- then see my husband, and WHAMMO- I get a pirahna on my arm, collar bone hand- or what ever flesh is available to grab on to by Trixie.

She does not get to shoulder ride too much any more as a result- as I wish to keep my eyeballs in tact.

The bird will charge and bite anyone’s feet on the floor, we try to keep her from moseying around on the floor any longer at all, as that is trouble and danger for the bird.

Trixie puffs up like a feathered ballon & then strikes like a cobra.
We have nicknamed her Diablo since the last full moon.

Please, Chet, also if you have any recommendations of trainers in L.A. That I can work with, please tell me.

Thanks.

Lisa

]]> By: Libby Wadman http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-111 Libby Wadman Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:58:25 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-111 I have a 1 1/2 yr old green cheeked conure, Malabar, who is extremely docile most of the time. Occasionally, he (I don't know the gender for certain) will fluff up his head feathers which we now know to be a sign that he is going to bite and bite hard. Most of the time this happens in the morning when we open his cage to feed him, but it can also suddenly happen when he is on our laps or shoulders. When he is in the cage, I just have to put something on my hand to protect it, and show it to him. This makes him a bit fearful, so I immediately remove the protection and he is his usual loving self. If this happens when he is on us we shake our shoulder or leg to get him to the ground and give him a few moments to compose himself. Usually within 30 seconds he is done with whatever it is and is happy to get back on our laps. This behavior is not limited to any particular person. We'd appreciate any advice. I have a 1 1/2 yr old green cheeked conure, Malabar, who is extremely docile most of the time. Occasionally, he (I don’t know the gender for certain) will fluff up his head feathers which we now know to be a sign that he is going to bite and bite hard. Most of the time this happens in the morning when we open his cage to feed him, but it can also suddenly happen when he is on our laps or shoulders. When he is in the cage, I just have to put something on my hand to protect it, and show it to him. This makes him a bit fearful, so I immediately remove the protection and he is his usual loving self. If this happens when he is on us we shake our shoulder or leg to get him to the ground and give him a few moments to compose himself. Usually within 30 seconds he is done with whatever it is and is happy to get back on our laps. This behavior is not limited to any particular person. We’d appreciate any advice.

]]> By: Del http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-112 Del Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:02:53 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-112 I have a 6 year old LSC who will attack any of my buddys that drop by the house. She has bite every one in my family at least once so I'm the only one to feed her or play with her. When I'm home she will not stop screaming until I give her attention. I'm looking forward to the call. Del in Grand Cayman I have a 6 year old LSC who will attack any of my buddys that drop by the house. She has bite every one in my family at least once so I’m the only one to feed her or play with her. When I’m home she will not stop screaming until I give her attention. I’m looking forward to the call.

Del in Grand Cayman

]]> By: Susie Good http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-113 Susie Good Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:13:50 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-113 Hi Chet, My 17 month old Senegal, Georgie, is a sweetheart almost all of the time. We have been very careful to encourage his relationships with my husband and my son, who does not live at home, as well as mine. He adores both of them, but is "my baby". Most of the time he just gently nibbles which is more like kisses, and he uses his beak as an extra hand/foot which is a nibble too. I have identified most of what gets him actually biting, sometimes to the point of drawing blood. Usually it is because he doesn't want to do something that I want, and it is his only way of letting me know. I have had to get a bit crafty with him, particularly with distraction or teaching him not to associate 1 action with another that he doesn't want, such as: 1. He started biting when he didn't want to be taken off his play perch to go back to his cage, so I used his blanket and put it over him & picked him up with that, keeping him wrapped up in it until he calmed down. Once he's calmed down, I take him out of the blanket and take him for a little walk around, rubbing his head and talking to him, doing step-ups, before putting him in his cage, so he no longer associates being taken off his perch with being put directly into his cage. He doesn't bite in that situation anymore. 2. At other times if he doesn't want to go back into his main cage, he will give hard pinches & sometimes really hard bites, so now if he looks like he's going to bite when I put him in, I get his beak occupied with the perch & take my finger away from his feet, leaving him hanging so he can't let go with his beak & bite me. He has to hang on with his beak in order to get his feet onto the perch! I also often reward him with a treat when he doesn't even try to bite. 3. If he doesn't want to come out of his "outside" cage on the patio, sometimes he will bite hard, other times it's more like pretend biting, just enough to say "I don't want to", but I can get him anyway by ignoring it. Once he was really attacking, so used his blanket the same way as in #1. 4. Every once in while, he will go for me when I go to bring him out of his main cage, which he usually loves to come out of, so I just shut the door & walk away, I figure he's just not ready to come out at that time. Then by the time I go back, he comes out without a problem. He has only bitten my husband on the lip once right out of the blue, for no apparent reason, he was just sitting on his finger while my husband was talking & Georgie was kissing. He may have been going for my husband's teeth, since he sometimes tries to get at mine if I talk when he's really close to my mouth, though he doesn't bite me, just tries to grab & hang onto them. He must think they are a toy!! He bit me badly on the lip once when I had the "big, black", cordless 'phone, which I forgot he doesn't like, it was by my ear & he was too close to it & to me, so I think it scared him. It also seems that occasionally, if I move a bit too quickly, it will startle him & he'll try to bite, but as long as I don't get going too fast with him, he's fine. When we leave the room, he will often scream his "where did my flock go?" scream, so I always tell him I'll be back & he stops. But recently he was screaming & screaming continually for no apparent reason, I was still in the same room, & although I tried to just totally ignore him, a friend who arrived during the middle of this tirade noticed that I was actually responding to him without realizing it. I stopped that and now pay very close attention to what my husband & I are doing and he has now pretty much stopped that continuous screaming. Sorry this was so long, there was a lot to share! Thanks & I'm looking forward to the tele-seminar. Susie Hi Chet,

My 17 month old Senegal, Georgie, is a sweetheart almost all of the time. We have been very careful to encourage his relationships with my husband and my son, who does not live at home, as well as mine. He adores both of them, but is “my baby”.

Most of the time he just gently nibbles which is more like kisses, and he uses his beak as an extra hand/foot which is a nibble too. I have identified most of what gets him actually biting, sometimes to the point of drawing blood. Usually it is because he doesn’t want to do something that I want, and it is his only way of letting me know. I have had to get a bit crafty with him, particularly with distraction or teaching him not to associate 1 action with another that he doesn’t want, such as:

1. He started biting when he didn’t want to be taken off his play perch to go back to his cage, so I used his blanket and put it over him & picked him up with that, keeping him wrapped up in it until he calmed down. Once he’s calmed down, I take him out of the blanket and take him for a little walk around, rubbing his head and talking to him, doing step-ups, before putting him in his cage, so he no longer associates being taken off his perch with being put directly into his cage. He doesn’t bite in that situation anymore.

2. At other times if he doesn’t want to go back into his main cage, he will give hard pinches & sometimes really hard bites, so now if he looks like he’s going to bite when I put him in, I get his beak occupied with the perch & take my finger away from his feet, leaving him hanging so he can’t let go with his beak & bite me. He has to hang on with his beak in order to get his feet onto the perch! I also often reward him with a treat when he doesn’t even try to bite.

3. If he doesn’t want to come out of his “outside” cage on the patio, sometimes he will bite hard, other times it’s more like pretend biting, just enough to say “I don’t want to”, but I can get him anyway by ignoring it. Once he was really attacking, so used his blanket the same way as in #1.

4. Every once in while, he will go for me when I go to bring him out of his main cage, which he usually loves to come out of, so I just shut the door & walk away, I figure he’s just not ready to come out at that time. Then by the time I go back, he comes out without a problem.

He has only bitten my husband on the lip once right out of the blue, for no apparent reason, he was just sitting on his finger while my husband was talking & Georgie was kissing. He may have been going for my husband’s teeth, since he sometimes tries to get at mine if I talk when he’s really close to my mouth, though he doesn’t bite me, just tries to grab & hang onto them. He must think they are a toy!!

He bit me badly on the lip once when I had the “big, black”, cordless ‘phone, which I forgot he doesn’t like, it was by my ear & he was too close to it & to me, so I think it scared him. It also seems that occasionally, if I move a bit too quickly, it will startle him & he’ll try to bite, but as long as I don’t get going too fast with him, he’s fine.

When we leave the room, he will often scream his “where did my flock go?” scream, so I always tell him I’ll be back & he stops. But recently he was screaming & screaming continually for no apparent reason, I was still in the same room, & although I tried to just totally ignore him, a friend who arrived during the middle of this tirade noticed that I was actually responding to him without realizing it. I stopped that and now pay very close attention to what my husband & I are doing and he has now pretty much stopped that continuous screaming.

Sorry this was so long, there was a lot to share!

Thanks & I’m looking forward to the tele-seminar.

Susie

]]> By: Marissa http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-114 Marissa Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:16:29 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-114 Hi Chett, Love your website, your DVDs and audio CDs. My cockatiel Gwen is only 5 months. She we think she's a female anyway, is the sweetest and most dosile bird. But when we bring her in to our den she bites like crazy. This happens at night, and only in this specific room. She bit me the other night when I was putting her in her cage. She hasn't bitten hard yet, but she has a very strong beak. Please help. She loves everyone, and is wonderful with my parents and the rest of the family. Thanks so much! Marissa and Gwen Hi Chett,
Love your website, your DVDs and audio CDs. My cockatiel Gwen is only 5 months. She we think she’s a female anyway, is the sweetest and most dosile bird. But when we bring her in to our den she bites like crazy. This happens at night, and only in this specific room. She bit me the other night when I was putting her in her cage. She hasn’t bitten hard yet, but she has a very strong beak. Please help. She loves everyone, and is wonderful with my parents and the rest of the family. Thanks so much!

Marissa and Gwen

]]> By: Janet http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-115 Janet Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:21:46 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-115 I have a 3.5 year old conure. He is always well behaved, except around young children (up to age 5) -- he bites their earlobes when they go by his cage. Lately, however, my conure wants nothing to do with my husband. We are going through a divorce and I believe he really senses the tension in the house. My husband enters the room and the bird goes into a complete rage. He tries to bite him whenever he is anywhere near the cage or me. I have seen this bird climb two flights of stairs (when his wings are clipped) just to screech at my husband. He also bites me when my husband is near me --- but I understand that this is a flocking/flight mannerism --> that those birds at the back of the pack bite the birds in front of them to make them get out of the way of danger. The funny thing is -- he is my husband's bird!! But it looks like I will be getting him once the split has finalized! I have a 3.5 year old conure. He is always well behaved, except around young children (up to age 5) — he bites their earlobes when they go by his cage.

Lately, however, my conure wants nothing to do with my husband. We are going through a divorce and I believe he really senses the tension in the house. My husband enters the room and the bird goes into a complete rage. He tries to bite him whenever he is anywhere near the cage or me. I have seen this bird climb two flights of stairs (when his wings are clipped) just to screech at my husband. He also bites me when my husband is near me — but I understand that this is a flocking/flight mannerism –> that those birds at the back of the pack bite the birds in front of them to make them get out of the way of danger. The funny thing is — he is my husband’s bird!! But it looks like I will be getting him once the split has finalized!

]]> By: Crystal Curran http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-116 Crystal Curran Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:22:02 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-116 Wow, was this a timely email!! I have a 1 1/2 year old sun conure (Shiloh) who has been my abolsute sunshine since I purchased him from the breeder. He plays peek-aboo with me, give me kisses continuously and, at times is absolutely glued to my chest (he loves to "ride" there). I am a very fortunate woman who makes a good living from home and - for the most part - am able to spend lots of morning time with my flock (2 quakers - 1 rescued, 1 purchased, 1 CAG, 1 Sun conure, one Nanday - wild caught rescued, 1 cinnamon green cheek and a Starlight Dove ;-)). Everyone has their "issues" from time to time, however, not my Shiloh. Yesterday I got him out of his cage for his lovin's and he grabbed onto my finger, screaming and would not let go. Then he climbed to my head and would not get down. When I finally got him off my head (not an area I ever let him on), he grabbed my finger again and tried to fly away (I, of course had my fingers across his feet while I was trying to move to his cage to put him back). I knew better than to show the pain he was causing me (he did draw blood), but I imagine I did show some shock at first. Now, as I am writing this, I am going over and over what I did that was wrong - and cannot find anything out of the ordinary. EXCEPT my husband had moved a cage of another animal into the front room to clean just before I picked him up (we used to be an animal shelter - nothing that Shiloh hasn't been a part of since we brought him home). But now, am thinking that is the reason - the purpose behind his bites. I realize that birds are very sensitive animals who pay attention to everything in their environment - all the time. Us humans forget that most of the issues are based on little things we really don't pay attention to. If I am on track, my little sweetie was just trying to protect his "mama" from what he viewed as a threat. If I am off track, please let me know. Wow, was this a timely email!!

I have a 1 1/2 year old sun conure (Shiloh) who has been my abolsute sunshine since I purchased him from the breeder. He plays peek-aboo with me, give me kisses continuously and, at times is absolutely glued to my chest (he loves to “ride” there).

I am a very fortunate woman who makes a good living from home and - for the most part - am able to spend lots of morning time with my flock (2 quakers - 1 rescued, 1 purchased, 1 CAG, 1 Sun conure, one Nanday - wild caught rescued, 1 cinnamon green cheek and a Starlight Dove ;-)). Everyone has their “issues” from time to time, however, not my Shiloh.

Yesterday I got him out of his cage for his lovin’s and he grabbed onto my finger, screaming and would not let go. Then he climbed to my head and would not get down. When I finally got him off my head (not an area I ever let him on), he grabbed my finger again and tried to fly away (I, of course had my fingers across his feet while I was trying to move to his cage to put him back). I knew better than to show the pain he was causing me (he did draw blood), but I imagine I did show some shock at first.

Now, as I am writing this, I am going over and over what I did that was wrong - and cannot find anything out of the ordinary. EXCEPT my husband had moved a cage of another animal into the front room to clean just before I picked him up (we used to be an animal shelter - nothing that Shiloh hasn’t been a part of since we brought him home). But now, am thinking that is the reason - the purpose behind his bites.

I realize that birds are very sensitive animals who pay attention to everything in their environment - all the time. Us humans forget that most of the issues are based on little things we really don’t pay attention to.

If I am on track, my little sweetie was just trying to protect his “mama” from what he viewed as a threat. If I am off track, please let me know.

]]> By: Cynthia jacobs http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-117 Cynthia jacobs Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:30:29 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-117 I would be very interested in learing how to stop biting. We are new in the parrot world and need all the information and help we can get. I would be very interested in learing how to stop biting. We are new in the parrot world and need all the information and help we can get.

]]> By: Mike Gallimore http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-118 Mike Gallimore Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:31:15 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-118 My severe maccaw Robbie is 2.5 years old and can be a sweetheart. Recently she attacked my face cutting my chin which bled for quite a while. That was just out of the blue or perhaps b/c I gave her some banana and when she acted disinterested (had all she liked) ate the rest myself. I thought maybe she was upset about that. Otherwise she is very "nippy" with constant bites especially through a nylon mesh LS tee shirt. They are seldom enough to draw blood but on sensitive areas, they hurt. I spoke with the vet about her regurgitation routine that she's been performing lately (only when I hold her) and he suggested it may be a hormonal thing, that she was demonstrating that she could care for chicks. I thought that perhaps this biting issue may be caused by some hormone issue. She spends a lot of time in the cage these days because of the biting. My severe maccaw Robbie is 2.5 years old and can be a sweetheart. Recently she attacked my face cutting my chin which bled for quite a while. That was just out of the blue or perhaps b/c I gave her some banana and when she acted disinterested (had all she liked) ate the rest myself. I thought maybe she was upset about that. Otherwise she is very “nippy” with constant bites especially through a nylon mesh LS tee shirt. They are seldom enough to draw blood but on sensitive areas, they hurt. I spoke with the vet about her regurgitation routine that she’s been performing lately (only when I hold her) and he suggested it may be a hormonal thing, that she was demonstrating that she could care for chicks. I thought that perhaps this biting issue may be caused by some hormone issue. She spends a lot of time in the cage these days because of the biting.

]]> By: Carole Garrett http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-119 Carole Garrett Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:42:05 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-119 HI Chet, I have a Red Headed Amazon who is very gentle except when I wake him from a nap, when it is dinner time or when my husband comes into the room. He is in love with my husband who no interest in him. He also loves me when we are alone. He was a rescue parrot and at first he did bite some but has gotten over it to the point that he beaks me but not hard, just as a warning. When in doubt of his disposition, I have a heavy duty BBQ mit that is black and white striped. He will step up immediately. He is always receptive to me using it when needed. Another comment is: He does not like red, especially when I am wearing it. He also will eat no red fruits such as red grapes, strawberries, Raspberries but loves blackberries, green grapes, etc. I am interested in stopping all biting so will be anxious to see what you have to tell us. Thanks HI Chet,
I have a Red Headed Amazon who is very gentle except when I wake him from a nap, when it is dinner time or when my husband comes into the room. He is in love with my husband who no interest in him. He also loves me when we are alone. He was a rescue parrot and at first he did bite some but has gotten over it to the point that he beaks me but not hard, just as a warning. When in doubt of his disposition, I have a heavy duty BBQ mit that is black and white striped. He will step up immediately. He is always receptive to me using it when needed.
Another comment is: He does not like red, especially when I am wearing it. He also will eat no red fruits such as red grapes, strawberries, Raspberries but loves blackberries, green grapes, etc.
I am interested in stopping all biting so will be anxious to see what you have to tell us.
Thanks

]]> By: Jim Sublett http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-120 Jim Sublett Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:02:53 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-120 My Grey will let my wife and I pick him up, pet him and play but it almost seems as if he thinks that part of the picking him up requires him to bite. He does it everytime we pick him up or put him back in his cage. Also when I'm rubbing his neck or head he will turn real quick and try to bite. It's never very hard but with his pointed beak it still is noticeable. Thanks Jim Sublett My Grey will let my wife and I pick him up, pet him and play but it almost seems as if he thinks that part of the picking him up requires him to bite. He does it everytime we pick him up or put him back in his cage. Also when I’m rubbing his neck or head he will turn real quick and try to bite. It’s never very hard but with his pointed beak it still is noticeable.
Thanks
Jim Sublett

]]> By: Vicki http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-121 Vicki Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:07:44 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-121 OK, the plelthora of replies you've received is enough to turn anyone off to having a parrot for a pet unless you come up with some really great tips and tricks here. I have a 20 year old conure who lost 2 mates years ago, bonded to my Amazon, and will only let me handle him. He used to be the darling of the pet store as a baby until the owner almost killed him feeding him hot microwaved food and burning a hole in his crop (so, he's basically a rescue). My Amazon also gets in "moods" occasionally biting, and lures my husband in for the kill (so he's stopped handling her altogether for years). Can't wait to see your and others' suggestions. OK, the plelthora of replies you’ve received is enough to turn anyone off to having a parrot for a pet unless you come up with some really great tips and tricks here. I have a 20 year old conure who lost 2 mates years ago, bonded to my Amazon, and will only let me handle him. He used to be the darling of the pet store as a baby until the owner almost killed him feeding him hot microwaved food and burning a hole in his crop (so, he’s basically a rescue). My Amazon also gets in “moods” occasionally biting, and lures my husband in for the kill (so he’s stopped handling her altogether for years). Can’t wait to see your and others’ suggestions.

]]> By: Buzz Radde http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-122 Buzz Radde Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:15:37 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-122 Skylar our 2 year old B&G Macaw nips some but basicly is an angel compared to Diago our 3year old African Gray. He was rehomed with us after 2.5 years with 6 young children and 2 adults that had their oun business and never home. Diago has calmed down quite a bit, but his bites are always severe in nature. We cant help but be afraid of him. He is just now letting us touch him, but only for 1 second & always on his terms. I will ask hijm if he wants to "Step Up" before I try. He may step up on my hand, or take a hunk out of it. Not sure what those kids did. But we try all pertinent tricks to asure him we are not going to harm him. Diago is quite & likes to stay close but not within reach. My reading states a few years is not uncommon before trust is given, or maybe never. We still love him. Skylar our 2 year old B&G Macaw nips some but basicly is an angel compared to Diago our 3year old African Gray. He was rehomed with us after 2.5 years with 6 young children and 2 adults that had their oun business and never home. Diago has calmed down quite a bit, but his bites are always severe in nature. We cant help but be afraid of him. He is just now letting us touch him, but only for 1 second & always on his terms. I will ask hijm if he wants to “Step Up” before I try. He may step up on my hand, or take a hunk out of it. Not sure what those kids did. But we try all pertinent tricks to asure him we are not going to harm him. Diago is quite & likes to stay close but not within reach. My reading states a few years is not uncommon before trust is given, or maybe never. We still love him.

]]> By: Marsha http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-123 Marsha Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:27:38 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-123 I have a 17 year old Scarlet Macaw. The bird came to me as a rehome about 5 years ago. She had previously been a "trophy bird" Very little handling and human interaction. We started out slowly. I was warned that she hated women. I was ok with that. Over the course of getting to know her and her adjustment to life in my home, she is now more of a womans bird. The reason I say this......she started out really liking my son and boyfriend and biting me to bits at every turn possible. Now, she doesn't bite me but will playfully nip or give warning nips when a stranger is too close for her liking. The real problem is her biting my boyfriend. She will play with him on her cage top and if she is on the sofa with him. But whenever he attempts to take her to or from her cage, many times she will with no provovation bite him. We have tried stick or perch carrying her. She is deathly afraid of this, I am told this is due to the previous owner. We do not allow he on shoulders as she is too unpredictable with the biting. We have watched her closely and can find absolutely no reason for the impulsive biting. We always move slowly and queitly with her as to not frighten her. Her environment does not change.......so no issues with strange items in the room/house. She is overall a very good bird and has come out of her shell over the years and is quite playful. But this horrific biting with no reason is not good. My boyfriend has resorted to using a thick welders glove to transfer her. Is this our only solution? I sure hope not! I have a 17 year old Scarlet Macaw. The bird came to me as a rehome about 5 years ago. She had previously been a “trophy bird” Very little handling and human interaction. We started out slowly. I was warned that she hated women. I was ok with that. Over the course of getting to know her and her adjustment to life in my home, she is now more of a womans bird. The reason I say this……she started out really liking my son and boyfriend and biting me to bits at every turn possible. Now, she doesn’t bite me but will playfully nip or give warning nips when a stranger is too close for her liking.
The real problem is her biting my boyfriend. She will play with him on her cage top and if she is on the sofa with him. But whenever he attempts to take her to or from her cage, many times she will with no provovation bite him.
We have tried stick or perch carrying her. She is deathly afraid of this, I am told this is due to the previous owner. We do not allow he on shoulders as she is too unpredictable with the biting. We have watched her closely and can find absolutely no reason for the impulsive biting. We always move slowly and queitly with her as to not frighten her. Her environment does not change…….so no issues with strange items in the room/house. She is overall a very good bird and has come out of her shell over the years and is quite playful. But this horrific biting with no reason is not good. My boyfriend has resorted to using a thick welders glove to transfer her.
Is this our only solution? I sure hope not!

]]> By: Lincohn Pelegrini http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-124 Lincohn Pelegrini Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:30:02 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-124 Hi there, I have a blue and gold macaw, he is 6 years old and I purchased him form his former owner which was never home, wouldn't give him much attention, leave him locked up in his cage and he lived ever since he was born with a couple of vicious red macaws. He even have fight scars. Well, I have him for about 1 year and a half, in the beginning he was wild and vicious, would scream for no reason, would stop talking, would not let us get close to him, if so, he would start bitting and do his challenge rituals in his cage (open his wings, go on the top of the cage, hang there, and start flapping his wings and calling us there. It took me a few of days of non-stop reading on the subject. So I learned that he needed to adapt with us, and trust us. It took about 2 months for him to slowly trust me and let me pick him up and pet him, that only after I stop being scared and I would just let him bite my hand until he would get tired and stop, so then I would pet him. Anyways, now he trusts me, he lets me pet him, pick him up and all that, specially now he is 200% quieter. But, from no where, randomly, he would just bite while petting him, sometimes because of the growing feathers, but I would watch for that, sometimes because he wants to play fighting (since he was raised with two other macaws, they played fighting often, so I took the role). And while in my shoulder, form nowhere, with no warning, he would just bite. Thanks. Hi there,
I have a blue and gold macaw, he is 6 years old and I purchased him form his former owner which was never home, wouldn’t give him much attention, leave him locked up in his cage and he lived ever since he was born with a couple of vicious red macaws. He even have fight scars.

Well, I have him for about 1 year and a half, in the beginning he was wild and vicious, would scream for no reason, would stop talking, would not let us get close to him, if so, he would start bitting and do his challenge rituals in his cage (open his wings, go on the top of the cage, hang there, and start flapping his wings and calling us there. It took me a few of days of non-stop reading on the subject. So I learned that he needed to adapt with us, and trust us. It took about 2 months for him to slowly trust me and let me pick him up and pet him, that only after I stop being scared and I would just let him bite my hand until he would get tired and stop, so then I would pet him.

Anyways, now he trusts me, he lets me pet him, pick him up and all that, specially now he is 200% quieter. But, from no where, randomly, he would just bite while petting him, sometimes because of the growing feathers, but I would watch for that, sometimes because he wants to play fighting (since he was raised with two other macaws, they played fighting often, so I took the role). And while in my shoulder, form nowhere, with no warning, he would just bite.
Thanks.

]]> By: Paula Lee http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-125 Paula Lee Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:31:03 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-125 Dear Chet, Funny you bring this up... I was watching your DVD on Taming, Training and Tricks with my African Grey. We had been enjoying a wonderful morning and I thought it would be fun to watch your DVD and try some of your training. I got his favorite treat and we began. I held the treat out and he gave me one of those vice grip nips on my finger then jumped to the floor. Luckily he got mostly finger nail, but it still hurts as I am typing this message. Undaunted, I put him on his perch and we learned the wave. To answer your question, yes, I would be interested in a "Why the heck did you bite me seminar?" Dear Chet,
Funny you bring this up… I was watching your DVD on Taming, Training and Tricks with my African Grey. We had been enjoying a wonderful morning and I thought it would be fun to watch your DVD and try some of your training. I got his favorite treat and we began. I held the treat out and he gave me one of those vice grip nips on my finger then jumped to the floor. Luckily he got mostly finger nail, but it still hurts as I am typing this message. Undaunted, I put him on his perch and we learned the wave. To answer your question, yes, I would be interested in a “Why the heck did you bite me seminar?”

]]> By: Jack A. http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-126 Jack A. Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:52:16 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-126 Hi Chet, My 5 yr old grey congo gets upset when I try to put her into her cage before she wants to go. She growls and will grab my finger. She doesnt bite hard but her beak is pointed and it hurts. The most aggravating habit she has now is chewing up my shirts. I love to take her outside on my shoulder but a t shirt is only able to last 3 days then its in shreds. I bought a leather coat at the flee market two weeks ago and it is a shambles now----How can I get her to stop destroying cloths? Best regards. Jack Hi Chet,
My 5 yr old grey congo gets upset when I try to put her into her cage before she wants to go. She growls and will grab my finger. She doesnt bite hard but her beak is pointed and it hurts.

The most aggravating habit she has now is chewing up my shirts. I love to take her outside on my shoulder but a t shirt is only able to last 3 days then its in shreds.
I bought a leather coat at the flee market two weeks ago and it is a shambles now—-How can I get her to stop destroying cloths?
Best regards. Jack

]]> By: Liz Grubaugh http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-127 Liz Grubaugh Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:01:50 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-127 we leave our birds front and side doors open. He usually sits in thedoorway on the side about half way up the cage. Whenever we have male company he climbs down and gets between my husband who has cancer and the male company. And if they move toward my husband he bites their shoe/toes...He will also wait till no one is paying attention to him and sneak over and bite shoe/toe of the male visitor. I know he is territorial because I can only pick him up if he is on the outside of his cage. I can also pass him to my grand daughter at her house but he he bit her when I tried to pass him to her at our house. Please advise. we leave our birds front and side doors open. He usually sits in thedoorway on the side about half way up the cage. Whenever we have male company he climbs down and gets between my husband who has cancer and the male company. And if they move toward my husband he bites their shoe/toes…He will also wait till no one is paying attention to him and sneak over and bite shoe/toe of the male visitor. I know he is territorial because I can only pick him up if he is on the outside of his cage. I can also pass him to my grand daughter at her house but he he bit her when I tried to pass him to her at our house. Please advise.

]]> By: barb` http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-128 barb` Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:13:03 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-128 My African Grey Petrie has always been my darling: his original owner chose between him and a cockatoo, so Petrie was sold. We had some "issues" concerning his consignment sale, and the tension over the bird was quite thick. Petrie started to pluck, and he still (ten years later) plucks himself downy, like a little chick. After repeated interventions for the plucking, I decided to just leave him be--he was a smart, talkative, and sweet bird, so there didn't seen any sense in making him crazy with interventions. But then he started doing the unthinkable: attacking me, his supposed favorite person. These attacks are bizarre. At first I attributed them to separation anxiety, since he seemed to bite when I tried to get him off my hand. But that never explained the bull-dog ferocity with which he attacked: he would chomp down and hold on, and "distraction techniques" didn't dissuade him. And he would sometimes start fighting with my arm when we were simply sitting on the sofa--no other birds around, no cats, no strangenesses or newnesses in the room, just this weird brain flash that would cause him to seize on my arm. I've been afraid to kiss him on the beak for years now, after he put a hole in my cheek on the morning of my church solo in the choir. Now I only pick him up with a stick, and keep same stick handy if he should happen to creep up on my knee. I recognize the "strike" signs like the "Amazon foot" or the dilating pupils, but caging him before or after a putative assault does no good. He just looks abject, I feel sorry for him, and relent by giving him free reign. Double-bind here: he plucks and/or he bites, but I'm the only person he ever attacks. Makes me very sad--I used to sing "You Are My Sunshine" to him every morning. I still do it, but my heart's not in it--I'm afraid of my friend, who's turned abusive. I'd love some printed or CD advice on this problem--I'm usually feeding animals whenever you hold a call-in session. Thanks, Barb My African Grey Petrie has always been my darling: his original owner chose between him and a cockatoo, so Petrie was sold.

We had some “issues” concerning his consignment sale, and the tension over the bird was quite thick. Petrie started to pluck, and he still (ten years later) plucks himself downy, like a little chick.

After repeated interventions for the plucking, I decided to just leave him be–he was a smart, talkative, and sweet bird, so there didn’t seen any sense in making him crazy with interventions. But then he started doing the unthinkable: attacking me, his supposed favorite person.

These attacks are bizarre. At first I attributed them to separation anxiety, since he seemed to bite when I tried to get
him off my hand. But that never explained the bull-dog ferocity with which he attacked: he would chomp down and hold on, and “distraction techniques” didn’t dissuade him. And he would sometimes start fighting with my arm when we were simply sitting on the sofa–no other birds around, no cats, no strangenesses or newnesses in the room, just this weird brain flash that would cause him to seize on my arm.

I’ve been afraid to kiss him on the beak for years now, after he put a hole in my cheek on the morning of my church solo in the choir. Now I only pick him up with a stick, and keep same stick handy if he should happen to creep up on my knee.

I recognize the “strike” signs like the “Amazon foot” or the dilating pupils, but caging him before or after a putative assault does no good. He just looks abject, I feel sorry for him, and relent by giving him free reign.

Double-bind here: he plucks and/or he bites, but I’m the only person he ever attacks.

Makes me very sad–I used to sing “You Are My Sunshine” to him every morning. I still do it, but my heart’s not in it–I’m afraid of my friend, who’s turned abusive.

I’d love some printed or CD advice on this problem–I’m usually feeding animals whenever you hold a call-in session.

Thanks,

Barb

]]> By: Lynn Grinage http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-129 Lynn Grinage Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:37:34 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-129 I have a beautiful 17-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo. I have only had the bird a few months and feel very fortunate that he was so loving and well-trained when I got him. He had done some plucking before I got him, but now all his chest feathers have grown back and he isn't plucking any more, so I must be doing something right! He showers with me twice a week and eats directly from my plate at mealtime. I have worked very hard to give him new and interesting experiences. He always goes with me any time I go to a pet store or any kind of drive-through and any outdoor function that has a lot of people is a great time for him. He simply rides on my shoulder and waits for the inevitable attention that he draws. What has me concerned is that sometimes, for no apparent reason, the bird will be near (but not on) someone and will suddenly run at them and lunge and bite. It is usually me or a family member. We will be sitting on the couch and he will be either running laps across the cushions (his favorite form of excercise) or playing peekaboo with the pillows. With no warning he will run at a person, lunge at them and bite. This only happens about once every week or two so I don't think it's caused by a change in his environment. Last night, I had him at a company picnic. He found a co-worker of mine that he was especially friendly with. He was walking back and forth on the picnic table between her and I, and suddenly he lunged and bit her on the arm. She's now terrified of him. I know how much he loves going with me where there are a lot of people, but after he bit the co-worker I'm having second thoughts about the wisdom of this. What can I do to stop this behavior so I can feel safe sitting on the couch or having him around strangers again? I have a beautiful 17-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo. I have only had the bird a few months and feel very fortunate that he was so loving and well-trained when I got him. He had done some plucking before I got him, but now all his chest feathers have grown back and he isn’t plucking any more, so I must be doing something right! He showers with me twice a week and eats directly from my plate at mealtime. I have worked very hard to give him new and interesting experiences. He always goes with me any time I go to a pet store or any kind of drive-through and any outdoor function that has a lot of people is a great time for him. He simply rides on my shoulder and waits for the inevitable attention that he draws. What has me concerned is that sometimes, for no apparent reason, the bird will be near (but not on) someone and will suddenly run at them and lunge and bite. It is usually me or a family member. We will be sitting on the couch and he will be either running laps across the cushions (his favorite form of excercise) or playing peekaboo with the pillows. With no warning he will run at a person, lunge at them and bite. This only happens about once every week or two so I don’t think it’s caused by a change in his environment. Last night, I had him at a company picnic. He found a co-worker of mine that he was especially friendly with. He was walking back and forth on the picnic table between her and I, and suddenly he lunged and bit her on the arm. She’s now terrified of him. I know how much he loves going with me where there are a lot of people, but after he bit the co-worker I’m having second thoughts about the wisdom of this. What can I do to stop this behavior so I can feel safe sitting on the couch or having him around strangers again?

]]> By: Barbara http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-130 Barbara Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:48:28 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-130 I have a goffin cockatoo named ellie she is a very sweet bird and is 2 and a half the problem I am having is that she loves all the attention and presses her body against your chin then she will start biting your ear or any kind of flesh she could get to its mostly the ear. my thought is maybe because she is still a baby because being only two and a half years who knows but I just cant seem to understand it when we first got her she was even sweeter never a bite out of her then two months later approx. all heck broke loose and we cant shake the behaviour problem. I am her third home her first home was a lawyer then a pet store then me the pet store lied about her saying she was a male and wouldnt send me a picture when she arrived her toe nail was missing on her right foot and when I asked they didnt know what happend but other then her behaviour she is really sweet and fully featherd and beautifull what erked me was then the petstore asked if I wanted to return her since she wasnt a male now why in the would I do that I am attached to her and would never do that to this poor bird. I have three goffins including her I have two green cheeck conures and two parakeets I dont know chet but once you get one bird you cant stop most of my birds are from previous homes one of my green cheecks paulie is so mean that you cant go near him/her unless you got a towel handy paulie I saved from a pet store she/he had been there for three years and I couldnt take it no more had to get paulie I knew she would die there because no one would get her because she was not tame. I want to know also how I can change paulies behaviour. well got to go but one more question who can I complain to about this pet store paulie came from when I went to buy food the food bin had mold in it and diease has went through the birds dont know if its gone now or not and the dogs there keep getting parvo well thank you and hope to hear from you keep training your doing great to bad you werent on tv like the dog whisper you would be the bird whisper lol thanks again Barbara I have a goffin cockatoo named ellie she is a very sweet bird and is 2 and a half the problem I am having is that she loves all the attention and presses her body against your chin then she will start biting your ear or any kind of flesh she could get to its mostly the ear. my thought is maybe because she is still a baby because being only two and a half years who knows but I just cant seem to understand it when we first got her she was even sweeter never a bite out of her then two months later approx. all heck broke loose and we cant shake the behaviour problem. I am her third home her first home was a lawyer then a pet store then me the pet store lied about her saying she was a male and wouldnt send me a picture when she arrived her toe nail was missing on her right foot and when I asked they didnt know what happend but other then her behaviour she is really sweet and fully featherd and beautifull what erked me was then the petstore asked if I wanted to return her since she wasnt a male now why in the would I do that I am attached to her and would never do that to this poor bird. I have three goffins including her I have two green cheeck conures and two parakeets I dont know chet but once you get one bird you cant stop most of my birds are from previous homes one of my green cheecks paulie is so mean that you cant go near him/her unless you got a towel handy paulie I saved from a pet store she/he had been there for three years and I couldnt take it no more had to get paulie I knew she would die there because no one would get her because she was not tame. I want to know also how I can change paulies behaviour. well got to go but one more question who can I complain to about this pet store paulie came from when I went to buy food the food bin had mold in it and diease has went through the birds dont know if its gone now or not and the dogs there keep getting parvo well thank you and hope to hear from you keep training your doing great to bad you werent on tv like the dog whisper you would be the bird whisper lol thanks again
Barbara

]]> By: Carl and Liz http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-131 Carl and Liz Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:48:59 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-131 Our sun conure is generally very sweet, but she does surprise us with theese random bouts of biting sometimes. As clear as I can figure it's usuall when she gets tired and wants to go back to her cage. Maybe I'm wrong? It always seems to happen when she's been on my shoulder for a while. Maybe she gets bored with whats on TV of she's had her full of whats on the dinner table... Carl Our sun conure is generally very sweet, but she does surprise us with theese random bouts of biting sometimes. As clear as I can figure it’s usuall when she gets tired and wants to go back to her cage. Maybe I’m wrong? It always seems to happen when she’s been on my shoulder for a while. Maybe she gets bored with whats on TV of she’s had her full of whats on the dinner table…

Carl

]]> By: Deanna Warf http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-132 Deanna Warf Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:50:49 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-132 Hi Chet, I have 2 African Greys. Thomas is around 8. He was given to me because the people who owned him kept him closed up in a bathroom for years and he cut all his feathers til he looked horrible. He seems to like both of us but he will bite sometimes when you are feeding him. He talks all the time and has all his feathers now. He got very scared when we had a screened in porch put on. Bit off 2 of his toes. He spent a month at the bird hosp. and wore a big sattelite dish and was fed by syringe for some time. That's when we decided to get him a friend. The breeder said Serina is a girl. I don't know. They seem very happy being side by side. She is 3. She'll say Hello I love you and then try to bite you when she is being fed! I don't take them out of their chages except for nice long baths, because we have 3 cats and Thomas tears up all the wood furniture in our house if he's on the floor. I wish I could trust them enough to take them out and love on them. We have alot of years to go! Deanna Hi Chet,
I have 2 African Greys. Thomas is around 8. He was given to me because the people who owned him kept him closed up in a bathroom for years and he cut all his feathers til he looked horrible. He seems to like both of us but he will bite sometimes when you are feeding him. He talks all the time and has all his feathers now. He got very scared when we had a screened in porch put on. Bit off 2 of his toes. He spent a month at the bird hosp. and wore a big sattelite dish and was fed by syringe for some time. That’s when we decided to get him a friend. The breeder said Serina is a girl. I don’t know. They seem very happy being side by side. She is 3. She’ll say Hello I love you and then try to bite you when she is being fed! I don’t take them out of their chages except for nice long baths, because we have 3 cats and Thomas tears up all the wood furniture in our house if he’s on the floor.
I wish I could trust them enough to take them out and love on them. We have alot of years to go!
Deanna

]]> By: Gail Runnels http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-133 Gail Runnels Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:51:41 +0000 http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/tell-me-about-your-parrots-random-biting/#comment-133 I have a RainbowLory, she was the sweetest thing, then one day, this was two years ago she started biting me, and I mean attacking me any chance she got and she still is. She will go to my husband but I must put a towel on my hand to get her to step up. She is so smart that she will get on my toweled hand then jump to my toweled hand and attack that one. If she is on the floor she will attack my feet too. She will take treats from me and say "yummy" and not bite. I have to remove her from her cage to a different cage to clean it or she attacks me. She will go to any man that is around and loves them. I am her main caregiver and she would eat me alive if she were big enough!