On second thought his name should be JAWS

[Lori L]

Ewwwww I just suffered 2 rather nasty bites from Charm. Didn't break the skin but it was the death grip kind of bite where he wouldn't let go. One was on my extremely dry skin on my knuckle and the other was on my other hand. I was so proud of myself, I showed no reaction other than to literally pry his beak off me by lifting the top part so he has to release. I must say though his bites were far less hurtful than the bites I once got from a lovebird, boy I could feel that pain for at least 10 min after. I made Charm do a couple of step ups to show him who's in charge and then massaged his beak for a while so he would get used to my hands being on his beak without having to bite them. When he'd open his beak I'd say, no bite, no bite in a calm tone. So jaws would be a pretty funny name huh?

[Freedomoflight]

Friendly tip- next time he bites, push into him. Not too hard or anything, but pushing into a bird while they are chomping down makes them release- it works, I have had to use it a couple times.
Glad you are ok though.

[Lori L]

I'm lucky I've never been bitten to bleed, guess it's only a matter of time though, it's bound to happen at some point right?

[red192]

A question to this biting thing. I once had someone tell me to take a metal dile or a screwdriver that's rather long and clean it, and maybe cover it with some cloth...but when you try to reach for the biter and they lunge at u, instead of your hand use the rod or screw driver, after biting the metal a few times that would make them not want to bite at you anymore. I never tried it, and never would cause this sounds CRUEL! In my mind I am invading her area and she is protecting it! When I do feed her and she tries to bite me, I hold the measuring cup (plastic) up to her and let her nibble away! then she's upset cause it's not me! We had some construction going on in the house and the noise upset her and when i went to let her out of her cage she bit the stew out of me and would NOT let go! It was pretty deep. Had to keep it doctored for a few days!

[Lori L]

This was not cage aggression, Charm was out of his cage and perched on my hand, I think it was more testing my finger to see what was beneath the skin He's very sweet and has already learned no bite. Little by little in the short time I've had him I see him getting more and more comfortable with me.

[The Outlaw]

Carol and Doug's little grey is named Jaws.

[My Kiwi]

Lori, I had this problem with Kiwi and she bit me to the point of blood many times. What worked for me is I would put my finger above her beak then gently rest my finger on it while talking softly. I never tapped, just lightly rested. She would instantly calm and then after a bit I would I move over and scritch her neck. Then I could even pick her up if I wanted to. Patience is the key I think. Whenever I did the "no" thing she would become more aggressive. I am sure they all react differnet but worth the try. Maybe it lies in reason as to trust, fear, or dominence which is causing this. Mine was dominent and I had to show her it wasn't neccessary and that I would always be gentle. By the way.......what a beauty ! I don't blame you for going back to get her ! Faith

[Freedomoflight]

I am glad you held your cool BTW- its hard isnt it? When I first met my grey, she bit my finger down to the bone, and tore the flesh. I tried not to show a reaction, and really played it down. It was hard. You two will be best buds in no time!

[The Outlaw]

Keep a tube of Preparation H cream handy. If you get bitten, rub it on the bite. It will numb the pain and reduce the swelling.

[willowbirdy218]

Originally Posted by Freedomoflight

Friendly tip- next time he bites, push into him. Not too hard or anything, but pushing into a bird while they are chomping down makes them release- it works, I have had to use it a couple times.
Glad you are ok though.

That really does work! Once, I was at a pet store and this cute little galah cockatoo hopped on my arm and a few minutes later when I tried to put him back on his perch, he decided he didn't want to go back and grabbed onto my finger. I didn't say anything (except probably a "no"), just moved my hand towards him and he immediately let go. Works like a charm!

Charm will be a sweet little guy again once he is all settled in!