How to deal with biting?

[Elizabeth]

Gypsy (RFM) for some time now, has been really bitey. She can be sitting on your arm and all of a sudden will grab your chin, or mouth. When I pet her she feels the need to bite. Not drawing blood but hurting. I tell her no and put her on her stand or tree and when I go back later to try again, same thing. I have read and read different books and try lots of different things, but to no avail. I don't believe jealousy is an issue as she started this about 6 months or so ago. Also when I am cleaning her cage she will reach under my arm and pinch or grab whatever she can and bite. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know what to do anymore.

[Elizabeth]

Thank you all for your advise and help.

[cfulhage]

The only thing I can suggest is to try to get her to take out her aggression elsewhere. When you get her out and she starts biting, direct her attention to a foot toy. If she manages to not bite for a few minutes at a time, give her a treat, like a nut or something. Eventually she will realize that good things come from behaving like a lady.

If you always return her to her stand when she bites, she may just be getting what she wants. Now she has learned to just bite you when she wants to be put there.

BTW, most of us are all busy people, and cannot answer posts right away. Since this has been going on for 6 months it is not an emergency, however, there are other posts out there that are. If you are patient, your thread will be answered, give us a day or 2- or at least a few hours!

[amy]

how about taking her out of the cage when you are cleaning it.she may feel like you are tresspassing on her turf by putting your hand in her cage...she may feel like she has to protect herself or her "space"..as for the biting outside of the cage what you are doing sounds like a good idea but it will take time ..it wont stop overnight.maybe shorter periods of time out of the cage..maybe shes out for too long and getting tired.just keep trying.