biting bird!

[karrieluvsbirdies]

what is the correct response when your bird bites you? my cockatiel has recently started nipping me kind of hard,and i want to be sure that i don't encourage this behavior!

[klamb85]

There are many different opinions on this. Most people say to never punish your bird. They say you should distract them on something else instead. Others feel a firm no and the "evil eye" works. I don't have my bird yet. But I think I will do a little of both. I would never encourage yelling at or "boping" the bird.

Good luck! :)

[Valo's Moirana]

nothing.... that's the best reaction - hard to do but the best reaction you can show your bird...

also, best is to avoid getting bitten - either by distraction, or by saying no in a harsh voice when you see that beak moving towards skin...

with valo, the evil eye works great - he bites, i look at him really angry... he knows he did something wrong...

are your tiel's wings clipped? if so, you could (gently) place him on the floor for a minute when he bites... they don't like it there

[RingneckedPrincess]

Don't react...they are 'drama royalty' and thrive on attention (Like some people )

Eventually they will learn that biting doesn't work and have to find another way to communicate

Dani

[Vega]

I was told a firm "no" and to turn my back to them. (in the wild that's how they know they are in trouble) Gypsy doesn't much care what I do...hence my new black and blue ear.

[krissyg1989]

i tell kona no....i put her back in her cage when she bites...nothing works with her...

[Tullysmom]

I totally agree with doing nothing. That's what I TRY to do. Try. I usually let out an "OWW!" which is a no-no. They want that reaction. Any attention is good attention you know. Some birds if you give them the evil eye will totally fall apart and then you have trust issues. Keep in mind, Predators stare. Which as you can see would freak a bird out. Although I have heard of people doing that with no issue. But personally I'd stick with trying not to give them a reaction. Good luck!

[Cindy215]

I think its important to try and figure out WHY you're getting bitten. They are trying to convey something. There's no simple answers or reasons birds bite each other for alot of reasons even a warning about danger.

I'd start with making sure they are getting enough sleep most captive parrots dont. Dark quiet sleep none of this throw a beige sheet over the cage in the family room business. I follow a strict natural daylight schedule including dawn and dusk with no artificial lighting after 3 pm. Matching whatever it's doing outside any given time of year.

I believe in only positive reinforcement never ANYTHING negative. It has always worked for me. Trust is number one, they arent human and arent scheming up reasons to make you mad. They are trying to tell us something.

[Cindy215]

Originally Posted by krissyg1989

i tell kona no....i put her back in her cage when she bites...nothing works with her...

Since it's not working maybe it's time to try a different approach?

[raddaughter]

Harley hasn't ever bitten-hard. But, she does go into hissy fits where she just lets it out on my hand grabbing it, twisting, nipping, trying to find a 'tender' spot. I give her a firm 'no' and put her back into her cage. She normally goes to the back perch and looks out the window, knowing she hurt mommy. I come back about 5-20 min later (when I feel like she understands, it depends on her) and I take her out, and she gives me this, 'sorry mommy, I love you' expression and want some luvins. After that, she is fine for the rest of the day.

I never yell, threaten to hit, or shake her like I have heard some people doing. Yes, if a bird is biting hard and own't let go, do the 'earthquake' but not being mean. Also, when your bird bites, don't pull back, push forward. This will make them release your finger and make them 'step up' on your hand. I think there was a post about this in the eclectus section...