United brothers....Playing or Fighting

[Dwag766]

We got Plato (7 mos old) 12/30 and he was awesome. High energy, nippy but easily corrected....We loved him! Then, 1/20/09 I acquired his litter-mate (Ceasar) who he had been best buddies with before we adopted Plato. The problem is, since getting Ceasar, Plato is all over him....It looks like play but also seems he may be a little too rough.

Plato has also been biting/beaking us harder....They had tons of toys and wood to chew on. They spend much of the day around us and out of their cage.....

These are young birds and I want to do what is right for them and us...

Question #1: How rough do caique siblings play?
Question #2: What is the best way to correct the biting?

Thanks for any advice....Daria Wagner

[Freedomoflight]

1. Caiques play really rough. Mine hang upside down from their hanging gym, and jab at each other, all while shrieking and flapping their wings furiously. Its all play though, because as soon as it starts, it stops, they right themselves, laugh, preen, and then go at it again. I have a video online somewhere of my two rough housing. YouTube - Caique play here it is.

2. Caiques are very mouthy. They use their mouths for everything. To redirect their chewing behavior keep a foot toy on hand and redirect his behavior when he starts chewing on you. Tell him ow, stop, when he starts biting too hard, and just let him know by tone of voice that the pressure is unacceptable. If he keeps on chewing, give him another warning. If it happens again, put him in a 'time out' in the cage for a couple of minutes. Then rinse and repeat. Consistency is the key.

[seth loves parrots]

awww thats so cute