First bite

[donnakris]

Yesterday I bought a new loveseat. Morgan loves to sit in the recliner with me and sleep under a blanket. Well, I took her over and sat on the loveseat. She had her head stretched way up and was looking around. She hopped down to stand on my leg and I reached for her as I've done many times before and she bit my finger. First time ever. It wasn't a horrible bite but she brought blood. I was so surprised I hollered, which I know I shouldn't do. I got her back up on my arm and took her back to the top of her cage. She seemed really aggitated and walked around with her umbrella up and wings out.
My question, could the new loveseat have upset her? I know she's slow to accept new toys or other new things. Maybe she was just freaked because the loveseat doesn't have arms like my recliner that she stands on? I'm sure it was my fault she bit me but I would like to avoid another one. Man, that's a nasty bite. Hurt my finger but hurt my feelings more.

[rockybird]

My guess is it was the loveseat, but I dont have cockatoos so I am not privy to their behavior. I just wanted to write and say I know how you feel. My little male caique, who is about 5 yrs. old, started biting recently. He has always been my playful and snuggly little bird. It is so hard not to take the bites personally, and I almost cry when he does it. The bites are rare, but bloody and obviously intentional. The rest of the time, he is a sweetheart, which makes it even harder to understand. Nonetheless, these are birds, not little humans. They are not domesticated, like dogs or cats. They may only be one or two generations removed from the wild. They may bite for reasons we dont grasp. Thinking this in this manner helps me to deal with the biting. I am working to understand what triggers these bites. Dont take it personally, she still loves you. She just cant help being a bird.

[Muchi]

Eek! I've not been bit yet, but recently my boy started hissing at me, so I'm waiting for it and trying not to agitate him, or seem afraid when he takes a swipe at me. So far I've been lucky - he pounces, then backs off.
I do believe it may be the loveseat - I've noticed my 'too is easily angered by sudden changes, no matter how small. Sorry to hear your baby bit you, though I wouldn't take it personally. All birds bite sooner or later.

[donnakris]

Thanks everyone. It's funny, I told my daughter, who is not fond of birds, that it was my fault Morgan bit me. She thought I had lost my mind. I'm pretty sure it was the loveseat. Anyway, time to go snuggle with the little flesh eater for awhile.

[huntress]

Yup. Loveseat. you would have been better to let HER explore the loveseat first. You know....just to make sure it was safe for you and all mom! LOL

[Oscars Mom]

Parrots can get really freaked when you rearrange the furniture.

[Xen]

She needed to poop on it and maybe bite at it a little first.

[donnakris]

Oh thank goodness she doesn't poop on things, or me. She was "housebroken" when I adopted her. She will sit on me for an hour and not poop. She waits till I get her back on her cage...lol. I'll let her explore the loveseat by herself tomorrow. See, I knew it was my fault. She actually looked almost as surprised as I did.

[kali]

thats true, birds can be really funny about new/moving furniture.