Hi - need some reassurance

[amachen]

Hello -

Been lurking for a few weeks, and I think I've finally got something worth while to ask:

Me and my wife have been looking at birds for about four months, and have finally decided on a 5 month old male CAG who we have payed for, but is still living at the bird store for another 4-5 weeks. I have been visiting him for a few hours every day since we got him (only about 5 days). He's pretty calm sitting with me, but doesn't seem that interested in interacting. His favorite hobbies seem to be flying to perches in the store, tearing up newspaper, and beaking me fairly hard when I try to (gently) rub his beak. In the last two days his beaking has gotten harder, breaking the skin on both of my index fingers. As far as rubbing his head, neck or wings - forget it. I can only touch him there when I hand-feed him (still on one feeding a day).

I left the store a little sad today. Has my bird of choice decided that he hasn't chosen me, or should I just be more patient?

[Beaks]

your bird will come

[my-africangrey-echo]

Hmm first birds do bite that is just part of having them. They can learn not to bite but never by scolding them.. If you react to the bite it will become a game. Your CAG is a baby and has a lot of learning to do. Time kindness and patients is a must. One thing I had done to teach my TAG not to bite at my fingers when I am holding him is when he will beak at my hands I will shake my hand to make his perch (my hand) unstable while saying no bite. He quickly learned that there was a cause and effect.

So don't feel discouraged just read read read both on this forum and others and you will learn the many ups and downs of having a FID. But gain a friend for life.

Good luck and can't wait to see some baby pics..

[Tishrei]

Oh, biting is so part of being loved by a bird ... LOL. When my bird, a severe macaw, first came to live with me, I can tell you that I was NAILED by him a few times big time. Now, five years later, he doesn't bite me but sometimes he does get carried away with his playing, he gets a bit overexcited. I expect at some point, he will bite me again, I just don't know when. It's been a really long time since he's bitten me but I have not deceived myself into thinking that I will never be bitten again. I will be bitten, I just don't know when or why.

[amachen]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to take some pictures the next time my wife can go with me.

--Andy

[birdlady49]

Wanna see some of my scars from the bites of loving birds? It's a fact of life. Birds bite.

Your little guy gently beaked you but you didn't get the hint. So he had to bite harder the next time. Besides, many birds do not like to have their beaks grabbed, even gently.

Many of the behaviors of living in a petstore will disappear when he has a new, stable home with just a few humans to deal with. I wouldn't worry, but I would listen to what the bird is telling you. Once you bring him home, you can establish your authority.

[Lisa B]

Hi Andy, welcome and Congrats!

your baby has a lot to learn. He's just being a baby. He doesnt know that his beaking is hurting you. He doenst know the difference between a piece of wood and a piece of daddy at this point... All things are possible with time and patience. and yes, even the most tame affectionate loving birds bite.....I have the pics to prove it
Like Birdlady said, when he is home, things will change.

[birdlady49]

What do you mean GO COWBOYS?????!!!! Yikes!

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by birdlady49

What do you mean GO COWBOYS?????!!!! Yikes!

lmao....made ya smile eh?

[DynamitePsycho]

I'll just echo what everyone has said. Ziggy, my CAG who is 7 months has a beaking game with me. I'll grab his beak and then he'll grab my finger. Sometimes he gets excited and puts a lot of pressure, but he knows "ah, ah" or "no" or "easy" so he'll be gentler with his beaking and we can continue to play.