love bird biting?!

[scatsguyot]

so I'm new to this board, just got 2 peach faced lovebirds 2 weeks ago...They are easily eating millet and broccoli treats from my hands, but once I introduce only my finger to try to pet the bird, it starts to bite...what should I do...I feel like they think my finger is food? what should I do. How do I let the bird know that my finger is not food?

[2keetsandalovie]

time and patience!! i am going through the same thing with an older LB. She will sit on me but if i put my hand anywhere near her, i might be missing a digit. I think you have to progress on their terms not ours. You could try just holding your hand in front of them to kind of tell them that you are of no danger to them. Good luck!

[scatsguyot]

yes, I think you are right. It's almost like he's telling me leave me alone, and I am...thank you!

[jenseits]

Originally Posted by scatsguyot

yes, I think you are right. It's almost like he's telling me leave me alone, and I am...thank you!

Excellent! When a bird bites to tell you to leave him alone and you don't respect what he's trying to communicate, he'll resort to biting harder and harder. The best way to avoid a bad biting habit is not to teach them to bite in the first place. Let him set the pace, and you'll be on your way to a great relationship!

[scatsguyot]

He's also about 8 months old. He's very smart. It took him about 2 weeks to start eating out of my hand, but is now striking...only twice though..not good. but I'm giving him his time. I also have another bird, so he's paired up with a sibling...

[Joli]

I have PF lovebird and she ALWAYS puts her "mouth" on me whenever I approach her. Not too really BITE, but to test what I am offering (which just happens to be my hand). I was told by her breeder that they do this because their beak acts as a hand. Also, just as young children put everything into their mouths to test, so do brds. Sometimes feel firmer than others, but I don't really think she is trying to bite as much as she is "testing". Occassionally, she gets carried away with her playing and she will nibble too hard. That is when I pull her away and look at her and say "No bite". She seems to settle down and we don't have any other problems. They are like kids more often than not. They will test your limits, but if you are consistent, they will be an amazing addition to your life! Give it time, patience, and a lot of love.

The other thing I have discovered is that Mango likes to be held and played with. If she gets carried away, I simply put her down on the couch next to me and refuse to play. After a minute or so, I will pick be back up again. If she continues to bite, I repeat the process. This has broken her and now I would say she bites maybe once or twice per week per week and we play with her for hours every day!

Good luck!

[jenseits]

Joli - excellent points. Beaking is not the same as biting, and shouldn't be treated as such. If a bird puts his beak on you to test stability before stepping up, that's fine and doesn't need to be discouraged.

Sometimes birds get a little excited and beak harder than you find comfortable, but it is possible to teach them where that line is by removing your finger and ceasing play activity for a minute.

I second what Joli says above.