Macaw Baby Nipping- how to nip in the bud?

[MiniMama]

I have an Illiger's who is now 16 months old and is wrapping up her first molt. There isn't much on this species, so I'm wondering if she might be prone to the nipping behavior of Severe's. in the past month she has taken to biting strangers. This has happened twice, both times while we were having a dinner party and friends were over (so in her own territory). For example, a woman wanted to hold Bella, held her hand out, Bella stepped up, then ever so casually leaned over and nipped the woman's lip. Bella can also get nippy wiht me if I ask her to do something she doesn't want to. (she gets put down immidiately with a sharp no on this one.)

Any other helpful tips on how to prevent this new behavior from settling in? I'm a little concerned about this, especially the biting strangers bit, which my hahn's macaw has never done.

[CrazyBirdLady]

I have a young Illigers (13 months) as well and I think nippiness is just part of their character, but I'm not sure. My little girl doesn't realize she has a lot of power behind that little beak sometimes and while playing with me can become a little too nippy. She is very attached to me and while she will go to my husband, she does tend to be very nippy towards him. Shiloh comes out every morning with me and she goes through a routine, which she knows and she's not nippy with me at all. I take her out for some kissing and snuggling first then off to chop fruits and veggies. She watches the birds outside from my shoulder or from her playstand and talks the whole time. I offer her food and water at least every 15-25 minutes as when she is tired or overheated a bit (which is easy to tell by the extra warm feet and occasionally the pinkish face). Distraction helps as well and do lots of chew toys. The more stuff she has to chew on the better. Keeps the beak under control and seems to appease her need to beak everything and everyone; namely my fingers.
I will introduce Shiloh to houseguests, but I'll ask them not to immediately try to hold her as she will nip and bite. Once she's comfortable, I may allow her, if she wants, to visit with them. Maybe keep Bella away from the guests unless they want a little "lovebite"

[MiniMama]

Wow, i'm so glad i found another Illiger's owner. Very few out there. And yep, i do provide lots of toys, a new one about every 3 days. I"m hoping she'll grow out of this phase soon.
BTW- does yours like to wrestle? Bella loves to roll on her side, kick her feet up and have me grab them, then squeaks and squeals with delight. It's really cute. Let's keep each other posted on the nip nip behavior.

[CrazyBirdLady]

Gary (Winged Victory) also has an Illigers, which is actually related to my little gal. He might have more input as well. Yes, wrestling is a big part of playtime. Lots of nibbling, giggling and fun. From what little information I've gotten about the species is they are very smart, talkative (also mumblers) and can be "mouthy" or nippy. Still an absolute delight to have as a companion.

[smokeynskittles]

Hi we have a 6 month old Illiger macaw and he is getting into a nippy stage. He will be sitting on my lap playing and enjoying himself and getting petted under his wing a good head scratch then all of a sudden he turns on his belly grabs my fingers with his little claws and starts nipping me. I guess this is a stage he is going through. He also will be sitting on my chest and then lunge toward my face to see my reaction then run back down and do it again of course it seems cute but it worries me that be might nip me. Does anyone know if this is a stage. Also do any of you who have a Illiger talk and if so when they start talking. Today was a rough day he and my grey were beaking it got me very nervous i think Smokey my grey backed off knowing it was a baby this is also behavior that just started. I guess I have my work cut out for me.
Alice & Lewis

[chinniechantel]

Macaws are prone to that lunge and pinch, they do it less if they don't get a reaction...easier said than done, right? If it helps at all they usually don't bite, and are better than you would think with aiming and not biting too hard. You have to get used to the beak or he will start really testing you. I would try to keep guests away, and just explain the situation at the very least. I always tell people I don't know well that my birds bite, it makes it easier on me.