Nippy Jardine - Fixable?

[LemonAida]

I have fallen for a cute 1 year old Jardine that is for sale at my local bird specialty store.

From what I have read Jardines are nippy, but this behavior can be modified. How do you do that?

I have spent some time with the bird, and I plan on spending more one on one time with him, but he is a nipper / biter whatever you want to say. My hands and wrists look like I've been involved in a bar fight.
Thanks

[Monica]

Any bird can be taugt not to bite, but birds can and will always have their moments.

A nippy bird is either one who enjoys using his beak to explore with, or one who's trying to tell you something. If it's exploring, they just need to learn what is and is not acceptable. Distraction is also a great tool. If the bird is trying to tell you something, then you need to learn to read the birds body language and try not to force the bird into doing something it doesn't want to do.

A lot can be learned by reading about possitive reinforcement and applying it. It's a great way to learn how to communicate with a bird.

[Pepper's Pa]

Yes, you should be able to train this Jardine’s to bite less.

Consider what this one-year-old Jardine’s has probably experienced during his time at the pet store. How many different sets of hands and personalities have interacted with him? Were they all experienced, confident, considerate and gentle with interacting with him? We’re some of them nervous, excited, forceful or rough in interacting with him? He’s probably learned that to be left alone from these unwanted people he bites. You received the bites that he has learned to give to avoid unwanted interaction with people.
The story, Throw Away Bird, may give you a different perspective on this Jardine's life experiences.

If your hands and wrists look like you’ve been in a “bar fight” then you are making him uncomfortable and need to go much slower to earn his trust and if he comes home with you, hopefully his bond. Your goal should be to only do trust-building interactions and no trust-breaking interactions.

Good luck.

[LemonAida]

I have read the story. It made me cry.

I've spent some more time with him last night (about 2 hours). I bought a few toys for him to tear apart and destroy and we had an almost biteless visit. On the positive side he did not draw blood. He fell asleep between my arm and side last night.

I have been trying to keep in mind what the past several months have been for him and what type of behavior he has learned without making excuses for him. I am sure that one behavior that he has learned is when he has decided that he is finished getting scratches or wants to be left alone just to bite and the people will leave.

I'm going to put a deposit on him today. I will then have 30 days to work on our bond and communication before I bring him home.

[dmiller91]

Aww! I am so happy for you! I think he will come around!