Nose picking Bird! ??? And more Training questions....

[PetriTheGreenCheek]

Hey Everyone! I've got a few questions for you guys on training my new little GCC (who I am in love with!).

1) My GCC likes to pick my nose! How can I discourage the bugger?

2) My GCC loves head scritches. However, when I scratch him and then stop, he bites me- nipping, not the loving little nibble, and not the pissed off gnaw- but too firmly for my taste. How would you correct this?

3) My husband loves our little GCC too, but he's a bit weird and doesn't like Petri directly behind his head. I don't mind, and Petri 'cleans' my hair/feathers for me while hiding in my hair behind my head. However, my husband would like to be able to hold Petri on his shoulder, while not allowing him behind his head. Does anyone have any ideas on how to train him?

4) Lastly, Petri has taken to 'screaming' if he's put back in his cage, and he sees that we're still around. While most of the time when we're about, we like to have him out too, there are times when mommies and daddies want to snuggle sans a feather hat. Thoughts or suggestions?


Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to your replies!


xxxxxxxxxx

Laura

[AndreaSctlnd]

Hi Laura. My sun likes to occasionally pick his nose as well. I don't really think anything of it because if you have something in there and it needs to come out then you pick. HA!!! Of course if it is a chronic thing and he is doing it a lot maybe he is doing for attention, you know. He picks and then you pay attention to him to tell him to stop.

When ever my sun bites at me because I have done something he doesn't like I usually give his beak a little nudge. Not a tap or anything like that but I put my finger on it and then nudge it back telling him NO.

The thing about being behind his head, I can't comment on because I don't really care where Sunny is on me and I am just learing myself how to train my baby. So hopefully someone with a lot more vast knowledge will help you out there. :0)

As for the screaming when your baby is in his cage and you are near him I would sugges just ignoring him and letting him know that no matter how much he fusses you aren't going to give in. Or you could get him a play stand that you could put him on for a different change of pace.

good luck!!!

[Ashling]

If I may be so bold: In relation to letting the bird sit behind the neck, it would be easier to train the husband than the bird! :D
My lorikeet is a chronic nose picker (at least she tries). If you know anything about lorikeets, you'd know their tongue is just perfect for it- designed to be stuck into flowers with holes and lap up the nectar (eww)- my exclaimations of surprise and disgust probably encourage her more than anything :/
When he does this, just pop him on the ground, table or chair beside you, with a toy within reach, and ignore him for a few minutes- make no noise and no eye contact. When/ if he starts to play with the toy instead of your nose, praise him. The best toy would be one that is engaging like a tinkle bell. It'd be best to not resemble a nose in any way!

[AndreaSctlnd]

OH!!! Your bird pick YOUR nose...I thought you ment that he picks his own nose...cuz that is what my sun does.

He hasn't tried to pick mine...and I coujldn't imagine having a tounge stuck up there...LOL