Stop biting

[kins23]

I personally, shake their beak gently, and say firmly, NO BITE! I also, walk away from the cage for five minutes, walk back in, try again! I let them know, the behavior is not appreciated, and if you want to bite,I won't be there! (they want you to be there!)None of my birds bite, after repeating this over and over! Sophie, after several years, will "role play with herself!" NO, NO bite! She will atempt to bite, I again, shake her beak gently, to reinforce the behavior. I know, she is just asking for reinforcement, of my expectation!   Nancy

[carol]

oo Nancy 2 I'm going to try that with Georgie as she is starting to bite me slightly so i want to stop IT before she goes to far and i super glue her beak together 

[feika]

Why don't you try zippers Carol, would be easier to unzip at meal times only.

[carol]

feika as always you come up with great ideas, ill have to find someone who can saw it on though 

[kins23]

I also agree with everyone's response!Behavior expectations, need to be taught!   Nancy M

[carol]

well nancy i tried that  and the little madam wouldn't let me near her back so i just put her in her cage for time out while Peggy had her shower now Georgie loves her shower and she went mad because she wasn't having one

[kins23]

I felt horrible this morning, while trying to get ready for work! Sophie tried to get me to pick her up around 10 times, but only had time for "one step-up!" We spent 10 minutes together, doing her food and toast. The entire time, I kept thinking of all the people who struggle to get their bird to "step-up!"All's I can say, is our babies, are just like taking care of babies, that most of us have! Time-outs work! Shake the beak gently, say NO! Walk away, come back in five minutes! It really does work!
     I went to my bird store, to get food, as I usually do. I asked the owner, if I could buy an aviator suit for sophie. He had such a fit! (he has known my birds for past 10 years.) He doesn't sell aviator suits, and had a serious "FIT", that I would even think of letting Sophie fly!I have to stick by him! I have three birds that don't chew their feathers, understand discipline, are happy!(apparently, the owner, is very fond of my birds, as I have been told!) I have been told by workers, that my "birds are perfect weight, perfect for interaction," Unusual, for living arrangements!He has also commented my rescue Sun-conure is the "most beautiful conure, he has ever seen!" I really shouln't mess, with what works!   Nancy M

[billysprout]

Bella turned 2 in april and she now bites a LOT!!! Shes a total nightmare. 

[Janie]

I read on here somewhere that Grey's seem to be almost telepathic... maybe we expect them to bite when they reach 2 and a bit that they just do it to please us 

hugs Janie xxx

[billysprout]

I never expected my angel to turn into satan but she did.  Just hope my angel comes back soon, im missing her. 

[kins23]

Your baby, will come back! Follow the sumple rules of LEDS.   Love, Educate, Discipline and Socialize. I swear by these rules.When I had three different birds, with different needs, I became overwhelmed!I had no bird experience! I set up my own rules LEDS. It has worked for me.   Nancy

[billysprout]

I do all those things with her but to be honest im finding the loving a bit hard, shes not too lovable at the moment but we will persevere, the best time of day for a reasonably affectionate cuddle from her is in the evening when shes tired, its keeping the bond together and reminds me that i do love her really. 

[kins23]

I have to be honest! I "cheat", with Sunny my rescue sun-conure. Ryan, my 19 year old, is the only one he will allow to step-up, right off!(he adopted Ryan, when Ryan was 9years old!)After so much time working with him, no results, I put on my terry cloth bathrobe. He could bite me all he wanted too! I didn't feel it! Now he sees me wearing it, he doesn't try to bite me at all. He justs steps up! (not recommended!) I cheated! Always remember, once you have your baby away from his/her cage, they are like "jello!" You can mold them all you want! Just have to get away from home base!
     As for the parents of "the terrible twos"....they really do outgrow it! You just have to survive for now!   Nancy M

[autumnmoon]

We are having quite a hot spell right now. As always Banter likes to hang out with me while I do chores around the house. A few days ago, about mid day I noticed that he became restless and agitated all of a sudden and would lean forward on my shoulder and nip at my cheek, quite hard. I would return him to his cage and I noticed that he would go right to his water dish. So yesterday, when this behaviour surfaced, right away, I got him cool fresh water and offered it to him on my shoulder. He drank deeply and then snuggled against my cheek, seemingly grateful. I guess as time goes on I will figure out if what I did was reinforce bad behaviour, but for now I prefer to think that I was meeting a very basic need that he was trying hard to convey to me.
Right now we are having breakfast. Dogs (Tavish, Finn and Della) have eaten and gone back to sleep. Cat (Gwenhyfar) has headed out to the bushes. I am looking at a bowl of oatmeal and Banter is having a wonderful spicey bean mash I bought for him that smells way better than my oatmeal!

[kins23]

When Sophie starts dancing to "rap music", I know not to interrupt her, because she will bite!(she is a great rapper, but if interrupted, she gets MAD!) I don't know why.... but I have learned!(thanks to all the teenagers!) I think American Idol, should sign her up.  Nancy M