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"Nich"...how long have you had your boy? He might be suffering from what is called "cage bound". This happens when birds are never taken out of their cages for extended periods of time. They need frequent handling and socialization. I would take things slowly...make sure you trim his wings!!!!! And when handling him speak in soft calming voice and NEVER hold him over your head or allow him on your shoulder. He needs to be held below your face until he ceases the biting. Birds are not much different from dogs....you need to let him know you are the dominant leader and let him know his place....which is lower than your face...... If he bites....stay completely still and make no sound.....he will eventually give up the behavior if he gets no reward...ie....you letting him go....to fly etc.
A great trick for socializing biters is to place him on the floor (he must have his flight feathers trimmed, so he can't fly). He will follow you and try to climb up onto you. hold out your hand up under his breast plate and give him a command like "Up Up". Most birds want to reach a higher place and eagerly "step up" onto your hand. If he bites you....calmly, with no loud sounds gently place him back on the floor........repeat, repeat....REPEAT! He will eventually figure it out that when he bites he gets placed back on the floor. This takes time, consistency, and patience!!!! (Think of it like cycling your ultimate dream tank!)
Unlike humans, animals will not repeat behaviors that are not rewarding!
I have two Cockatiels........Disney and Peek-a-Boo. Disney is a male Normal Grey who talks up a storm!!! He says "What you doing?, ", "Love the birdie", "Go Cowboys!", Go Pats!, sings the Pee Wee Herman song, does the wolf whistle and when I ignore him he screams "MAMA!" he's such a character, hence his name! Peeky is a female Pied...she is just a sweetybug who does nothing other than sing and chortle!
Last edited by dramaqueen; 01-01-2012 at 07:17 PM.
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