Elmo is biting me already help???

[Lori]

I just got Elmo a handraised 3 month old senegal one week ago he is now starting to bite and it is hard what do I do to stop him?

[Liz]

Aw, so sorry to hear this!

First off, what kind of biting is it? If it is the full out lunging bite or just a general nippiness?

A lot of young birds, expecially hand fed birds or just weaned babies have a tendency to be nippy. Some of this is normal, birds play with their mouths. If it is just playful/curious nippiness, then it may not go away completely.

Either way, there are a number of things to do. First off, try to figure out why Elmo is biting. Is he impatient about food, nervous or scared? Do you have something he wants? Does he bite when you are getting him out of his cage? It is important to figure out why he is biting before it becomes a major habit.

While you are trying to figure it out, this web page gives quite a few helpful and bird-friendly ways to communicate that biting is NOT okay: www.pamperedpeeps.com/bitinggreencheeks.htm

It is written specifically about conures, but the techniques work for all parrots. Hope this helps you!

[Scully]

what great info on biting!

My conure is going through a nippy stage, most of the time hes a love bug, then male hormones kick in and hes very grumpy. I put him on the floor, and when he tries to climb back up, i push him gently away , just to let him know he wont be allowed with me, if hes in that mood. Normally works, and i am working through this stage.
Read that site, i thought it was very good. Just like a puppy, try not to let him even play bite at this stage.

[kiwi]

Oh wow that article is brilliant, I already do some of those tips but I may try the towel tip. Blu is behaving like a little love at the moment so here's hoping I never have to try anything new ;D