4 year old starting to bite

[DorisMom]

Hi, my Dori is 4 1/2 years old, I have had here since she was a baby. She has recently started biting HARD. For example, sitting on my shoulder she will just out of the blue, bite my ear ... not the gently preening nibbles. The other day I had my hand out for her to step up and she just bit the palm of my hand and broke the skin! If course I put her in her cage, but I hate leaving her in the cage so much when I am home.

I recently started fostering 2 dogs, and believe this may be part of the reason. Although I do still keep 1 on 1 time for her. It is to the point where I am not sure what to do and of course I dont like getting bit! HELP!! Thank you for any suggestions

 

[Laurasea]

Hi,
Sorry to hear you are getting bites.
Bites might be Dori trying to save you from the dogs, urging you to fly away.
Bites might be jealousy of the dogs.
Or bites might be a sudden fear of hands.

Put the dogs in a bedroom with some treats. Then spend some good time with Dori , lots of telling her how great she is abd feeding treats. If no bites happen during this bonding time. Then it's safe to say the dogs are the reason. But even if a bite happens you can't rule out her still feeling unsettled.

I'd try and have a good routine , with times the dogs are put up, and it just you two. Really talk to her and let her know she is important.

Bites don't happen for no reason, the parrot has a reason. And having two new digs in the house is plunty of reasons, plus watching you play attention to them is sure to cause some hurt feelings.

I have three quakers, and one doesn't like changes, she can be huffy for weeks with any changes. I've also caused one Quaker to be fearful of hands, after having to chase him to put him up.. took some time and work and bribes to get him over it. One Quaker will give me a bio if the dogs are rowdy and running around. . I think I have done links on biting. I look and see if I can add.

I'd spend more time with her, time with her when figs are out if site. I'd fuss over her in the morning before I take the dogs out. Id make a big deal if feeding her before the dogs. And I'd make sure any dog petting was out of her site. I thi k you will get past this bump in the road pretty easy.
https://www.thesprucepets.com/caution-the-parrot-bites-390280

 

[DorisMom]

Thank you. I actually had the dogs outside today and had her out and on my shoulder (like normal) while doing things ... things were going well, then she just bit my shoulder (Thru a heavy sweatshirt!) Fortunately I have a perch that I can use to get her back into her cage. Thanks for your input, and I will focus on more US time LOL.

 

[Laurasea]

At 4 she is way past puberty, and has been an adult for some time. So I think something has upset her, and you just need to mind your fences.
Had she ever been around dogs before?

 

[DorisMom]

SO .. today we went into a different room and it was just the 2 of us ... playing and nice talk and treats. When she looked like she might be wanting to bite I scolded her .... I figure doing this may help. I am also trying not to praise the dogs a lot when around her. Thanks for the suggestions ... and cross your fingers!

 

[Laurasea]

It takes time. My fingers are crossed!