Biting by birds

[WharfRat]

There's a "gazillion" posts on this in probably every category on here, let's try to set the record straight. If your bird never actually bit/bites you, that is probably one in a million and you should be very happy and grateful. The truth is BIRDS BITE! Weather it is "your" fault or "their's". PERIOD, END OF SUBJECT, MOVE ALONG. It is just a fact of life. How many dog owners have never been grabbed by their dog's jaws? Not many I think (this should be considered a "bite" as well.) It's just the way the birds interact with their world around them plain and simple. Yes, some birds will need/require training in this aspect but that's just the way it is, if you acquire a "pet" bird and didn't expect bites, you did NOT do your homework! Just like not expecting a cat to bite or scratch you, being knocked over/around by a horse, IT HAPPENS. You're used to YOUR world, learn THEIR'S before getting any animal at all, it is YOUR responsibility as an "intelligent" human being! Be smarter than the animals and KNOW what you're getting into BEFORE committing to it.

This post is not in any way meant to discourage bird companionship in any way, shape or form. They are VERY awesome, extremely intelligent, long lived, LEARNING creatures, it is our responsibility to know what we're embarking on before acquiring such a regal animal. I just hope that any aspiring bird owner is aware or this before taking that final step.

I have a VERY large Macaw that was (note I said was) very prone to biting when putting her in her cage. Did it hurt? YES....Was I prepared for it? YES!!! Did I know how to handle/deal with it? YES! The result is a very loving bird that can't wait to interact with me (or my wife) every chance they can!

Please people, do your homework, know what to expect and the long term commitment you will face with this awesome, wonderful creature. You only go around once, the bird will probably outlive you if properly cared for.

 

[WharfRat]

had to add this link after further looking around http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/8769-so-you-want-get-parrot-first-time.html

 

[SandyBee]

So very true. And don't think little birds are exempt, I have been bitten worse from our little African brown head all 150g of her than my Amazon.
Now birds do bite for a reason, but who speaks bird, we learn we love.
They are awesome creatures, see Wharfs second post to see if you can deal with getting to the awesome.

 

[WharfRat]

wow, did I strike a nerve or something?? I expected there to be more responses to this......

 

[Thingamagigs]

Exceptionally well put. I guess people are silent cause there is not much to add, you pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Especially this part "You're used to YOUR world, learn THEIR'S before getting any animal at all, it is YOUR responsibility as an "intelligent" human being!"

That is just spot on perfect, not only for biting but for everything to do with birds in general. Its a really important message that is rarely shared.

 

[aliray]

Scott I agree 100% and thanks for posting this. It should be required reading for all new pet owners.

 

[MonicaMc]

I wasn't really sure what to add. Yes, birds bite, and that's a fact.

Birds bite for a reason, too. Many reasons in fact. It's a pet peeve of mine when people say to "ignore the bite" or "punish the bird for biting" or maybe it's "earthquake method" or something akin to that (i.e. dropping hand down) to get the bird to stop biting.


What I don't get is, why are we pushing birds to bite in the first place? Why make the birds uncomfortable or afraid, then ignore the bite?

It's easy to say "ignore the bite" when it comes to the smaller species such as parakeets (conures, budgies, cockatiels, psittacula, etc), poicephalus, pionus and some of the smaller large species (amazons, cockatoos, etc). What if you have a bird like a greenwing macaw? Or a moluccan cockatoo? "Oh, here's my finger! Bite it and I'm going to ignore you!"


NO!!!!!!!!!!!!



Who in their right mind would suggest ignoring the bite from these large parrots? What is it going to accomplish? A possible trip to the ER for stitches? Very badly damaged skin, for sure! A macaw at a resort once bit off a child's finger (I blame the adults for not watching their kid) and you, as an adult, are going to stand their, offering your flesh to a parrot to be bitten? Unless of course, you are just a glutton for punishment!


I think it stands to reason that you should probably avoid getting bitten by a large parrot, so you can avoid the bruises, the torn skin, and potentially even the stitches. Why not do the same with the smaller species?



If you learn to respect a parrot, learn their body language, and learn how to communicate with them in a positive manner, you can learn to avoid situations that will lead to a bite, regardless if you are working with a budgie, a green cheek conure, an amazon, a cockatoo, or even a macaw.

 

[JerseyWendy]

As I look at my bruised biceps (yes, I do have them...lol) and puncture wounds in my arms and hands, I must say:

I AGREE WITH YOU, Scott!!!!

And I get it from both ends. Let me clarify that one before I subject myself: All my fids nibble (except Hunter...she IS one in a million) , and both my dogs rough-house on a regular basis. :09:

 

[faeryphoebe1]

But WHY does my bird bite? LOL, just kidding! Have you seen the many, many posts on Green Cheeks and biting? It's kind of sad, really.

 

[MonicaMc]

Have you seen the many, many posts on Green Cheeks and biting? It's kind of sad, really.

That one is no surprise really. You take a small, inquisitive parrot that loves to explore with their beak, then expect that bird not to nip or bite. Many people are unaware of how to train a parrot not to bite. In the process of trying to train them not to, the humans may accidentally be teaching the bird to bite. You offer your finger, the bird nibbles, you remove your finger and get mad at the bird for "biting". Repeat the process enough times, you just taught your bird to bite.

You should avoid being bitten in the first place, but you also need to encourage chewing on appropriate items. If you discourage a bird from exploring with their beaks, you might accidentally teach them how *not* to play with toys. Their inquisitiveness should be encouraged in appropriate ways.


With my limited experience handling supposedly nippy green cheeks, I really haven't found them to be any more nippy or bitey than any other bird.



I probably should have said the following...

"Yes, birds bite, and that's a fact, but it doesn't have to be that way."