Change in GCC behavior

[Gcclove]

So I got a gcc about 2 weeks ago and it was about 4 months old. We assume it’s a girl. When we got it, it was gentle and loving and wouldn’t hurt anyone. Until recently it has been biting my family and has even bitten me (I’m the primary care giver). It is now more aggressive and quite unpredictable whether it will bite. Any suggestions????

 

[FlyBirdiesFly]

When you first get a parrot, it goes through a ‘honeymoon phase’ where it will likely be gentle and calm. The bird is still getting to know its surroundings and will be too scared and unsure to bite. Now, it looks like this bird has fully adjusted and is showing his/her true personality. At the young age of 4 months, it’s definetly not hormones.

 

[Sunnyclover]

I know there is this thing called "the honeymoon phase" when a new bird comes home. They often act docile, quiet and sweet when they first get to your home because they are scared and wary of their new surroundings but then as they get comfortable they can start biting and screaming and other unsavory behaviors. For the biting, there are many methods to teach your bird not to bite. Look up "biting" on the search tab!

 

[Flboy]

Little babies can be very beaky! You do need to teach pressure control. Remember, for a bird, nipping is a main form of communication’s! Every once in a while when my JoJo is in the mood, I get nailed! I look at him, I ask, why did you bite me like that? He looks at me and tells me with his expression, G I’m sorry which way should I bite to you?

Right now, this is normal for a youngster, but you may be reinforcing the biting without realizing it!
Study and study this thread!
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57935-brainstorming-biting-parrots.html

Remember to separate biting from beaking! Babies explore the world with their mouth! React wrongly and it becomes a bite!

 

[T00tsyd]

Hi This was my experience I don't know if you'll find it helpful. I had Syd when 14 weeks, I was his 2nd home since leaving his breeder. As he was my first bird after many years, initially like you, I thought he was settling in great. I discovered to my cost some weeks later and quite a few bites that I was acting too fast and too loud.

Now if he hesitates to step up or do anything I ask I wait for him and talk to him very quietly. He often takes his time because something is slightly different from what he's used to. I found if my 'look' changed, a new colour top for instance that would really worry him. So for a while I wore the same colour etc until he recognised my voice. Even now there are times when I can see that he is not sure, so I slow right down and give him time to weigh things up before making any moves.

It has worked so far and I think I have a happier more confident bird.