Chewing help

[Carpinslerk]

Quick question:

My conure is a little chainsaw with wings, he can destroy anything you put in front of him and anything you try to keep away, i'm wondering if there's a way to stop the destructive behaviour because I can just picture him tearing someones earring out or biting off a piece of something he shouldn't be swallowing, but when I give him something better to chew on as he's trying to tear out my nails or the scroll wheel on my mouse am I encouraging him with a reward? So what's the best way to stop chewing, or at least re-direct it?

Thanks,

Carp

 

[Pedro]

Maybe you have been encouraging him all along. You really have to set boundaries from the very first day you bring a bird home. They have to be taught what is & isn't acceptable. None of my parrots touch my jewellery, or chew anything i don't want them to. Get your little guy some foot toys. They love to chew on bottle brush branches, flowers, leaves & the little nuts as well.

 

[roxynoodle]

I guess I don't see redirecting as rewarding. It's teaching your bird what is acceptable to chew. They need to chew, so I think the best thing is to give them plenty of stuff you want them to chew on.

Pete wants remote controls. I saw another poster here bought some at the dollar store. I almost did, but then I realized, Pete has no way of knowing what is a disposable remote control and what isn't. So I think it best he don't get to chew on any of them. I can't expect him to know that one remote is for him, but the others are not.

 

[Kokihi]

My GCC LOVES chewing on the keys on my keyboard. Whenever he starts, I poke his beak slightly (which he knows meens he's not supposed to have that in his mouth) remove him from they keyboard. Usually I either put him on my shoulder, my lap, or his favorite place; the back of my chair and give him something he IS allowed to chew on. usually a little piece of wood, which seems to be his favorite thing. He'll still go for things that aren't his every once in a while, but he has never gone after ears, or jewlery. (except the cord of my necklace, but I don't mind him chewing that.)

 

[Mare Miller]

They just can't help themselves but they can learn no, that's not for you. Although they will, (mine does anyways), go after it when you're not looking. Amigo loves to chew up wooden clothes pins and the disposable chop sticks from the restaraunt. Messy, but gives him something else, less valuable, to chew on.

 

[roxynoodle]

They love new, clean popsickle sticks and you can buy huge packs for like $2 at Walmart. That's a great one for when they are out playing with you.

 

[Carpinslerk]

Ah that is a really good idea Roxy! He absolutely loves chewing wood to bits.. I'll be off to the store and get some now. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[RescueMe]

I guess I don't see redirecting as rewarding. It's teaching your bird what is acceptable to chew. They need to chew, so I think the best thing is to give them plenty of stuff you want them to chew on.

Pete wants remote controls. I saw another poster here bought some at the dollar store. I almost did, but then I realized, Pete has no way of knowing what is a disposable remote control and what isn't. So I think it best he don't get to chew on any of them. I can't expect him to know that one remote is for him, but the others are not.

I agree, a redirect is a way of saying, not this......this is good. It gives your little guy a chance to make decisions that are allowed and still fill his need to chew. If your chainsaw loves it, let it become a game for you to create great ways to encourage him to find satisfaction. He is also a great candidate for independent foraging.

 

[QuackQuack]

HAHA Sorry, I had to remark that the 'chainsaw with wings' was a very funny analogy!

 

[wolf0994]

I too found that analogy very humerous.