Discouraging Biting?

[pip_luv]

I have a baby pineapple green cheek that's turning 6 weeks on Sunday. He's likes biting everything now and has started biting me. I don't think he is doing it to be mean but just playing with his beak. How should I discourage biting? I have been flicking him on the head and yelling "NO" but it's not seeming to work. I'm new with this whole training baby birds so any tips would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Grinder]

I hope this is a sad joke or someone trolling...

But if it isn't either of those. I dont see why the breeder would give you a 6 week old bird especially if you dont know anything about training. You should never ever flick or do anything truly negative like this to your bird at any age. The best way to prevent biting is not to create a situation where the bite can occur in the first place such as putting your finger in front of his beak. Never react to a bite if possible. I simply say 'dont bite' and place my birds on their playstand and leave them alone for about 5 minutes.

 

[legal_eagle]

Don't put your fingers or hand in front of your bird or within biting distance for any reason, unless you are doing so for it to step up. When you want the bird to step up, move with confidence in gently pressing your finger on the lower part of its abdomen, which will reflexively force it to step up. If your bird bites you finger while sitting on it, return it to its cage for a brief period of time. Flicking it's head and yelling will only encourage further biting.

 

[Annageckos]

All birds are different, what works for one may not work for another. With my girl if she nips I say a loud 'AT!'. It breaks her attention every time. It is a habit I am in with the dogs. The first time I did it it was just a reaction, but it worked.

 

[MonicaMc]

I have a baby pineapple green cheek that's turning 6 weeks on Sunday. He's likes biting everything now and has started biting me. I don't think he is doing it to be mean but just playing with his beak. How should I discourage biting? I have been flicking him on the head and yelling "NO" but it's not seeming to work. I'm new with this whole training baby birds so any tips would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Stop trying to discourage her from exploring her world, and start encouraging her to chew on appropriate things!

She is not biting, she is exploring with her beak. Many small animals and humans, often explore their world with their mouths. You don't want to discourage her from this behavior because she might learn not to play with toys because all she's been taught is not to chew. So.......... Teach her to chew on appropriate things! If she's with you, make sure she has some foot toys, some pony beads, maybe some dry pasta, leather strips, cardboard, paper, yucca pieces, etc to chew on rather than on you!

 

[antoinette]

[FONT=&quot]
Your baby is young and experimenting.
You need to establish whether or not you are indeed being bitten, or just being beaked.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]All baby birds are going to explore and[/FONT][FONT=&quot] may start mouthing gently and then gradually increase the pressure[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. During this time they are learning how to use their beak and don’t realize the strength they possess. A baby bird does not know what pain its beak can cause. Don't let your baby nibble on your fingers, ears and toes this may encourage the bird and could continue throughout its life. If your baby does bite you, do not react by yelling. Be gently but firm saying no and blow lightly into their face. Offering a treat or a toy to your bird will automatically distract them. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Never hit a or flick at a bird.[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Birds are extremely fragile creatures and even the slightest force can cause severe injury or death. Physically abusing a bird can also lead to irreversible psychological problems, and can promote aggression and viciousness. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Parrots do hold grudges...for a long time. That is one of the big reasons never to hit one.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]When you express displeasure with your bird's behavior, make the lesson short and sweet. Prolonged negative attention can cause undue emotional stress for your pet. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Yelling at your parrot or banging on the birdcage door won’t calm your parrot down. It will only make him more agitated and could cause him to become fearful of you.[/FONT]