Help!

[Jameson_GCC]

I just got my new Green Cheek Conure 4 days ago. He has been eating and everything he seems fine and he even lets me pet him. Sometimes when I let him out though, he climbs on my shorts to my shirt and then on my shoulder. Then he started to nibble on my ear. Then he bit it HARD. This has happened at least 5 times.. But just about an hour ago he did it the hardest when I was on the couch and he was sleeping and I was petting him. Then, he woke up climbed to my shoulder and I didn't mind but then he bit me the hardest he's bit me yet. It almost broke my skin and left a big red mark. He is 3 months. How can I discourage this? He also makes holes in my shirts. Help please!

 

[MikeyTN]

Babies tend to test their limits, you need to discourage it every time he even tries to nibble on your ear or your clothing. Give him something else to chew on and destroy while he's on you. Or don't allow him on your shoulders right now until he matures a bit. The babies I've raise tend to go after my ears too and I kept making them stop and eventually they do stop after I stop them several times and they learn not to do it anymore.

 

[Jameson_GCC]

Thank you so much! I think I will hold off until he matures. Thanks alot!!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

What do you do when he bites your ear? If you put him back in his cage you have taught him to bite your ear when he wants to go back, they are very smart so be careful how you react. Try not keeping him out as long during one sitting, maybe he needs a break.

Rosie used to bite my ears a lot too, when she bit me I would immediately pick her up and put her on the floor for a moment, it took me months to realize she was biting my ear when she has to go potty. It's the little details that often go overlooked with birds that really matters.

It's recommended not place parrots on your shoulder, they have powerfull beaks and many people have received unwanted piercings.

 

[kq_fan]

Lilo is a bitter, she usually brakes skin well maybe not usually but most of the time. I got her from the animal shelter but I've read hat GCC are bitey birds.

 

[Peanutsmum]

Peanut did this for about 6 weeks when I first got him and he was same age. Don't worry too much, he really did mellow out from the constant biting phase at about 5 months old. He does still bite now but I know the signs and avoid it when possible. He doesnt bite my ears at all now and he's very cuddly

 

[LoryLover]

When my bird was 2 to 3 months old, she started biting. I taught her not to bite by pulling her away from me, making eye contact with her and saying in a firm voice "no biting".

I didn't put her in her cage for punishment. I had a parrot once who viewed his cage as punishment, and that produced all sorts of sceaming from him when he was in his cage, which I never want to go through again.

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

What about your ear makes him bite at it, in your opinion?
Any jewelry there?
Hair covering it?
Curiosity?
Trying to get your attention?
Hungry?
Maybe a rubbery toy would be good. I don't know if he's too young, but there are these flexible rubber balls on chains sold for birds (also in cat and dog depts.). they are hollow and have lots of openings which would allow his beak to get a good chew on it. Some people use them for foraging by stuffing little treats or toys inside, for when that time comes later.

 

[Abigal7]

MikeyTN and Copperarabian has given you good advice to follow on this situation. Stop your bird when you see it start to do this and give it a distraction. When it bites to hard set it on the floor. The bird is young and is still learning the ropes. In time it will learn not to bite hard. Paulie would bite down hard at first when he was a baby. A bird uses its beak to explore and uses it to help climb

 

[Betrisher]

Birds are really clever and they don't take long to learn lessons. Take heart! If you remove your bird from your shoulder each and every time he bites (not for punishment, but for distraction), he will eventually learn not to.

My Alexandrines have massive bills and can remove hunx of flesh (ask me how I know!), so they had to learn early not to nom on my ears. Mostly, I would just turn my head away and go 'Ah-ah-ah! Don't bite Mummy!' This worked to stop them from squashing my earrings as well (only four pairs later).

It's interesting to note the Beaks will still bite my kids' ears. They have been told to calmly remove the bird and do as I do, but they're not as patient as me and usually squawk and make a fuss (that's the kids, not the birds). I think this has rewarded the birds in some way and so they persist where they can get away with it. The main thing is, you have to take some action *each and every time* the bird bites. It's a clear message and he'll learn quicker than you think.

On another note, my vampiristic Galah, Dominic, just adores sitting on my husband's shoulder and lovingly pulling the hairs off his ears. Since these hairs have always embarrassed poor hubby, he has formed a symbiotic relationship with Dom wherein he gets to stroke the bird's soft feathers and enjoy the bonding while Dom uproots the ear-hairs. Weird! Dominic sat on my arm for ten minutes last night and as a parting shot lifted about a pea-sized chunk out of my flesh. It's the second-worst bite I've ever had! I don't discipline Dom because he has a damaged personality (through no fault of his own) and is a senior cit. His happy relationship with the men in the family is enough for now. I continue to work with him and am willing to get munched from time to time. Sigh. Just call me 'Pellet'...

 

[Calace]

All sounds like great advice! Good luck with teaching him!