How Do I Stop Biting

[Crazy_Conure]

I recently got a 3 year old sun conure. I'm guessing his past owners didn't treat him as well as they should, but he bites really hard when I go to take him out of the cage. Once I get him out (with 5 layers of socks on each hand) he is really nice and rarely bites. Any tips to stop biting?

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

It sounds like he is 'defending' his territory, that being the cage. How are you trying to take him out?

If you are going in to grab him, it's not the best way and can in fact re-inforce his defenses.

The best thing to do is use your finger. Open the cage door and put your finger right on the outside of it and call him to come out. You can gradually put your finger in farther but don't make any 'sudden' moves (including taking your finger/hand away really fast). If he's about to bite, just retreat, slowly or stay still.

I've always let my birds come out on their own.

I'm at the point now, where I can take Skittles out by putting my finger in and he'll actually go to the perch nearest my finger and jump on. The only issue I've ever had with that is when he wants 'scratchies' first. They are easier to give when he's out of his cage but sometimes he doesn't want to wait. I've posted this video as an idea for how I do it now, when he DOESN'T come out on his own but I know he wants to come out.

I don't force him.


[ame="https://youtu.be/mlUYswrIWc8"]Skittles wants scratchies! - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Crazy_Conure]

hi skittys daddy. I usually try to take him out with my finger but he just starts cocking his head forwards and backwards and starts pecking and biting

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Have you tried coaxing him out with a treat? Opening the cage door and calling to him from the outside?

I do think that since he is new (to you), that there is an adjustment period. He may be still adjusting to the new environment. If he is fine when he is out of the cage with you, I wouldn't suspect previous owner abuse, but you never know.

I'd just keep trying and be patient. You have to work at his speed, not your own. Each individual bird is different, so there is no real timetable.

 

[Flboy]

Really, look into this, major breakthrough for us!
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57935-brainstorming-biting-parrots.html