Leo doesn't bite, doesn't quite beak either

[LeoTheGalah]

So I'm not sure what he is doing, he's going very well getting more vocal so he appears to be very comfortable here (never sung at the sellers house), however when I get him out he seems to enjoy nibbling? I guess I could put it? On my fingers.... I'll go to pet him, he'll give me a nibble on my finger then push his head into my hand for a scratch.

More mixed signals than I get from my girlfriend...

Is this friendly/natural, should I correct it/leave it? Could it be because he's only 3 months old?

Bonus question: best thing to use to cover the cage area near his food bowl....? He's an A grade food tosser.

Thanks!

 

[Scott]

Not sure the cause is related to young age or other? Is he completely weaned, wondering if this is a call for feeding??

 

[LeoTheGalah]

Not sure the cause is related to young age or other? Is he completely weaned, wondering if this is a call for feeding??

I always let him eat before I get him out and he usually does it straight away. Well I only got him a week ago so that might be why, but he has enormous amounts of trust in me. He already lets me pet is back feathers and underneath his wings.

It's kind of between nibbling and biting... Almost like he's using me as a chew toy of some sort :') Just not sure if I should be correcting it..?

Thanks

 

[Sunnyclover]

If I were you I'd stop petting his back and underneath his wings because those are parrots special erogenous zones. Head, feet and neck only!

 

[LeoTheGalah]

If I were you I'd stop petting his back and underneath his wings because those are parrots special erogenous zones. Head, feet and neck only!

Yeh I don't pet anywhere except his head and neck.

Just the fact that I can pet his back without me biting him is a big deal for trust in my books.

So yeh, neck and head only of course, just a trust check

 

[LordTriggs]

it could be a friendly behavior but he just isn't aware how strong he is. It sounds like it could be him giving you a little preen before asking for you to return the favor maybe?

If it's something you're not comfortable with you can tell him to be gentle and if he does it as hard quickly place him away from you for a moment then after a minute go back and try again, if he is still hard with his beak then repeat until he understands

 

[Carl_Power]

Mine nibbled like that too. I think they like the texture of skin. It isnt a sign of violence but just move your hand away and tell him no and he will learn not to nibble. I think its more playful than anything else so dont worry x

 

[Siobhan]

Rocky, who's full grown, sometimes nibbles on my fingers. It's kind of meant as preening/affection, but with such a young bird, you want to make sure he understands he has to be very gentle. Rocky knows this already, and will also stop if I tell him to. The thing about 'toos is, if they're started (or rather, if ROCKY is startled, I assume they all do this) by a sudden noise or something, if they have something in their beak, they bite down. It's reflex. He also squeezes harder with his feet at the same time. So I do NOT want my finger in his beak in case a noise on TV or the dog knocking something over should startle him. LOL

 

[plumsmum2005]

Your RB2 is being affectionate and asking you for head skritches by nibbling which can also be used to show enjoyment as in "that is so good". Sometimes the more enjoyment the more pressure and then you need to tell him 'gently'. He will also probably want to explore your hands/fingers being so young.

If he is chucking food then he is searching for something he likes. Do you prep a veggie chop? It could be you are giving his food in too big pieces so think about chop, loads of Vit A veg and also the way you prepare and serve. Everything here is finely chopped which also helps sneak in some things not liked so much. Don't forget about variety also, how would you like to eat the same thing day in? Put a small piece of broc or snap peas for him to explore/use as a foot toy.

RB2's in my experience have not much liking for fruit really.

Little story: Had my friends RB2 youngster the other week and he had enough of being given a foot rub so he picked my finger up tenderly by the loose skin and placed in away from his foot. Smart eh?

 

[LeoTheGalah]

Just mixed in some chopped carrot and broccoli into his seed... Tried the broccoli straight away, hasn't given the carrot a go yet haha

Seems to enjoy eating the top/flower of the broccoli