Mango drew blood today, mama's not happy

[Mango121913]

Today Mama, aka wife, was bitten by Mango whule trying to put him in his cage to take my son to the dentist. He wouldn't step up or anything for my son. Just kept lunging. So mama comes in to try to get him to step up with a treat and he wouldn't have it, latched hold of her index finger and wouldn't let go! So she resorted to picking him up with both hands around his body, gently of course to get him to his cage. He seems to behave poorly when i am not around. I was at work when this all happened. Tonight he is fine with everyone petting, holding, & getting himm to step up. Almost like he thinks he doesn't have to be nice when I am not around! Mama tries so hard with him too, it's not fair to her.
Any ideas?

 

[RavensGryf]

That naughty Mango! I hate those kind of bites when they hang on and don't let go. Sounds like he's definitely a daddy's boy! The boys here say good luck, but they agree that biting the humans is good to do sometimes lol

 

[RavensGryf]

How about checking out this thread if you haven't already. Although you say he's always fine when you're around? Maybe go in another room and have your wife and son and whoever else do this?

http://www.parrotforums.com/training/48648-socialization-game-pass-birdie.html

 

[Mango121913]

Thanks for the link, great idea. Son and I went on a cub scout camp this weekend and Dawn didn't have any issues with Mango!

 

[RavensGryf]

Great to hear. Good luck with that Craig! It's always nice to have a bird who can be handled by all family members.

 

[Mango121913]

Your name is Julie, right?
Thanks again for your link. Just seems like sometimes he gets in this mood with them sometimes. Even right after they were playing with him or giving him treats. So confusing.

 

[RavensGryf]

Yep I'm Julie :30:. The link was made by Mark (birdman666). If you haven't seen, he just made these stickies, one on biting, one on screaming. Hopefully you won't need that one lol.

 

[Blancaej]

My grey can get into a mood sometimes and when he does I use a perch to have him step up instead of my arm or hand. He can bite that all he wants. LOL! Get's him in his cage when he doesn't want to go, so it works!

 

[Kiwibird]

What a naughty bird! It happens though. One of the downsides to parrots over other pets- they do bite sometimes and it doesn't mean they hate you or are "vicious". I suggest stick training for when Mango wants to be difficult and for your wife to be clear on an ekkies body language (if she isn't already) so she can avoid bites in the future.

I also think your wife needs to be more confident and assertive/firm with Mango. They can tell when you're leery of them and take full advantage to misbehave. I don't think our pets necessarily recognize us as "people" either, as much as they see us as flock members. With that in mind, they settle in to their "place" in the flock structure. You may be the "leader", but your wife needs to be next in line of being "in charge" after you. Mango needs to know that too. Right now, my guess is, he thinks he's above your wife in the flock structure. That needs to change to keep peace!

 

[labell]

This is the exact scenario of why I always recommend stick training. When humans are in a hurry and/or bird is grouchy it is a sure fire way to get bit.

If they get on the stick is never presented as an option, when the stick is used they are trained to step up every time without delay.

Sorry your wife got bit I would have her as well as you begin stick training right away.