My fingers are not chew toys

[Kaybrauer]

So my 4 month olg Cag seems to think that my fingers are chew toys. When ever i am walking around with her on my hand she likes to nibble me. And i notice that when she is either excited or getting nervous she nibbles down on my fingers a little harder. How do i get her to stop? Its getting annoying and i dont want her to think its ok. I dont want it to be a problem when she gets older. I give her a firm "NO" whenever she nibbles my fingers too hard. and sometimes i will push her beak off and tell her "NO", and there are times where she will go back at my hand that pushed her off like she is getting mad. She doesnt hurt me tho nut i dont want it to getto that point either. I really dont need another cranky biting Grey. I had to give away my first one after having him for 5 years due to servere aggresion issues. Any help would be appreciated. Thanx.

 

[nofearengineer]

Kay,

My Gandalf also got a little "bitey" when he was very young. I didn't attribute it to aggression, as it just seemed like he was trying to get a rise out of me, or checking to see if he was the boss of the flock yet. Even so, once in a while (seemed like every six months), he would get a little irritable, and I might get a nip out of him if I wasn't paying close enough attention to his body language. Otherwise, he was a very sweet bird who loved physical affection, head scratches and play biting.

When he was younger, and he got careless with his beak, I would simply put my index finger under his beak, and my thumb on top, and gently hold it shut, while saying "no bite." I was inexperienced at the time, but it seemed pretty straightforward, and it worked. He would have to back up to "escape" his trap. I think this backward motion acts as somewhat of a psychological submission, and it really worked. I also tried to remember he was still just a young, rambunctious goofball. No grudges.

Luckily, I never had to trim Gandalf's beak or even nails for that matter. He was self-trimmer, much to my relief. I can see how using this technique as a "punishment" could possibly make beak trimming seem like a punishment as well for some birds. I'd like others' thoughts for future reference.

 

[Ratzy]

My budggies do that. It is like exploring with their beaks.

 

[Edwinsmommy]

Edwin did that in the beginning, and every now and then still. Before I put him in time out, and as he got older I simply put my finger lightly on his beak (dont grab it or hold it) and tell him no bite. He understands and tries to redeem himself. I think positive re-enforcement for good behavior works better than treats so, we praise him alot when he is good.