New GCC baby nippy- advice :)?

[GCCowner2013]

Hi,


We just received our new Green Cheek Conure baby today. He is a very sweet and a mega intelligent little guy.


Our breeder told us that most are a little nippy when babies. I understand they test with their beaks things and or nip when tired/ hungry.


Just a few quick Qs though:

1) What technique did you use to train your GCC to not bite? He LOVES to be out of his cage so we are using the approach: If he bites, time out in cage for 1 minute. If when he's out, he doesn't bite our hands he gets praise and a seed.

Is this a good approach?

When we put him back we can see he doesn't want to be in the cage, so I don't think it is reinforcing his behavior to bite (i.e he is not getting what he wants. He wants to be out!).


2) How long does this phase usually last?

3) Can I wear a leather glove during this phase? it hurts! lol


Thanks so much!

 

[MonicaMc]

If a bird is biting, then the bird is trying to tell you something. It is up to you to stop and rethink the situation. What is causing the bird to bite? *WHY* is the bird biting? And is there anything you can do differently in the future to not get bitten?

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Birds can bite/nip throughout their entire lifespan... to whatever sets them off. This could be for another 20+ years for you.

Don't use gloves. It may make the situation worse, or maybe the bird will learn not to bite gloves, however will not understand not to bite bare skin.

 

[Peanutsmum]

Peanut was and still is nippy! Its a GCC thing, they are just nippy birds in general. Well done with the cage/time out, I do the same with Pea. When he first came home he was very nippy, being a baby that's very normal, but he rarely gets aggressive. When he does really bite then he gets shut in his cage for 30 mins to cool off then he's normally good as gold. I have a small pet carrier that he has time outs in for 5 mins if he's just very nippy and normally works.

Like Monica said gloves will make the problem worse! I know from experience how painful the bites and nips are, I had tiny bite holes over my hands and ears for a few months but stick it out trust me its worth it!

 

[IloveConures]

My GCC is usually only nippy when he wants food. The timeout approach is smart

 

[legal_eagle]

Pay close attention to what you may be doing that is unwittingly provoking the biting. My GCC rarely bites and even then it's only a nip, but I was teasing her while she sat on my shoulder this morning and she bit my nose ... lesson learned on my part! Keeping them feeling calm and secure is the key to avoiding biting ... try just hanging out with the bird ... letting him or her explore or just relax on your shoulder. Often hands and fingers poking and touching them when they aren't expecting it or interested will provoke a bite.