nippy babies?

[Skye]

Hey everyone! So Lola chews on EVERYTHING. And I mean everything: my clothes, my hair, and anything else she manages to get her claws on haha. This wouldn't be a problem but sometimes when she is sitting on my shoulder and is chewing on my clothes she accidentally pinches my skin. Is this chewing infatuation a baby behavioral trait? Or is this common even once they git sexual maturity? I keep her mind busy with foraging toys and whatnot. But how can I train her to understand the difference between a chew toy and me!? haha thanks!

 

[MikeyTN]

This is how they try things out, how they play, how they observe the world is by their beak. You can teach them not to chew on your clothes so you won't get nipped in the process. Perhaps try some target training? Discourage Lola from chewing on your clothes while on you and encourage them with a treat or a toy.

 

[Lisamarie]

My zippy like that he be playing with strap on top or my necklace and catch my skin u can train them not to or distract them from doing it there some canny videos on u tube on how to train them not to do certain things

 

[MonicaMc]

You basically have a feathered puppy.... lol


Although it is a behavior that they can "grow out of", you don't want to discourage the behavior itself, but rather redirect it with appropriate behavior (chewing on the right things!) - as mentioned by Mikey.


Teaching a bird not to chew on things could inadvertently teach them not to play with toys, which could lead to a bored bird.

 

[Skye]

Thanks guys!! I will try to do what I can to redirect the behavior Thank goodness for this forum lol.

 

[Skye]

Just an update... I found the PERFECT toy yesterday that has so far eliminated this problem. When I went to the local bird shelter they had a necklace made of plastic links with mini chewing and foraging toys on it. Lola no longer has interest in my shirt and instead is entertained by the multiple different toys from the necklace. Best toy invention ever!!

 

[MikeyTN]

That's great news! My birds loves to chew on my jewelry so I have to get the heavy duty jewelry cause Dixie chewed through my 24k necklace my mom had it made for me. She did it so quick I didn't even know she did it until it fell. My mom would kill me if she ever finds out.....lol

 

[GW.Joe]

Dixie chewed through my 24k necklace my mom had it made for me. She did it so quick I didn't even know she did it until it fell. My mom would kill me if she ever finds out.....lol

I caught our Plett chewing through my daughter's 18K Pisces chain that was mine when I was 18 (VERY LONG AGO )

She didn't even notice, The charm is fine, necklace wounded

Gotta watch them when they are on your shoulder !!

BTW Mikey... I'm Tellin Mom !!!

Hope Everyone is having a GREAT Weekend !!

Joe