Straight for the Jugular

[Helitorian]

So I found out recently that Barker is a bit crazy. I know nothing about her previous life but that she was very spoiled so it's like starting out with a new bird for me. When I brought her home, I knew she bit and she's done it to me a few times but last night she got rather mean and I don't know what I did wrong.

I was sitting watching TV and she had crawled under my hoodie and was snoozing on my chest. Barker starts moving around and scoots up a bit. I thought she was just repositioning herself but then she starts tearing into my neck with her beak. I quickly got her out of my hoodie and put her on her cage before checking the mirror. I've got a couple nice bruises and red marks from her sharp beak.

Anyone have any idea why she'd just go crazy like this? I wasn't moving or touching her or nothing. It came out of the blue and now I'm leery to let her anywhere but my hand. Some advice would be great. Thanks

 

[Safira]

I wouldn't let her anywhere but your hand until she settles in more. It could be just her being new and testing her boundries or something might have scared her. You've only had her for a little while and it can take a long time for parrots to settle into their new homes and really trust their handler. If it were me, it'd be hand/arm or nothing for her.. Maybe if you want to cuddle, get a towel on your lap and do it that way.

 

[Spiritbird]

Could be she was napping and woke up not understanding where she was. Agree with others here. Make sure you have a strong bond with a bird before things get personal.

 

[ZoeS]

Does her previous owner show up in a mirror? Does he/she recoil at the smell or sight of garlic?

 

[BoomBoom]

LOL, Zoe.

Sorry to hear about the biting. Our Boomer can get carried away when playing and has nipped our fingers and ears hard. Someone in this forum recommended that each time they bite, do a stern (not loud) 'NO' while doing a light tap on the beak then do the number 1 sign with your finger. Tried it on Boomer and we saw an improvement on the same day. He bites less now but can still forget. Just remember not to scare him or tap too hard.

I don't know if this method is recommended but it's worked so far where just ignoring the bites actually made it worse. Of course the advice on waiting to gain your bird's trust before getting too personal is sound and should be followed first.

 

[Customcasket]

LOL Zoe! That gave me a good laugh.

I agree with the NO! And beak tapping. It worked with my Dusky who seemed to not understand her own beak strength. I didn't have any problems with Carlisle and biting. He only bites people he doesn't know. Once he gets to know them (from his cage) he won't bite anymore.

 

[Helitorian]

Thanks for the help! I spent the past couple days working with her and I've noticed an improvement. I don't know what's happened between the two of us but suddenly she's far more receptive to me picking her up, biting less, and actually wing begging when she sees me. I think she knows her place in the flock now and is settling in very well.

Her and Con sure enjoy watching each other and its cute watching Con try and preen her through the glass. I can't wait to introduce them. Barker is use to having two other birds around and Con has always been nice to others so I'm curious to see how things go.

 

[MikeyTN]

Im glad to hear everything is improving!!! Birds can do that out of nowhere. You might of disturbed him while he's asleep and that's how he's paying you back. I've had babies I've raised done that to me. You just have to let them know their place like what you have done.

 

[BoomBoom]

Great to hear, Heli. May I ask what brought upon the improvement?