4 year old male yellow nape raider.

Cas27

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Hi guys,
Well last time I posted about raider being a mean bird you guys kinda ripped me a new one. I’ve been reading the post at the top of the page. Well here goes I bought raider off a bird store that bought raider off somebody who turned him in. I’ve had a BF&yellow Amazon with my grandfather when I was young so I know they can be stubborn and bite hard but also very good loyal friends. Raider started out great with us my two sons and wife.
Around a month ago he started biting hard as poop you know what I mean what the heck can I do too get him too stop biting and me too trust him ?
 

itzjbean

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Nice to see you again.

It sounds like you did not read our advice. If you're still getting bitten, then you must not have either understood our advice, didn't put it into play or just didn't read it altogether.

What is your Amazon doing before these bites? Are you approaching him wrong? Asking him to step up and he doesn't want to? Trying to place him somewhere he does not want to be? Have you considered the possibility that you are forcing him to do things he does not want to do? They can be feisty...

Sometimes parrots will also try to test their boundaries, and that means they'll try to see what they can get away with. Maybe your Amazon has seen he can walk all over you and your son and wife and seen that when he bites, he gets what he wants.

Again, it sounds like his body language is not being listened to. So....LISTEN! Is he fanning his tail? Beak open? Lunging? Wings spread? Aggressive posture? Possessive of his cage or food or toys? It really does depend on what he is doing before the bite.

Always remember.... biting is never the fault of the bird, always the human! You are missing something with your amazon that needs to be worked on and addressed. Please try to listen to what your Amazon is trying to tell you before these bites.
 

SailBoat

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So well stated above!

Human's 'want' and 'expect.' We also insert timelines and when the Amazon doesn't understand, it the Amazon's fault.

As stated above,, but more boldly:
-It is NEVER the Fault of the Amazon!
-It is ALWAYS the Fault of the Human!
When we change our Vantage Point to see it from this (their) point, we can quickly see what we are doing wrong and correct it.

Also, the Amazon has no reason to trust Humans! Think of its history, how well would your children fair if force into a like world.

I had recently finished a mentoring with a family of an older YNA. Was hearing much the same story. Go to the I Love Amazon's - ... Thread, which is the second sticky Thread at the Top of the Amazon Forum. Read the First Segment, which is Titled: I Love Amazons. This may give you some idea of what we are talking about.

Amazons are social Parrots. They live five to seven years in their family group, Parents, new born, first year brothers /sisters, second year, third year, four year, etc... They want to be part of the family!

You just need to open the door using their Language.

Work at it, I assure you that it is worth it!
 
OP
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Cas27

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Nice to see you again.

It sounds like you did not read our advice. If you're still getting bitten, then you must not have either understood our advice, didn't put it into play or just didn't read it altogether.

What is your Amazon doing before these bites? Are you approaching him wrong? Asking him to step up and he doesn't want to? Trying to place him somewhere he does not want to be? Have you considered the possibility that you are forcing him to do things he does not want to do? They can be feisty...

Sometimes parrots will also try to test their boundaries, and that means they'll try to see what they can get away with. Maybe your Amazon has seen he can walk all over you and your son and wife and seen that when he bites, he gets what he wants.

Again, it sounds like his body language is not being listened to. So....LISTEN! Is he fanning his tail? Beak open? Lunging? Wings spread? Aggressive posture? Possessive of his cage or food or toys? It really does depend on what he is doing before the bite.

Always remember.... biting is never the fault of the bird, always the human! You are missing something with your amazon that needs to be worked on and addressed. Please try to listen to what your Amazon is trying to tell you before these bites.
Im reading my but off,I did take everyone’s advice. Raider comes out of his cage holds his leg up too come off the cage before he bites he shows no signs of biting he just does it.
 
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Cas27

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So well stated above!

Human's 'want' and 'expect.' We also insert timelines and when the Amazon doesn't understand, it the Amazon's fault.

As stated above,, but more boldly:
-It is NEVER the Fault of the Amazon!
-It is ALWAYS the Fault of the Human!
When we change our Vantage Point to see it from this (their) point, we can quickly see what we are doing wrong and correct it.

Also, the Amazon has no reason to trust Humans! Think of its history, how well would your children fair if force into a like world.

I had recently finished a mentoring with a family of an older YNA. Was hearing much the same story. Go to the I Love Amazon's - ... Thread, which is the second sticky Thread at the Top of the Amazon Forum. Read the First Segment, which is Titled: I Love Amazons. This may give you some idea of what we are talking about.

Amazons are social Parrots. They live five to seven years in their family group, Parents, new born, first year brothers /sisters, second year, third year, four year, etc... They want to be part of the family!

You just need to open the door using their Language.

Work at it, I assure you that it is worth it!
I understand where your coming from really. The way you speak too me is a tad out of line I take good care of my birds and spend time to train them. I tell you I rescued this guy from the crazy bird store.
Do you think I’m not going too read what y’all been teaching me.
 

SailBoat

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Sorry, that I am late getting back to you!

Lets start this off again, in a slightly different direction.

The reasoning around the 'to the point' statements is that, most people do not and some how believe that there is an 'on /off' switch or a reset button. In addition, the majority of Parrot owners 'believe' that Parrots are like dogs and cats. Clearly you have come to the understanding that they are not.

The reality of Parrots is that they have no reason to trust us and do not speak or understand our language nor our Body language.

So, where would you like to Start?
 
OP
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Cas27

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Sorry, that I am late getting back to you!

Lets start this off again, in a slightly different direction.

The reasoning around the 'to the point' statements is that, most people do not and some how believe that there is an 'on /off' switch or a reset button. In addition, the majority of Parrot owners 'believe' that Parrots are like dogs and cats. Clearly you have come to the understanding that they are not.

The reality of Parrots is that they have no reason to trust us and do not speak or understand our language nor our Body language.

So, where would you like to Start?
Well that’s why I joined this forum too get quality information I don’t want to be snarled at over post that I’m looking for help not many people are going too take on a 4 year old Amazon and take care of him like I do. I know your going to say I should have done my homework first. I didn’t !
 

Loz

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I think that the advice you have been given already is gold. Personally, I am confused by your responses. Those threads you have been directed to are excellent and have helped me considerably, to understand my parrot and with developing our relationship.
I'm guessing something changed a month ago, to warrant your parrots biting? They seem content, up to a point.
 

texsize

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At 4 years old he may be entering puberty.
If that's the case the mood swings of an Amazon can be instant and without warning.
Plus your bird has had bad experiences in the past

My only advice is to go slow .
 

SailBoat

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Sorry, that I am late getting back to you!

Lets start this off again, in a slightly different direction.

The reasoning around the 'to the point' statements is that, most people do not and some how believe that there is an 'on /off' switch or a reset button. In addition, the majority of Parrot owners 'believe' that Parrots are like dogs and cats. Clearly you have come to the understanding that they are not.

The reality of Parrots is that they have no reason to trust us and do not speak or understand our language nor our Body language.

So, where would you like to Start?
Well that’s why I joined this forum too get quality information I don’t want to be snarled at over post that I’m looking for help not many people are going too take on a 4 year old Amazon and take care of him like I do. I know your going to say I should have done my homework first. I didn’t !

Okay. That is your starting point.

Mine is: I start with older Amazons that have very likely been serious abused, many have injuries caused by that abuse and all left to die. None of them, had any reason to trust any Human. And as stated, the first six months is 100% around saving their life. For them it is not enjoyable. So, added to their already sucky opinion of Humans, this Human appears no difference. From that very deep and dark hole is my starting point. Even with intense efforts, they die far to soon, resulting from years of abuse, poor diet, and locked away in someone basement. But when they pass, they know deeply that they are Loved.

My very first Amazon truly defined the above. Long Story Short: Forty some years ago, there was not an internet, working with Parrot books - what was that. My first six months was working to get a step-up! There was not a single place, on either hand that was not seriously bitten multiple times. I was asked by many why not just 'dump the bird.' The why is simple: I made that Amazon a promise to keep her forever.

So, since you have likely make that same promise. Where do you want to start?
 
Last edited:
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Cas27

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I think that the advice you have been given already is gold. Personally, I am confused by your responses. Those threads you have been directed to are excellent and have helped me considerably, to understand my parrot and with developing our relationship.
I'm guessing something changed a month ago, to warrant your parrots biting? They seem content, up to a point.
I just feel like I’m getting pounced on for stuff I post so I hope you understand that I also want too ask questions and not get ripped for it.
 
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Cas27

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Sorry, that I am late getting back to you!

Lets start this off again, in a slightly different direction.

The reasoning around the 'to the point' statements is that, most people do not and some how believe that there is an 'on /off' switch or a reset button. In addition, the majority of Parrot owners 'believe' that Parrots are like dogs and cats. Clearly you have come to the understanding that they are not.

The reality of Parrots is that they have no reason to trust us and do not speak or understand our language nor our Body language.

So, where would you like to Start?
Well that’s why I joined this forum too get quality information I don’t want to be snarled at over post that I’m looking for help not many people are going too take on a 4 year old Amazon and take care of him like I do. I know your going to say I should have done my homework first. I didn’t !

Okay. That is your starting point.

Mine is: I start with older Amazons that have very likely been serious abused, many have injuries caused by that abuse and all left to die. None of them, had any reason to trust any Human. And as stated, the first six months is 100% around saving their life. For them it is not enjoyable. So, added to their already sucky opinion of Humans, this Human appears no difference. From that very deep and dark hole is my starting point. Even with intense efforts, they die far to soon, resulting from years of abuse, poor diet, and locked away in someone basement. But when they pass, they know deeply that they are Loved.

My very first Amazon truly defined the above. Long Story Short: Forty some years ago, there was not an internet, working with Parrot books - what was that. My first six months was working to get a step-up! There was not a single place, on either hand that was not seriously bitten multiple times. I was asked by many why not just 'dump the bird.' The why is simple: I made that Amazon a promise to keep her forever.

So, since you have likely make that same promise. Where do you want to start?
Well he steps up great after the last biting episode I had to use a towel too get him off my friend after he bit my son and me. He now is afraid of me he will know problem come too me in the cage step up but if I leave his door open too his cage he now only comes out when I leave the room when I come in the room he runs back in the cage. I want his trust.
 

SailBoat

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Does he have a favorite nut or like treat? Break it into small pieces and offer it to him. If he will have nothing to do with you. With him in the cage place a small piece on or near the cage door.

We placed an attachable 2" diameter short perch on the cage door at about center top to bottom. Adjust location and length so that you can close the door with the perch ending up inside.

State of Mind: Only Good Things Happen When Human's Are Around!

Yup, you are starting from step-one. And yes, Amazons will allow you to start-over.

So, you read the first Segment in the I Love Amazon - ... What take-away did it provide you. One will be fine! Its not a test, only an understanding of what catches your attention and what doesn't.
 
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Cas27

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I think that the advice you have been given already is gold. Personally, I am confused by your responses. Those threads you have been directed to are excellent and have helped me considerably, to understand my parrot and with developing our relationship.
I'm guessing something changed a month ago, to warrant your parrots biting? They seem content, up to a point.
Hi,
Texsize....gave me the straight up answer....he’s probably in puberty and won’t show any signs of bitting if he’s going too bite thats what’s happening he just attacks.
 
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Cas27

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Does he have a favorite nut or like treat? Break it into small pieces and offer it to him. If he will have nothing to do with you. With him in the cage place a small piece on or near the cage door.

We placed an attachable 2" diameter short perch on the cage door at about center top to bottom. Adjust location and length so that you can close the door with the perch ending up inside.

State of Mind: Only Good Things Happen When Human's Are Around!

Yup, you are starting from step-one. And yes, Amazons will allow you to start-over.

So, you read the first Segment in the I Love Amazon - ... What take-away did it provide you. One will be fine! Its not a test, only an understanding of what catches your attention and what doesn't.
Hi bud,
Already just in the time I’m posting he decided too come out of his cage on his own and sit on the door food definitely helps he loves pistatios and anything else I give him.
I have him in a huge macaw cage so it’s easy for me too go in and clean get him too step up I just have too take my time with him it sounds like.
 

itzjbean

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Does he have a favorite nut or like treat? Break it into small pieces and offer it to him. If he will have nothing to do with you. With him in the cage place a small piece on or near the cage door.

We placed an attachable 2" diameter short perch on the cage door at about center top to bottom. Adjust location and length so that you can close the door with the perch ending up inside.

State of Mind: Only Good Things Happen When Human's Are Around!

Yup, you are starting from step-one. And yes, Amazons will allow you to start-over.

So, you read the first Segment in the I Love Amazon - ... What take-away did it provide you. One will be fine! Its not a test, only an understanding of what catches your attention and what doesn't.
Hi bud,
Already just in the time I’m posting he decided too come out of his cage on his own and sit on the door food definitely helps he loves pistatios and anything else I give him.
I have him in a huge macaw cage so it’s easy for me too go in and clean get him too step up I just have too take my time with him it sounds like.


I think you nailed it right on the head. He probably goes back inside his cage because he thinks you'll come up and try to pick him up. Why not take a small break from having him step up onto you or your son or your friend and just let him sit and chill on his cage. Continue to offer him treats -- you don't even have to have him on you to work on your trust.

Know that you can't force him to trust you. So don't force this relationship. If he gets moody and bitey, place him back onto his cage and walk away. Don't ask him to step up or you'll continue to put yourself in a situation to get bit. For now, just concentrate on building that bond with a distance both of you can be comfortable with.
 

texsize

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My bird Pacho was a loving and friendly parrot for 27 years.
I got her as a rescue in that a pet shop was selling her for someone who no longer wanted her.

She had the trait that she would turn and bite with no warning. No tail fanning or eye pinning.

I eventually learned her signals that she was about to bite.
For her she would kind of freeze and then "tense up" like a coiled spring.
Once I learned what to watch for I was able to avoid most bites.

Remember you have a bird with a lifespan of 60 years or more.
You have time on your side.

Most of the advice above is good advice.
People here on the forum ARE friendly and only have the best interest of the bird in mind.
They want to see you succeed in your efforts.

Things written in text have no tone of voice and can be read as harsh when they aren't ment to be.

Texsize
 
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Cas27

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Nice to see you again.

It sounds like you did not read our advice. If you're still getting bitten, then you must not have either understood our advice, didn't put it into play or just didn't read it altogether.

What is your Amazon doing before these bites? Are you approaching him wrong? Asking him to step up and he doesn't want to? Trying to place him somewhere he does not want to be? Have you considered the possibility that you are forcing him to do things he does not want to do? They can be feisty...

Sometimes parrots will also try to test their boundaries, and that means they'll try to see what they can get away with. Maybe your Amazon has seen he can walk all over you and your son and wife and seen that when he bites, he gets what he wants.

Again, it sounds like his body language is not being listened to. So....LISTEN! Is he fanning his tail? Beak open? Lunging? Wings spread? Aggressive posture? Possessive of his cage or food or toys? It really does depend on what he is doing before the bite.

Always remember.... biting is never the fault of the bird, always the human! You are missing something with your amazon that needs to be worked on and addressed. Please try to listen to what your Amazon is trying to tell you before these bites.
Hi Itzjbean,
Don’t assume that someone’s not taking advice because it’s not working why would I not read the sticky’s ? Someone posted he could be starting or at the beginning of puberty and would show no signs before attacking this is what he’s doing so before you say I’m not listening y’all listen too me what I’m saying I’m 46 years old retired law enforcement I have know reason too lie. Thanks for the advice.
 

GaleriaGila

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Well, I'll put my two cents in...

It's less advice and more STORY.


The Rb was an angel until he becam a rooster at about age 4. And then, he became a raging, demanding little stinker. He's a fun mimic and an entertaining character, but
I have reduced biting to almost zero over the decades... not because I've changed the bird, but I have changed me. And a lot of that has involved giving up on a lot of my desires/expectations. After years of battle, I surrendered. I don't do stuff that gets me bitten. I don't scratch his head much, ever... tail is okay. I NEVER do stuff that makes him mad... I don't touch others when he's out; I rarely try to get him to step up onto my hand first. Hand-held perch first, then hand. In some ways, I swallow my disappointment at having such a little monster for a pet, but he is what he is. I ALWAYS wear my hair down when he's on my shoulder, so all he can bite is hair. Really, I don't involve hands much... he doesn't like them. He seems to think the real ME is my head, perched on a weird moveable tree with questionable appendages.
Since he's fully flighted, the ONLY way I get him into the cage is to toss a chile pepper in and he flaps in after it. So food reward is a necessity for me. Time-out doesn't exist in the Rb's kingdom.
But please... listen to and try all the good advice you'll get here. Don't surrender until you know you've done your best. Then just accept and love whatever/whoever your bird turns out to be.
My darling is kind of a worse-case scenario, but we have it all worked out between the two of us.
Very, very best of luck to you.
Good for you for reaching out!
Oh, and... every now and then, he breaks up with me. Gets mad for no apparent reason and won't come to me, won't call my name, won't even look at me. It can last days or weeks. Then he gets over it and takes me back. Little monster.
But he's a beautiful, wonderful half-wild, amazing parrot, alive and living in my home. Sometimes that just has to be miracle enough. He'll be with me as long as I am alive. I hope you can find a way to offer your little wild-thing the same.

I *DO* respect and appreciate that you do seem to love your bird, and you do keep coming back.

P.S.
I have a law enforcement background, too! Thank you for your service.
 
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Cas27

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Well, I'll put my two cents in...

It's less advice and more STORY.


The Rb was an angel until he becam a rooster at about age 4. And then, he became a raging, demanding little stinker. He's a fun mimic and an entertaining character, but
I have reduced biting to almost zero over the decades... not because I've changed the bird, but I have changed me. And a lot of that has involved giving up on a lot of my desires/expectations. After years of battle, I surrendered. I don't do stuff that gets me bitten. I don't scratch his head much, ever... tail is okay. I NEVER do stuff that makes him mad... I don't touch others when he's out; I rarely try to get him to step up onto my hand first. Hand-held perch first, then hand. In some ways, I swallow my disappointment at having such a little monster for a pet, but he is what he is. I ALWAYS wear my hair down when he's on my shoulder, so all he can bite is hair. Really, I don't involve hands much... he doesn't like them. He seems to think the real ME is my head, perched on a weird moveable tree with questionable appendages.
Since he's fully flighted, the ONLY way I get him into the cage is to toss a chile pepper in and he flaps in after it. So food reward is a necessity for me. Time-out doesn't exist in the Rb's kingdom.
But please... listen to and try all the good advice you'll get here. Don't surrender until you know you've done your best. Then just accept and love whatever/whoever your bird turns out to be.
My darling is kind of a worse-case scenario, but we have it all worked out between the two of us.
Very, very best of luck to you.
Good for you for reaching out!
Oh, and... every now and then, he breaks up with me. Gets mad for no apparent reason and won't come to me, won't call my name, won't even look at me. It can last days or weeks. Then he gets over it and takes me back. Little monster.
But he's a beautiful, wonderful half-wild, amazing parrot, alive and living in my home. Sometimes that just has to be miracle enough. He'll be with me as long as I am alive. I hope you can find a way to offer your little wild-thing the same.

I *DO* respect and appreciate that you do seem to love your bird, and you do keep coming back.

P.S.
I have a law enforcement background, too! Thank you for your service.
Hi,
I’m not as bad as your situation my raider really steps up no problem without force he just bites out of the blue. I’m not used too having a parrot like that all my other parrots love me and the family I think he will come around in time.
 

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