Did I handle this the way you would have?

QuackQuack · Apr 16, 2012

The nanday we have added needed a new cage badly. He was in an utterly inappropriate and rusted cage with many dangers. I put him in the new one with new toys and fresh bedding. He was very happy! I left his old for him to see, but he hasn't looked back. About an hour ago I went to try to get him out to adjust something but he tried to nip. He has a pretty wussy bite

p) So I just kept insisting at his chest saying 'step-up!' He gave me a few good nips/squawks in protest before he decided 'OKKKKKAYYY!' and he came out and behaved on my hand. I placed him back nicely after a minute since he didn't want to be out of the cage. He has since gone to bed in his new snuggle hut. I understand he has a lot going on right now, but I didn't want to set the stage for a bird who equates biting with HIS way. I handle things with Kitty the same way. If they bite when I'm trying to accomplish something with them, I tend to ignore the biting, and get what I want before I leave them alone. For Kitty, this has pretty much eliminated her biting - she now uses sound to communicate with me. Am I being too harsh? Keep in mind I am trying to be respectful and I don't bother them when they are eating, bathing, sleeping etc. I insist when I cannot see a good reason for them to protest.

QuackQuack · Apr 16, 2012

Seriously, no one has advice or a comment? I need feedback.

Wulfgeist · Apr 16, 2012

I went through a phase this winter with Tico being really nasty and wanting to bite. When that happens I put him in his cage and ignore him for a time out. After a couple times I think he figured that out and stopped the biting.

Also too make sure your bird wants to do things like come out of the cage. If they don't want to and there's no real reason they have to don't force the issue. Showing a little respect to the bird and letting them have choices in things like this goes a long way I think.

antoinette · Apr 16, 2012

The bird needs to get used to the new cage, give him a chance. Every thing is strange to him right now. Let him familiarize himself with all the toys etc.
Leave the door open, let him come out on his own, for the first few days.
When out the cage, let him step up, only then.
When he has settled down, offer him a treat to get him to come out.

antoinette · Apr 16, 2012

QuackQuack said:
Seriously, no one has advice or a comment? I need feedback.

I speak for myself and all members
Please be patient for replies.
Keep in mind many are in a different time zones.
Most are working as well, so when time allows, your posts will be replied to.

suebee · Apr 17, 2012

when you say bed, he may think nest, and there seems to be a few hormonal birdies about, mines just come outta her season

MaraWentz · Apr 17, 2012

I do the same thing. As you should give him time to adjust to his cage, I also agree with you. Once you request them to do something, you must follow through, even if they bite or scream. If you do not they will get the idea that "oh if i scream or bite, I don't have to listen". Give it a day or two to adjust and then try to take him out. You are very correct though. I do the same with my macaw and she is getting much less rebellious and so instead of it taking 10 minutes to get her out it takes 2 minutes.

Mayden · Apr 17, 2012

I think it's a good way, I wish I could push through with Merlins bites because he thinks he can sit on my shoulder/head/wherever and bite me if I try and move him and he doesn't want to. Makes me feel horrible (and I usually end up crying after I've caged him) because it hurts so much and I hate that he is able to walk over me - but it hurts!

I think you need to relax a little bit with letting him settle in his cage and whatnot, but you're actual techniques, then yeah, push through with the biting, he'll soon learn it doesn't phase you and that it gets no reaction and he has no control over you by biting, but like others have said (and you said too) respect boundries, don't make him step up when he's eating, etc.

Mozzie · Apr 17, 2012

It sounds to me like you are handling the situation good. He will learn that biting doesn't get him what he wants and yet you are respecting him as well.

QuackQuack · Apr 17, 2012

Thank you with all the feedback! I am going to give him lots of space today. Well, actually I think he probably needs it for a bit. The changing scenery has been hard, I'm sure.
He does the same thing merlin does! He just flies up to your shoulder! There is no stopping him or inviting him. That is just where he is instantly and then the struggle to get him off is on. I pulled a blanket around my shoulder so that his feet were under it and removed him that way, but I could see he was NOT pleased that I had done so LOL

Mayden · Apr 17, 2012

QuackQuack said:
Thank you with all the feedback! I am going to give him lots of space today. Well, actually I think he probably needs it for a bit. The changing scenery has been hard, I'm sure.
He does the same thing merlin does! He just flies up to your shoulder! There is no stopping him or inviting him. That is just where he is instantly and then the struggle to get him off is on. I pulled a blanket around my shoulder so that his feet were under it and removed him that way, but I could see he was NOT pleased that I had done so LOL

I usually wear some form of light cardigan type thing when Merlins out, so I can easily change jackets when I'm crapped on, and so I can just get out of my sleeves and put him somewhere when he's being a nippy pain in the butt and trying to bite me when on my shoulder.

Obviously doesn't work for the head though

QuackQuack · Apr 17, 2012

I'm wearing one of those super hideous commercial bird capes....its a sin against fashion but works well and has a pocket for treats and bells and chew toys on it LOL

Did I handle this the way you would have?

QuackQuack

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Tori no longer lets me pet him. :(

Teaching a bird not to "be so rough"

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