Biting after stepping up?

Oli

Supporting Member
Jan 22, 2017
113
82
California
Parrots
GCC, Juliet āœ (2015-2023)
Hello all! I havenā€™t been active on the forums in quite some time, as Iā€™ve been diagnosed with several chronic illnesses that now keep me bed bound. Thatā€™s all Iā€™d like to say on the matter and please donā€™t ask me any further questions, Iā€™m sorry!

My sweet Juliet (3.5 yr old Pineapple Green Cheek) is still my very best friend. Sheā€™s nibbly but Iā€™ve never minded. My live in fiancĆ©/caretaker met her probably about a year and a half ago, and their relationship has improved immensely over time. She likes to hop forward to jump onto our fingers because she gets very excited to be handled at times. When she doesnā€™t respond to putting our fingers up, backs away, or puts her head down, we leave her alone and donā€™t attempt to pick her up. We know most of the typical things you are supposed to do to assert and respect boundaries with a parrot.

My question is, lately Juliet will excitedly hop onto my FiancĆ©ā€™s finger, THEN bite down very hard. She does not do this to me, and she wonā€™t normally step up for anyone besides us so Iā€™m not sure if she would do it to anyone else.

Normally he will quietly put her down onto or inside her cage or play stand after this and ignore her. Why is she doing this rather than just biting straight away or avoiding being picked up (as we never force her to step up unless she is in a dangerous spot)? What can we do to try and curb this very specific behavior? We do reward her with treats when she DOESNT behave this way, but that doesnā€™t seem to work either.

Thank you for your help, and Iā€™m sorry for my absence and only returning to ask of your help. I know thatā€™s not polite.

Oli
 
OP
Oli

Oli

Supporting Member
Jan 22, 2017
113
82
California
Parrots
GCC, Juliet āœ (2015-2023)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #2
For the record, I am aware that the answer could be that she just does not like him, or that they are not in tune with eachothers body language, and that the answer could be for him to only pick her up with a step perch. Aside from this, Iā€™m still curious as to why sheā€™s expressing herself this way and would appreciate any theories.
 

Betrisher

Well-known member
Jun 3, 2013
4,253
177
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Parrots
Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
My corella is doing something very similar with my family members. She's *extremely* hormonal at the moment and it's clear as crystal that she's 'defending' me as her preferred 'mate'. Maybe your bird is doing something like that? Perhaps she sees your fiancƩ as competition for your affection?
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome back, hope you have a positive medical prognosis.

No apologies needed, this is a safe-zone! You need not consistently participate to ask advice.

My guess is Betrisher's analysis is spot on. Don't know Conure personalities, at some point Juliet's relationship with your fiancƩ/caretaker may plateau. Doesn't mean progress is impeded, just might come slowly unless a creative breakthrough is achieved.
 
OP
Oli

Oli

Supporting Member
Jan 22, 2017
113
82
California
Parrots
GCC, Juliet āœ (2015-2023)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thank you both! I had a feeling that was the case, but when youā€™re not a ā€œbird personā€ itā€™s very easy to humanize them and results in hurt feelings.
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top