Biting Conure

conurekid33

New member
Oct 28, 2011
8
0
TN
Parrots
Cheek GCC
My new green cheek i just got today is biting like crazy. He will step onto these sticks that are perches that I don't need. So he will get on those and be find but if my hand is near him he will snap and try to get me. He isn't mean because he will sit on my shoulder and sing and watch T.V. but when my hand comes close he will snap so I just need some advice on how to get him use to my hands, Thanks in advance!!!:D
 

friedsoup

New member
May 5, 2012
503
1
North Carolina
Parrots
Senegal Male Bogart
Ok hope this post get to you I'm new at the site. Sounds like some one dropped him or bullied him with their hands so he bites at fingers because they are bad not you just fingers in general. (ok so it's not you) here is how I have gotten many birds to trust hands again. 1st you'll need two wooden spoons I get them at the dollar store. 2nd a place to perch your student, the back of a chair will do but a nice "T" perch is a good investment. 3rd your student wings should be clipped because if he can fly away he doesn't have to do what you say. this is temperary they grow back (call it and attitude adjustment) also known as dependent transportation. to get from point A i need mommy to get too B. Place your student on his perch at your heart level he has to look up to you and pay attention, place the spoons in your hand spoon in the palm handles sticking out ( as you notice this give you a good sturdy place for him to stand and it looks like a finger) approach him slowly but firmly from two side he should freeze and maybe hunker down slowly pet him with the spoon handle if hi bites at one keep petting him with the other and slowly work the other away from him( saying no bite) and go back to petting him. after he allows this for a minute stop give him a treat say good boy and walk away or sit down and watch him enjoy his treat (I swear you'll see the wheels turning in his head 'What was that all about?')
re- present yourself spoons in hand and repeat do this 2 to 3 times a day you'll see he stops biting at the sticks in a very short time and you will become expert in giving scratches and touches under the wing and touching the feet while holding spoons.
Now add step-ups and jacobs ladder, finally start cheating the sticks back and extending your index finger along the side of the spoon until he's stepping up on skin and no bothering to bite . I have used this method on birds from parrkeets to Blue and Gold macaws and had success with all. hope this helps
 

ZoeS

New member
Oct 4, 2011
235
0
Yes, those dollar store spoons are super handy!!

What I don't like though is this:

"Place your student on his perch at your heart level he has to look up to you and pay attention, place the spoons in your hand spoon in the palm handles sticking out approach him slowly but firmly from two side he should freeze and maybe hunker down slowly pet him with the spoon handle if hi bites at one keep petting him with the other and slowly work the other away from him( saying no bite) and go back to petting him."

As this seems to illicit a fear response. Remember, he's afraid of your hands, and you don't need to "win" this "fight" right now. He just moved to a new home and is probably anxious, stressed and a bit fearful. He doesn't trust you at all yet. Just back off with the hands for now, and let him be with you on his terms. Offer him treats like millet, because it's long and far from your fingers in his comfort and over the days and weeks move your hand closer to him. He will get used to your hands and associate them with treats over time.
 

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