LoveMyConlan
Member
- Mar 31, 2015
- 464
- Media
- 3
- 7
- Parrots
- Gcc- Conlan... Sun Conure- Mouse...Jenday- Kellan... RLA- Happy...B&G Macaw- Rhage
My female Gcc, Conlan, who I've had over a year can be a priss. She not a cuddle bug by any means but enjoys a good scratch.... Or did.
Her usual place is on my chest as I recline on my bed and read. She 'reads with me' and preens and chatters. The other night while in our usual position she randomly turned and bit my face. Birds rule #1 I didn't follow? Don't let them near your face. But for over a year she's been nothing but calm. What could possibly go wrong right?
No warning, no provocation. And when she didn't let go after a firm 'release', not thinking in the pain, I made mistake #2. I flicked her beak with my finger to get her to let go.
And the final kicker? As I'm trying to stem the blood from pouring down from my lip and nose, I snag her off the bed and shove her back into the cage to race to the bathroom.
I was not calm. She was scared. I was angry. She was confused. 3 strikes, I'm out.
Now I have to start ALL OVER on hand trust. Every time I try to scratch her head or Cheek I'm met with a snap, though she will still step up..
PLEASE learn from my mistake. DON'T let your bird near your face. 1 second is all it takes. DON'T think they will just let that feeling go. I KNEW better and I did it anyway and now o have to start all over with my best friend.
I feel so horrible, but I'm going to give her a few days to cool (for both of us) and I'm going to start target and trick training. To rekindle our bond.
Her usual place is on my chest as I recline on my bed and read. She 'reads with me' and preens and chatters. The other night while in our usual position she randomly turned and bit my face. Birds rule #1 I didn't follow? Don't let them near your face. But for over a year she's been nothing but calm. What could possibly go wrong right?
No warning, no provocation. And when she didn't let go after a firm 'release', not thinking in the pain, I made mistake #2. I flicked her beak with my finger to get her to let go.
And the final kicker? As I'm trying to stem the blood from pouring down from my lip and nose, I snag her off the bed and shove her back into the cage to race to the bathroom.
I was not calm. She was scared. I was angry. She was confused. 3 strikes, I'm out.
Now I have to start ALL OVER on hand trust. Every time I try to scratch her head or Cheek I'm met with a snap, though she will still step up..
PLEASE learn from my mistake. DON'T let your bird near your face. 1 second is all it takes. DON'T think they will just let that feeling go. I KNEW better and I did it anyway and now o have to start all over with my best friend.
I feel so horrible, but I'm going to give her a few days to cool (for both of us) and I'm going to start target and trick training. To rekindle our bond.