New home - Grumpy Boy (Help)

Hi,
I recently purchased a male 2 yr old (Kiwi) from a gentleman who was down-sizing. At the man's house, he was very gentle and would step up for me and my two girls with no nipping the 2 hours we were there. He was quiet for the long ride home and fine that evening as we re-built his original cage with his old toys etc...
The next day however, he was quite territorial and would defend his cage; nipping me if I tried to get him to step up (inside and outside the cage). The one instance he did step up, he raced up my arm and bit my ear. He also walks across the floor and bites my feet. Its been 4 days now, and no change. He is eating and drinking well and will take treats from my fingers with no drama.
Open to all comments and suggestions,
Thanks,
Philip

I've often read about "new broom" behaviour - meaning while a bird is meeting you, he will be sweet as can be but once he's settled, the gloves come off! LOL! Perhaps he just needs time to adjust to his new home. Give him lots of love (where he wants it, in the cage or out) but don't ask him to step up for a while. When he bites, don't react (as best as you can), walk away and come back in a few minutes for a friendly chat.

I hope he settles and realises he will be safe and loved, soon.

Ekkies are very food motivated, begin getting him to step onto a stick as well as your hand using treats as a reward. The step up to a perch/stick is a must imo to get around any issues with the cage. I would hold off having your kids work with him as an eclectus bite can and will draw blood most times. Their beaks can be like razor's if they get you in the right spot and any place on a child is going to be more tender.

You also really want to discourage him from going to your shoulder, none of mine are allowed up there. If they start to move too far up my arm I make them step up to my other hand, if need be grabbing their foot and stopping them. Frankly I would much rather a bite to the hand then the face.

He is testing you at this point and it maybe important to call his bluff even if it means you may take a few bites. He was comfortable at his old house which would explain his calm manner there. He is now in new surroundings and will be more fearful and maybe biting out of fear. Try not to be afraid as they can sense that, it helps to remind yourself that while a bite may hurt no one was ever killed by a parrot. Talk softly and control the interactions. Taking him out of the cage by stepping onto a stick will help, keep the sessions short, frequent and on a positive note. Read his body language.

Feel free to ask more questions and keep us posted on progress, Eclectus are the best imo

Do you know what sub-species he is? Solomon, Red Sided?

Just to add to some already excellent advice, distraction and deflection can be quite helpful as well. Carry a safe, chewable toy around with you. Like an untreated, bird-safe piece of wood small enough to fit in a pocket. Then, when he goes for the bite, just interpose the wood. He'll likely get into chomping on the wood and (hopefully) forget all about going after you... for the moment, anyway. Just repeat as needed.

Keep us updated on how things turn out.