New parrot owner - Senegal Biting

Hi there!

I just adopted my first bird ever, a young rescue Senegal (despite my username). I did a lot of research beforehand, specifically about Senegals, but apparently not quite enough because there is a major issue already.

The very first day I got her, she gave my mom (and then me, because she was sitting on my hand at the time) a nasty bite. My mom's finger was dripping blood. I got it less bad, but it still hurt a lot.

So the issue is that now I am quite scared to handle her. I know a rescue bird (and any bird, really) can take a lot of time to build mutual trust. But then I contacted the rescue and they told me Senegals do have a tendency to give very hard bites and not let go, regardless of trust as they can be a bit unpredictable and phobic. Perusing this forum seems to confirm that.

Is this just one of those things you just have to learn to deal with?

Hi, I see you changed your mind on the cockatoo!
Your little guy is scared! But no, it isn't something you have to live with! Once the three of you settle in, you'll need to learn to read him! Get over your fear ASAP! Your little guy can read that in you and can easily misinterpreted as a danger!
Read and reread this thread!
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57935-brainstorming-biting-parrots.html

My 10 year old senegal tries to bite when he's frustrated. Not just me, he'll attack the water pitcher, spoons, etc. Once you learn how to read them and how to approach them you can minimize or eliminate the biting altogether. With George, if he's in a bitey mood and I come at him with my finger out saying step up he might lunge but if I come from above and stroke his head from the back forward then slide my finger to his feet he never bites. You have to learn to read your parrot's body language. Yes, they sometimes grab on and won't let go and you have to sort of ride it out. Eventually they let go after a few seconds. They can draw blood though they have strong little beaks. Learn to read your senegal (it'll take awhile to learn) and just be glad you don't have a bitey hyacinth macaw that could break your hand.

Yep, David (Flboy) is absolutely right on 2 very important points. While senegals can be a bit on the nippy side, that's only a tendency. Not a hard and fast rule. And showing fear in your body language can be misinterpreted by your parrot as danger. Why? Because much of a bird's communication takes place via body language. So if his own body language is communicating receptivity and welcome (which he assumes you can read, as any bird could), and then yours gives off more of an amped, nervous energy, you'll be confusing him right off the bat. "Are you not feeling as receptive? Are you about to attack? Am I in danger, here?"

He may indeed have been biting out of fear. In fact, given that was day one, fear was most likely the cause. The link David provided will give you most of the causes of bird bites and how to avoid them. Here are 2 others on bite pressure training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/58911-bird-bites-always-2.html

OwnedByGeorge said:

...With George, if he's in a bitey mood and I come at him with my finger out saying step up he might lunge but if I come from above and stroke his head from the back forward then slide my finger to his feet he never bites. You have to learn to read your parrot's body language...

Click to expand...

Hahaha! For most birds, reaching from above is more likely to get you tagged! You may want to wait until your senegal is more bonded to you (as OwnedByGeorge's bird seems to be to him) before reaching for his head from above. Except for me, Maya will paint anyone red for doing so. And Jolly will only allow me or my wife to approach that way. He gets noticeably uncomfortable if anyone else tries it. (But gentleman that he is, he's never bitten in his life.)

And yes, great point about reading the body language. For the most part, a bite is often preceded by a missed body language cue. The problem is in our ability to perceive what they are telling us.

Thank you, everyone!

I'm soaking up all of this information. You've made me feel a bit better about the situation and how to avoid it.

I do have a follow-up question. Is it true that Senegals are often one-bird people? She allows me to pet her, but when anyone else tries they are likely to get a bite. Is this also something that can be trained out? Or is she likely to be intolerant of non-me people?

1. Play pass the birdie, with your family. Start with holding him for short periods and pass back to you. Them longer periods.

2. Let the others in your family interface with him when you are not in the same room. You know, talking softly, don't stare, and lots of special treats that only they give him.

Yes I think it's true that they can easily become one person birds if you allow them. Mine is trying really hard to over bond with me. If she had it her way she would only go to me, but I make sure everyone in the house interacts with her while I'm not around like Wrench said.

I don't have a problem with her biting which I think is due to raising her from a baby so she used to me and also just her individual personality. I don't think she has an aggressive bone in her body.

I have a book about Senegals though and it says that they respond well to the towel game. You put the bird in a towel on your lap and gently wrap it around him and if the birds eyes are covered you may even be able to condition it to having it's neck petted. You can also lift the towel up and play peek-a boo. It says it gives the bird a sense of safety and can return tameness while allowing you to have contact without worrying about the bird biting a hole in your hand.

But I don't know anything about birds, that's just what the book says. Maybe someone who is more experienced will know if that's effective or not.