biteing problem

[sunny1]

i got sunny last fall and her age at the time was 5 years old but now shes 6 years old but the problem is she bites but she steps on my finger then climbs on to my shoulder and if i try to take her on my finger she will bite me so some help to stop the biting and also i ordered her a harness 'to take her out and im wondering how to put it on her without her biting me

 

[weco]

Re: Biting problem

If Sunny has just started the biting, but would previously step up without biting, I'm going to guess she prefers staying on your shoulder...or...if you are leaving on your shoulder for a while, then trying to take her off, it might be that she's napping & you surprise her.....

Mine will often fall asleep on my shoulder & get upset when I'm ready to put them back in their cage.....it could also be that you hold your finger too far back (long step) or are not real steady (anticipating a bite)...parrots don't like wiggly fingers.....

Take a look at this video clip...it's one of the better training videos:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpLv4l41wWM"]Teaching Parrots to Step Up and Down - YouTube[/ame]

 

[MonicaMc]

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/31128-step-up-training.html

She needs training starting with target training, then back to the basics of step up training using positive reinforcement techniques. Check out the link I've provided - lot in there about biting!


BTW Weco, that shows a bird who already *knows* how to step up... it does not show how to train a parrot to step up that either doesn't want to or doesn't know how to.

 

[weco]

BTW Weco, that shows a bird who already *knows* how to step up... it does not show how to train a parrot to step up that either doesn't want to or doesn't know how to.

Yes, it does, but if you note, my post mentioned hand/finger placement & wiggly hands/fingers.....that clip discusses hand placement & not providing a solid hand/finger for the bird to step on ! ! !

The question of whether she could/did previously step up is/was not known, as may be assumed from my "If Sunny has just started the biting, but would previously step up without biting..."

 

[sunny1]

thanks for the step up training but she will not stay on my finger but automatically climb up my shoulder and about the harness question

 

[Grenage]

I wouldn't even bother with trying the harness, not until you'd lowered biting incidents (and even then, take it slow).

I've got a harness on the way; I'm basically assuming that my GCC will never accept it, but hope that he will. Smaller birds aren't usually quite as accommodating.

 

[sunny1]

ok thank you and weco im doing as you sayed to do but she keeps climbing up my shoulder i take her down and she acts mad she off to a chair as i try to pick her up she takes off to the other and she drives me crazy but i still love her no mattr what my hand are all beat up and scrached up bleeding from her

 

[MonicaMc]

Does it help any if you have your elbow at your side and your hand up? It sometimes discourages parrots from getting to your shoulder if they can't easily walk up your arm.

You may just have to get a bunch of treats out and only allow her the treats if she's sitting on your hand.

 

[MikeyTN]

So basically your Conure won't get off your shoulders and refuse to stay on your hands. And when you try to get him off your shoulders he bites at your hands correct?

Use a training perch! IF he won't step up to your hands while he's on your shoulders, use a perch to get him to step up onto it. Use two perches and practice step up over and over between the perches. Once he gets it pretty good then offer your hand by going from perch to hand and hold your hand and arm like a shape of a goose head and neck and extend your hand away from your body. Then use your other hand and do the same exact thing but hold your hand to his chest and ask him to step up. Repeat the process! It wears them down a bit as it's good exercise. Then just hold him on one hand and talk to him. Offer him treats, etc.

 

[weco]

Well, you know how difficult specie females can be at times.....

Mikey may have a better solution for you, with using two perches.....I've never had to use perch sticks, so didn't think of it.....I just suffered through the angry bites.....

You can help the scratches by clipping her toenails, but you might need help & may have to towel her since she's being difficult.....you can use an emery board or nail clippers to just take the very tip of the nail off.....you don't need to take more off unless the nails appear overgrown, then I would leave that to an avian vet.....

A nail grooming/concrete perch mounted so that she would perch on it to eat or drink will let her keep her own nails manicured.....be sure to only get the kind that are smooth on the top & bottom & rough on the sides.....they're not expensive & maybe none for both the food & water bowls will be sure to get the job done.....