Biting Sun Conure

[Martha]

I got a sun conure in early December--he was hatched in July and was hand-tamed. The first week I had him he was sweet, but since then he has been biting every time I get him out. He still likes to be scratched and lies on his back for that, and he always wants to come out of my cage. But he bites all the time--my neck, collarbone, hands, arms, whatever he can reach. He doesn't break the skin but it is unpleasant. I have tried all the recommended tactics--telling him "gentle!", putting him slightly off balance, returning him to the cage (he gets very angry about that), and so on. But he continues to bite. I still get him out of the cage several times a day but I do not enjoy him very much. He won't play by himself when he's out of the cage--he always has to be on my body. If I sing to him or click my tongue at him he seems to like it and he stops biting while I am doing that. Also if he dives down my shirt or sweater he makes cute little grunts and does not (usually) bite me when he's doing that.

I am really at a loss about what to do. I am beginning to wish I had never gotten him, but I am the kind who keeps my pets and cares for them no matter what. Please if anybody has any suggestions I would love to hear them.

Thanks,
Martha