very nippy 1 month old baby cockatiel

[Ozzys]

Hi! so i recently started hand feeding a 1 month old white face cockatiel. everything is going great so far. but, the biggest issue i’m facing is biting. she/he bites me so hard it leaves me stunt for a few seconds. i don’t understand why because she already sees me as her “mom” she screams when she sees me, begs for food (literally none stop), and is just overall a healthy baby! i’m just afraid the breeder did not socialize with her from a young age i guess? or is it just in her nature to bite this hard. because i have never had dealt with such a biting issue with one of my cockatiels. i always excuse her behavior as a “oh she’s just trying to try out her beak” but the bites keep getting harder and more painful. i try not to let out a sound or move or flinch not to make it a habit but she only does this when i pick her up to put her back to the cage.

if anyone’s ever had such a nippy baby cockatiel, does this habit ever go away?? or at least is declined.

 

[chris-md]

Can you describe what the rearing process has been like? Did you breed this bird, or obtain it for hand rearing on your own? What is your weaning process?

If you bred this bird, how long have you been breeding?

Describe - in detail - a typical case of biting: where does it happen, what happens before it happens, and what happens immediately after (your reaction, what happens to the bird, the birds own reaction)?

 

[Ozzys]

The rearing process has been amazing. (i’ll just call her she so it’s easier) she always begs for food, i have put some seed on the floor and the tiny little round ones and i have introduced a few fruits and veggies she seems to accept the veggies and fruits more so that’s good. she only bites AFTER feeding. i take her out of the cage, put her on the table and syringe feed her, everything been excellent until she finishes eating. i get scared to take her back to the cage because she always bites me so hard. her last feeding (8 mins ago) she drew blood out of my index finger. she wouldn’t let go until i blew on her face. i tried not reacting but the bite was so painful and her beak is so tiny and sharp. she stops biting then continues begging then just bites again, she doesn’t strike at me or hiss, she just bites as if she’s grabbing onto me or telling me in her own way that she doesn’t want to go back to the cage. every time she’s on my shoulder or laying on my stomach she never bites. i’m starting to assume it’s because she doesn’t like the cage? tho her older brother is right next to her. and no i haven’t bred her or anything i purchased her unweaned and yes i know it’s wrong but i’ve been hand feeding birds for years. but never in my life have i come across a case such as hers... after she drew blood today i’m starting to get quite scared to hold her or put her back into the cage again but i need to interact with her more so i’m kind of forced to.

 

[Ozzys]

update: my little baby has passed away on new years. May she fly high between the clouds. she died so suddenly, i woke up to feed her, and found her laying face down. May God make this pain easier through time. Thank you and i’m out for good.

 

[jpresto]

So very sorry for your loss.

 

[LaManuka]

Oh my, this is very sad news! My deepest sympathies to you for your sudden loss. I'm sorry that there are no words that I can say that will take away your pain, but your baby was much loved and will never be forgotten. Sending feathered hugs, my thoughts are with you.