Behavior Tip of the Month
Question:
Our parrot bites me every time I put my hand into his cage. What can I do?
ANSWER:
Some birds protect their "homes" even from their human families.
Hitting or yelling at your pet will only make him fear you. He might then feel he has to act aggressively to protect himself.
Instead, you want him to love having your hand in his "home". To achieve this, put on long heavy gloves so you can't feel his bites. Grab some super delicious treats with one hand. Put your other gloved hand in his cage. Hold it there despite his bites.. When he stops biting even for a second, give him a treat.
You're teaching him that biting will gain him nothing. "That scary hand" won't go away. However, if he acts "sweet", a treat will miraculously appear.
Do this every time you put your hand in his cage until he stops biting. Then periodically offer him a "hand in the cage" treat.
This should give you back your "sweet" parrot who won't "bite the hand that feeds him".
Good luck!
Carole
Best Friend Behavior Counseling and Training
San Diego, Ca.
619-460-6888
"Positively teaching pets and their people since 1977"
Do you have a question for Carole? You can reach her at this email address - cbschatz@webtv.net Perhaps she will use it in an upcoming article on this Web site.
The information contained on this site is in no way intended to replace that of proper veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.
It is meant to provide resource, so that we can better understand canine health related issues.
