Conure biting out of the blue

[lshirleyw]

I've had my green cheek conure, Sam, for 8 months now. When I first got her she rarely bit me, unless it was friendly or she was uncomfortable. I then hired a household manager and Sam became much more aggressive--biting me all the time to the point I almost couldn't handle her. After the manager was dismissed she immediately stopped biting me: I have to chalk it up to the staff member being abusive or inattentive when caring for Sam. Anyway, I had to leave town for a couple months to go abroad recently and a woman who trains parrots and falcons took care of her while I was gone. Sam was in the woman's household around some larger birds--but they were always physically separated, but in the same room. Since I've come back (about 3 weeks now) Sam is constantly biting me, even more so than before. She breaks skin at least three times a day and it's only gotten worse. Her bites are now causing me to bleed regularly. I'm interacting with her the same as before, even more so now. What's going on? I'd love some advice on either how this started and/or how to stop it?

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

GCCs are little stinkers! I suspect she may be hormonal. When GCCs are babies, they are so loving and cute. Just adorable. But all bird breeds will eventuall mature and then they get hormonal. They get attitudes and they will bite. This behavior does mellow with time. What you need to do is continue to talk to her and interact with her daily. It sounds like she's really biting and hurting you, so wrap her up in a dish towel to cuddle her and pet her head, so that she can't bite you.

Eventually she'll calm down and be that nice little birdy you know and love. So don't give up on her! Oh, one more thing....Parrots are like two year old kids. She might be mad at you for leaving her, and it can take a while for her to get over it. Just be persistent and keep talking to her and offering her treats so she'll come to you.

You really can't punish a parrot for biting. The key is to "not react" to the bite. And that's hard because it hurts! It's OK to say "Don't bite" in a calm but assertive voice.

What I do with my GCCs when they're having a nippy phase is, I do get them out of the cage daily, but I have a towel on the coffee table with a play-gym, and some treats. I let them climb on me and the play area I've set up, basically without doing alot of touching. Letting them play close to you also helps them build back trust.

I hope this helps and you have a great day,
Sharon

 

[cjmama]

People may or may not agree with this but my parakeet started to bite me when I reached into his cage. Most of the time it was to see if he wanted out. I did not force myself on him just held my finger out to him.
Like you, he was fine but later started to bite.
I then put hot sauce on my hand and reached in. after biting me, he shook his head and the biting was over.