Aggression and biting...

Biting is a common problem with parrots—partly because of the human reaction to biting. But it is also the easiest problem to solved once you have the right information and resources. Things to consider if your bird is biting or showing aggression:
 


What was happening just before the bird bit you? Perhaps the bird is trying to tell you something, so it's important to think about exactly what was going on just before the bite happened.
 

How was the bird acting? What were you and the bird doing? Did someone else enter the room? What kind of mood were you in?

If you were playing, perhaps the bird got over-stimulated—you need to watch the body language very closely and sometimes you can see that your bird is getting too excited. When you can see this happening it is time to stop playing and return the bird to its perch to "chill out."

Possible solution: Perhaps you will be able to pinpoint a scenario which results in biting, or you'll realize that the bird uses certain body language just before it bits. In that case you should be able to avoid the bite by returning your bird to its perch or offering some sort of distraction. Allowing large parrots on the shoulder can also be a contributing factor in biting and aggression. What time of year did the problem start? At certain times of the year, like Spring, a bird may be "hormonal" because it is breeding season. At this time a parrot may become more aggressive and territorial about its cage or its favorite person—this should pass over time. It is important to NEVER respond to aggression with aggression as this will only result in more aggression and possibility create a situation in which your bird is afraid of you.
 

Possible solution: Sleep is very important to our parrots. Make sure yourbird is getting 8-10 hours of sleep each night and that he is not in anarea where there is a lot of activity when he is supposed to be sleeping. A sleeping cage in a quiet room can increase the quality of his sleep. Lack of the proper amount of sleep can contribute to a variety of behavioral problems.

Was it really a bite? Sometimes birds are really just "beaking", which is feeling with their beak, but if you pull away it can turn in to a bite. If the bird reaches out with its beak to step up on your hand, and you pull a way, this creates uncertainty for the bird! Slow down your energy, take some deep calming breathes, and approach your bird decisively and calmly saying "UP" as you pick up the bird.

Possible solution: When a parrot bites you must try hard not to have a big reaction—this ends up rewarding the biting. Put him down and walk away (go to another room and scream if you need to!). Another method is to say a firm "NO" and give him a quick dirty look, also known as "the evil eye", as you say "NO".

Most of all, don't give up on your bird or take the bites personally—people tend to do this when they get bit for the first time and they become apprehensive and stop handling their bird. The bird may even pick up on the anxiety—parrots are very empathetic, and then it becomes a vicious cycle.
 

Also, whenever you pick up your bird be sure to use the "UP" command and be decisive, once you make sure it is a good time to pick up the bird—i.e., the bird is not doing other things and may not want to be taken out of it's cage at that moment. Sometimes a parrot may simply want to be alone as it is eating, resting, sleeping, or playing independently.
 

Although we have many back issues that address this problem, the most comprehensive resource is Sally's book The Beak Book - available for $25.95 including shipping. You may order online at this link.

The Beak Book is the first comprehensive book with practical trust building information about preventing and solving the number 1 problem people have with companion parrots. As editor/publisher of the Companion Parrot Quarterly, author of the Companion Parrot Handbook, and long time Parrot Psychology columnist for Bird Talk magazine, Sally Blanchard is perhaps the best-known and most highly respected name in the field of companion parrot information. With her theory of Nurturing Guidance, Sally Blanchard provides parrot caregivers with a logical, common sense, trust-building approach to maintaining a positive relationship with companion parrots.

The highly praised Companion Parrot Handbook gives readers practical information about all aspects of parrot behavior and care. The Beak Book provides readers with extensive information they need to understand and work with aggressive behavior. This book is the first volume of the Companion Parrot Behavioral Solution Series.
 

Future volumes will deal with screaming, feather destructive behavior, fear related behaviors, and winning the trust of rescue birds.
 

Please review our listing of selected Back Issues that address biting and aggression.

There are also some articles on our web site that might be helpful to you: articles.

Especially read the following articles:

  • The Basics Of Nurturing Guidance as it applies to Companion Parrots, by Sally Blanchard

  • Why You Can't Punish A Parrot by Sally Blanchard

  • Avoiding Problems With Parrots On Shoulders, by Sally Blanchard

  • The Companion Parrot Quarterly has many articles that address this and all other aspects of parrot care and behavior with in-depth, incisive articles. Please consider subscribing!

  • Back Issue #66: Biting - the Easiest Problem to Solve

    Finally, if you need more help, you might want to consider a behavioral consultation. This is a fee-based service which can be done by phone. Sally Blanchard's time is limited but if you can reach her by phone at 970-278-0233 and have your credit card ready, she may be able to spend some time talking to you about your parrot's behavior and logical positive solutions to the problems you are having. The best time to reach her is on Monday or Tuesday afternoons from 1:00pm to 5:00pm Mountain Standard Time.
     

  • If this article helped you and you appreciated the information, The Companion Parrot Quarterly continues to have in-depth, practical articles such as this one. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE

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