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Parrots rarely bite in the wild and when they do, it is usually for defensive
reasons. A parrot's first instinct is to flee confrontation except when it
comes to territorial issues related to guarding a nest. Aggression in the
wild is often expressed through body language and loud vocalizations.
Parrot bites are undoubtedly emotionally and
physically painful to humans. As hard as it is for us, we just shouldn't
take it personally. Armed with the power of observation and
knowledge of a bird's body language, most bites can be avoided. If we are
bitten, it is usually our own fault for being insensitive to their signals or
for failing to control their environment.
Biting is essentially a learned behavior that
a bird uses to avoid doing something they don't want to do or to get something
they want. It often arises out of frustration over the fact we fail
to recognize and respect the other clues they provide us as to their mental and
emotional state.
Reasons for bird's biting:
- They want to be left alone.
- Fear or distrust of an individual or an unfamiliar
situation.
- Displaced aggression, for example, when a bird attempts
to warn his "mate" of a perceived danger by delivering a bite.
- Territorial Aggression is instinctual and is often
exhibited when you place your hand in a bird's cage.
- Over stimulation (play gone wild)
- Raging hormones (sexual maturity) often triggers
aggressive behavior.
- Exploration biting (often called beaking) by young birds
learning their way in our world.
How to avoid getting bitten:
- Learn to interpret your bird's body language. Most
birds give clear warning that they are about to bite.
- Never force a bird to do something it doesn't want to do.
- Socialize your parrot at an early age to many people.
- Train your bird to respond to the basic commands: "step
up", "step down", "NO" and "okay".
If you are bitten:
- Try analyze the situation from the bird's perspective and
determine why it happened. Realize that your bird was reacting to something
in the environment.
- Avoid similar scenarios in the future (i.e., remove
source of fear, change your behavior).
- Stay calm. Don't react with lots of drama as
this "rewards" your bird.
- Use a firm "NO" and a dirty look to let them know their
behavior was unacceptable.
- Give your bird a "time out" in his cage.
- NEVER punish a bird by yelling, hitting or causing any
other harm. Birds don't understand the link between their action and
your punishment. Your will only succeed in destroying the bond of
trust.
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