We have had a mirror in his cage since he was young [he will be 9 on April 1st]. If I even get my fingers near his back or chest, he tries to bite them! He lets me massage his neck and crest feathers, but thats about it. Anything I can do about this behavior?
2007-03-23 06:11:38 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Hey there :-)
It sounds like it's just his preferences. As others have stated, some birds dislike their back, wings and chest touched, though they can be trained out of this with time. I start with my chicks when they're being hand fed, though any age is a good time in my opinion. Do it slowly by using a small stick or by blowing on these feathers in the opposite direction the grow. If he tolerate it, praise him. Sometimes it can take months for them to accept the most basic of handling, so don't be disappointed if he doesn't seem to change.
Good luck!
2007-03-23 21:49:58 · answer #1 · answered by white_ravens_white_crows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has just started this behavior, then this could be a medical problem, and he should be taken to the vet soon.
Otherwise, it is most likely that this is just a personality preference. Many birds do not like to be touched on the back, because they perceive it as aggression.
But as for being touched on the chest, this is necesary for the step up command (when you put your finger to their chest so that they will step on your finger), therefore when your bird bites you when putting your hand near his chest, you should gently blow on him and tell him no.
I hope this helps!
2007-03-23 06:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just put up with his biting until you can earn his trust.
Start with stroking his neck feathers then sloyly and gently wander to w to pet the feathers on his chest or back.
So this several times then try to pet the feathers on his back directly.
I have taken some "hopless causes" amd had them tame enough to pet in two hours.
If you have a friend with a pet bird invite them over, and let the frieghtened bird observe your friend and her bird interacting. Your bird will not want to miss out on any of the fun, and will begin to accept things he would not accept before.
2007-03-24 01:50:09 · answer #3 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello
for any type of parrot be it big or small touching lower than the head and neck is reserved for sexual behaviors and only done between mates. If you do succeed at training your tiel to allow this you could be instigating a mate relationship between the two of you. This is not something you would want as it will likely be a precursor to MANY unwanted behaviors like screaming for you attention and aggression to any one but his MATE. To me it sounds like you've had a good 9 yrs with him and i personally would not push for something that is not necessary. Just enjoy your tiel and you should have many more happy years together!
2007-03-23 06:58:04 · answer #4 · answered by jessica c 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not natural for them to be touched there, really. The only thing in the wild that will grab a bird around the middle is a predator. Usually they preen that area of themselves and only allow other birds (and their people) to "preen" their heads. I think you should be happy that he lets you pet his head. Most cockatiels are never really comfortable being touched elsewhere.
2007-03-23 06:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by Wondering 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
comfortable biting is his way of asserting 'please provide up that'. in line with possibility he doesnt like his chest to be touched, or you're a splash too tough for his style. additionally, in spite of if that's painless, and he form of runs his annoying over you too, like a dragging nibbling action, that's grooming, a demonstration of love. once you do touch his chest for the up command, can his ft attain you genuinely? he will use his beak as his 'hand' to make confident he wont fall in case you're too a techniques away. Too make it extra handy for him to get around, make confident his injured foot can totally encircle his perches (the sticks he sits on), that way he can get a good grip, his feet might desire to be virtually in a position to the touch one yet another while wrapped around it. positioned stuff close mutually to make confident he would not might desire to truly on his undesirable foot too plenty for shifting from place to place. different than that he might desire to be positive. I dont think of the bitings to be propose so attempt to work out if its any of the different 3 issues i discussed. in spite of if that's not one of the above, next time he does it say 'NO' firmly yet in a classic quantity voice (in no way boost it, which will scare him). If he maintains to misbehave positioned him in his cage and leave the room for 5 or 10 minutes (an afternoon out in case you will). Then come decrease back and attempt back. If he does it precise (steps up with out biting, say 'good' (or another compliment) and furnish him a manage. wish each little thing is going properly for you and Sammy.
2016-10-20 07:18:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many birds do not like their backs, wings,and chest touched. Stick with the areas that he enjoys. It's the same with people. We all have our preferences. Respect his boundaries. have a tweet year.
2007-03-23 19:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some animals have ''sensitive'' areas that they prefer not to be touched. Sounds like that is the situation, since he DOES allow you to pet him elsewhere.
Might just be a preference.
2007-03-23 06:15:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
use a small peice of wood like a stick slowly and gentley put the stick uder his chest and rub or brush it up and down not the point the soft side.give him treats after he lets you do that. just like a dog or cat.
2007-03-23 06:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by katana b 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋