New Parrotlet Glove or no glove?

[Krista3413]

I just got a parrotlet last friday(10'19), she is the first bird I have ever owned. She was born 8/17 and just weened . I was told to handle her alot, and I have but she bites alot and it kinda hurts! I read you just have to deal with it, so I got some thin rubber gloves and she really can't bite through them, but it seems like she is biting harder now and I am almost afraid to handle her barehanded now. Are the gloves a bad idea? I love the bird, but I am getting really frustrated please help.

[LyndaM]

Personally, I wouldn't use gloves. I would take it slow and earn her trust. Start by just sitting near the cage and talking to her gently then gradually get her used to your hand being near the cage. Offer her treats through the bars. Then, after a while start trying to get her to step up.

Others are more knowledgeable than me, but I think gloves would be really scary for a bird...

[Pado]

I agree, if she bites you hard don't let her onto your hand just yet. It can break your trust in her more then hers in you. Work on building your bond with her first. A bird bonded to you is less likely to bite you hard.

Although I've yet to hear of a Parrotlet that never bites or attempts to bite - its a Parrotlet trait unfortunately. It doesn't mean they don't love you or are mean birds they are just at times moody birds. But it sounds like your bird is just biting because of her recent move - she's in a whole new unfamiliar world and her beak is her only defense and protection.

BTW welcome to the site :)

[Sally]

You have not had her long at all. Trust takes time. Months and it gets better and better.

I think most birds do not like gloves, scary.

Talk, sing, read a book, and handfeed. They are so sweet once you get the trust. They are SO tiny. I would be afraid too. They are diff. than other pets. Really takes time.

[Koki]

I can only tell you my experience and opinion. Gloves send the wrong message; you don't trust them, you're afraid of them, they have no need to trust you.

I got my p'lets about a month ago, unrelated male and female, very young, parent-raised, never been handled by humans except with rubber gloves. Wanted nothing to do with me.

Day one; no choice, had to remove them from the carrier and put them in the cage. These guys bite harder then birds 3 times there size. I know, I've banded birds across North and Central America for 20 years.

Here's the hard part; when they clamp down, talk gently and sweetly too them and and pet their little heads. Don't flinch, don't jerk, don't care. If you do anything, push back on them gently with the finger they're biting, and tell them what a cute little birdy they are.

Neither has tried to bite me since day 2, except when I've had to towel them to take them to the vet.

They are both now stick trained, though Buster needs a bit more work. Butters is hand trained and steps up readily. Buster is starting to step up on my hand. He does still 'test' my finger with his beak, but it's just pressure, not really biting. Both are still very flighty, Buster much more so than Butters. I work with them at the cage door. I attached a perch on the outside, let them come out, step up. I'm working to let them be more comfortable out of the cage.

I know some folk aren't going to be able to bear it, but my advice is take the bite (on the fingers; ear bites are a different story completly) and send the message that biting is something you aren't even aware they're doing.

-Ronnie

[Mustang99]

Krista -- welcome to the forum. I agree with the advise posted and the only thing I can add is while you remain calm during a bite (which at times is easier said than done) but I very gently would hold Kiwi's beak and speak very softly to her. It's almost like they are trying to hear what you're saying since it's so soft. The suggestion of sitting near the cage and reading or talking and allowing the bird to choose to come to you is a great start. I would not use gloves since it's not natural for them and their little beaks are sensitive and they use them to get to know their "perches". Good luck to you...as Sally states patience and a lot of time is needed with these guys but the payoff is tremendous. please keep us posted.

[drab91]

You will do fine, just be patient.. but the big thing is they do test everything with their beak before they step up.. so if your so scared that you pull away your hand when they are testing it, they will learn your hand is not safe to perch on.. so it is really important you suck it up and learn which they are testing and when they are biting.. not hard to tell the difference after./. but before is a skill LOL
Many knowledgeable people here to help!