Getting a biting bird tomarrow

[Sondra]

OK this little guy was hand fed, very sweet, but now hasn't had attention very much. 6mo old. and now is biting some. I am to pick him up tomarrow evening. Now I know he loves apples, so thought I would use them as treats. I also know this is a slow process and he will need to ajust to a new home. My question is should I even try to handle him for a few days? He is getting his wings clipped tonight so I won't have to do that right away. He is coming with his cage and toys and some food so none of that will change or be new for him. It is just my husband and my self and no other animals in the house. We live in North Central Texas so on nice days I would like to be able to move his cage outside or even have another bigger cage out there for him to be in. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I haven't had a bird for 15yrs so this will sorta be like starting new. I am retired so having the time with him will not be a problem

[Sally]

Glad you are here. This is a great place to learn and help each other. We love pictures too!

I don't clip wings, but be careful because they can usually fly with clipped wings. You have to take the same safety precautions whether you clip or not. Always keep them in the cage when cooking, when you are not hope and when you are going to open an outside door, etc.

I would let the bird get used to the new surroundings. It will be nice in the same cage, that will help. You are still new, the house, sounds etc. Just let him get used to everything for a few days, talk, sing etc. Give treats.

They need about 12 hours of quiet sleep so let him have that and it will help, less stress.

I can't wait to hear more! Sounds like he will get lots of attention from you and your hubby. I am home with Chipper during the day too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/PICT0991500.jpg

[chapala]

If he is biting already, I definitely would not try to handle him until he gets to know you as a positive treat provider, preferably offered by hand. Small pieces of millet spray often are quite desirable to P'lets.
Reta

[Sondra]

Thanks I talked to the lady again last night after I posted and she said he loves to ride around on your shoulder or in your pocket he only nips when you go to get him out of the cage. So we will take your advice and ajust a few days before really handling him.

[suprmallet]

I'd be wary of putting a known biter on your shoulder. If they don't want to come down they may attack your face, your eye, who knows what.

[unpoquito]

mine are biters when i take them out of the cage, so I use a small cloth. They seem to feel safer with this (plus I don't get bitten!). They both like to ride on my shoulder and have never bitten me here. If they want off, they just hop off or fly away.

[Sondra]

Well we are home and he only tries to nip when getting him out of the cage over all he is very very good and taming down as we speak. I have had him out of his cage and on my fingers he will step up and up (using my fingers under his chest) very contented and gets on my shoulder too. So I think we will do just fine. :)

[chapala]

Good news Sondra! Let us know how it goes with him.
Reta

[unpoquito]

Sondra, that's awesome! The fact that he steps up is amazing! Share pictures when you can.

[Sondra]

OH he is just the sweetest boy and after the first few trys of getting him out of his cage (sorry guys I just couldn't wait a few days) he quit trying to bite tho it was just nipping really he gets on my finger just fine and now seems to want to come out. I did remove the mirror that was in the cage :) and also as you can see the millet

[skthurley]

Was he nipping or beaking? Jack often uses his beak to test something... he'll lean forward and touch my extended hand or finger with his beak, and then step onto it. There's no aggression, just a little touch, then forward he comes. It's kinda like his beak is his third foot.

[suprmallet]

All parrots make extensive use of their beak to explore their surroundings and get around. Some parrots are more "beaky" than others. My conure would use her beak to navigate my hands all the time. It never at all felt like she was going to bite. She would open her beak and extend her neck towards the new perch slowly and calmly, and only apply enough pressure so that she felt comfortable removing her foot from her current perch.

[Sondra]

No he was biting but not really hard he no longer is doing that.