Why Does My Bird Bite?

One of the most common problems we see in our feathered friends is biting. Parrots are wild animals, and they have traits that have been with them since the beginning. It's important to remember that biting is a natural behavior for birds. As their caretakers, we can work together to understand why they bite and try to avoid getting bitten in return. It's important to remember that birds who bite aren't "bad." They're just birds!

There are a few common reasons why our feathered friends might bite. If we keep an eye out for these things, we can all stay safe and sound! We also have to accept that punishment doesn't work for birds. It usually just makes things worse in the long run. This article is just a quick overview. Biting can be a complex problem, and we can't cover everything in one article.

It's totally understandable that birds might bite when they're feeling afraid or distrustful of humans. As babies, birds are just the sweetest! They love everyone and rarely bite hard. Your little one may start to "teethe" by lightly chewing on your fingers. This is not biting, and it's important to remember that it's never okay to punish a bird for it. As a bird gets a little older, she learns to recognize certain members of her family as her "flock," and these are the people she feels safe with. If she doesn't recognize or trust you, she might bite. It's also possible that your bird may not like certain family members, including you! If you're looking to win over your bird, one way to do it is to reserve special treats (a favorite food, for instance) just for the person they don't get along with. It's always a good idea to have someone else around when you're handling your bird, especially if there are children or guests around. It's best to avoid letting anyone approach your bird with the intention of picking her up unless you're sure they're familiar with her. That's just asking for a little nip! Just a friendly heads-up: Be especially careful when children are around. It's so important to be careful around large birds! Their beaks can exert almost as much pressure as a dog's bite, and can cause bleeding and broken bones. It's not uncommon for a trip to the vet's office to result in some bites aimed at the vet. Even if your bird has never bitten you, the stress of a vet visit might make her a little nervous and nip you a little. The good news is that fear biting can be controlled if you work on socializing your bird to new people. It's so important to remember that this must be done at the bird's pace and without any kind of punishment.

It's totally normal for birds to bite when they're feeling playful and a bit overstimulated. Amazons and cockatoos are especially prone to "overload" behavior, poor things! It's so important to know your bird's body language! If they're feeling excited, it's best to avoid trying to handle them. If you notice your bird's feathers are fluffed up and their eyes are "pinned" (dilated and constricted rapidly), it's a good idea to back off and give them some space. Most birds who are about to bite will have this body language. Every bird is different, and their body language will change depending on the situation. It's really important to pay close attention to your bird and learn what her particular signs are for when she's about to bite.

Our feathered friends can sometimes get a little feisty when they're feeling tired, stressed, injured, or under the weather. Our feathered friends need about 12 hours of quiet, undisturbed darkness to recharge and feel their best. A tired bird is just like us—they need their rest! If they're feeling a bit grumpy, it's probably because they're feeling a little tired. It's important to be extra careful when handling a bird that's been hurt, as they can sometimes bite when they're in pain. Your best bet is to gently wrap the bird in a towel to keep it safe and avoid being bitten. This way, you can safely transport her to her carrier and get her to the vet's office if needed. If your bird is usually very sweet and then suddenly nips consistently with no obvious reason, it might be a good idea to take her to the vet for a checkup. Our feathered friends have a way of hiding any signs of illness, so if they suddenly become a little feisty or grumpy, it could be a sign that they’re not quite themselves.

Many birds can be territorial of their cage, playstand, or even their favorite person. If your bird has become territorial of her cage and tries to bite whenever you attempt to take her off, you may have to dedicate some time to training. The bird will usually respond much better after some time spent in an unfamiliar room without her cage or play area where you can work with her. If your bird has become territorial of you, she will show that by attempting to bite either you or a rival for your attention. In this case it is best to not allow your bird on your shoulder. A bird with a history of biting shouldn't be allowed on the shoulder at all.

Another reason for biting and general aggressiveness is hormones brought on by the breeding season. It's totally normal for animals to act this way during this time of year! It's so sad, but Amazons and Cockatoos tend to be affected by hormonal changes the most. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do to stop hormonal biting. So, your best defense is to avoid handling a bird in this stage. Your vet or breeder will be happy to help you identify any signs of hormonal behavior.

Now that we know some reasons that birds may bite, we can take actions to avoid being bitten. Let's keep our feathered friends safe and sound! It's so important to remember that if birds are hormonal, over-stimulated, stressed, ill, or fearful, it's best to leave them alone. When birds become habitual biters, it can be a real problem. If you're dealing with a bird that's been through a lot, whether that's been mistreated or abused, it's going to take a lot of patience and a lot of work to help them feel safe again. If you need a little extra help, you can always ask your vet or an avian behavioral consultant for advice. And remember, the most important thing is to be patient. It's important to remember that you should never punish a bird who bites. Birds are very sensitive creatures, and they remember mistreatment. It's important to remember that they hold grudges, so it's best to be patient and kind with them. Birds are so different from dogs! They don't have an "alpha bird" and there's no need to try to "control" your bird. Birds operate out of mutual respect, so if you try to overpower your bird, she might lose trust in you. It's best not to try to force your bird to do anything. Any time you spend with your bird should be about building trust.

Birds are really quite clever, and they'll usually let you know when they're about to bite with their body language. It's so important to make sure you don't teach your bird to bite by rewarding her with drama or putting her back in the cage for "time out." With a little bit of patience, love, and understanding, you can provide your bird with a loving home for their whole life!