Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I have I lovebird if u havent realized. It is my first bird. I have had it for a couple of years. For the first and second years it was great it was friendly and we could take it out a lot. But then as time passed it started biting a lot and now it bites at everything. I'm getting really frustrated. What i think happened is that we didnt take the bird out enough. Since the bird is at my dads house, i see her about 2 days a week. My dad never took out the bird and i think not being taken out enough became the problem. I want to be able to take little Fuji out again. Does anyone know any solution to this? I MISS THE WAY SHE WAS BEFORE!

Help greatly appreciated
[img size=320]http://www.birdscentral.net/components/com_joomlaboard/uploaded/images/IMG000002.jpg[/img]

When birds lose their trust in their humans it can take a while to rebuild it. 1-2 times a week may not be enough to overcome this but try patience and consistence. It can do wonders. I don't know how old your bird is but it could be that your bird has entered it's mating season. The first couple years especially during breeding sometimes longer they can become more aggressive and less "cuddly". Again patience and sometimes a bit of bribery with treats/toys/attention is the only way to get over this.

On smalle birds many people like to use the toweling method (I personally don't but want to let you know your options). Basically you pick up your bird securely (but not holding tight around the chest) in a towel trying to use the least amount of "chasing" as possible to get it into the towel. Then while he/she is in the towel you begin with just the upper head uncovered (making sure they are able to breathe with no constrictions) and talk to the bird, give scritches on the head etc. When the bird seems sufficiently calm you can lower the towel a bit more and wait doing the talking/scritches for a while longer, until eventually the towel is just used as a loose cape/cover around the bird. It may take a couple tries to reach this point. I have seen this method work and even have lasting results in some instances. I have also seen a bird become more distrustful of humans and act more fearful when a person comes near them because of this so even though it does work sometimes I wouldn't personally recommend it. It is up to you what you feel comfortable doing.

We do have one bird we use toweling on but it is in completely different circumstances. She is missing one leg and cannot steadily sit or perch on a hand. During her original surgeries she became quite used to being wrapped in a towel and seems to enjoy it now. She loves her towel to cuddle up in so it works well with her.

Thank you I appriciate it a lot. You did say though that you don't recommend
It so I'm hasatent to try. I was wondering if you have one you do recommend if so I would love to know what that is.
Thanks a lot

The main training I recommend can be slow going. Basically it all is based on patience and persistence. Reward good behavior, try to ignore bad behavior. Don't jump and scream if she/he bites. Instead try to ignore, place bird down and then when she calms pick back up. Reward good behavior by attention and possibly treats. Work slowly. If she has started biting anytime someone is near start from outside the cage. Sit by the cage talking to her. If possible take the cage into a small enclosed room (such as small bedroom, bathroom (with mirror and drains covered), even a large lighted closet. Sit by the bird talking to her. When she doesn't seem to get agitated at this offer her a treat through the cage. When she is calm with this (which maybe she already is) again in the smaller room sit by the cage and open the door. Let her come out to you. Have a treat ready, maybe millet or some other favorite seed, veggie etc. Let her come to take it from you. When it is time for her to go back in the cage first try to get her to go in calmly, don't chase and speak loudly instead offer her treat inside the cage and talk gently, if she absolutely won't go back in gently lift her (yes I know she may bite) and place her back in. Try not to make a big deal of it if she bites and instead reward her once she is back in with calm language and possibly a treat. Keep working on this until she comes out of and goes into her cage easier. Then you can work more with actual step up and other behaviors. These would be the first steps though. When she is calmly doing all that (which may take a while but once she does it she should start being fairly consistent and will listen instead of constantly fearing you.) then I can let you know more things to work on next. Or if this is the main thing that you are wanting her to do (calm behavior, no biting) then great and let us know how it progresses.

Also be aware that some birds will become more aggressive during breeding season and hormonal times. This time of the year does seem to bring that behavior out in many species. When she is egg laying or acting hormonal give her a while to calm down as she will be more apt to bite or act aggressively while in season.

Thanks a lot I will try this today and will get back to you if it progresses. By the way she has laid eggs recently so that could be the problem.