Please keep in mind that birds/parrots are not domesticated animals like dogs. Some of them are only second or third generation from the wild.  They are wild animals trying to adapt to living in our living rooms!  The importation of birds was banned in the mid 1980's here in the U.S.  If your bird has an "open" ring on its leg, then it was a "wild caught" import bird and is at least 20 years old.  These rings were put on birds at quarantine stations before they entered the country.  Breeders may put a "solid" band on the leg of babies.  This band may contain the breeder's information as well as the year the bird was hatched.

 READING YOUR BIRD'S BODY LANGUAGE

Start by observing your bird's behavior in different situations.  This is the key to avoiding "BITES"!  Look at their posture, their feathers and their eyes.

RELAXED-When a bird fluffs his body feathers and shakes his tail feathers, he is usually relaxed. A cockatoo's feathers will cover the bottom of their beak.  Birds may also grind their beaks when going to sleep.  If you are petting your bird or scratching his head while he is relaxed and he starts to become more rigid and less relaxed, then he's ready for you to stop!  Continuing will most likely bring on a nip or bite!

AGGRESSION-There is a noticeable difference between fluffed, relaxed feathers and erect feathers of aggression.  Fluffed feathers will blend together, while erect feathers will stand out individually.  Feathers on the crest or nape are erected as a warning of excitement or aggression.

Also, look at the eyes.  You can see excitement by "pinning" pupils.  The pupils will expand and contract.  This may not always be aggression, it can also be excitement.  Birds may bite when overly excited.  Although the bird may be having fun, they can actually have too much fun and go into "overload" mode.  Open beak lunging or lunge biting is also aggressive behavior.

Birds may also stand as tall as they can and fluff up to look as big as they can to appear "tough" wanting to be left alone or else!

NERVOUS BIRD-Repetitive behaviors such as nail chewing, swaying back and forth, beak wiping and foot stomping usually means the bird is nervous or has alot of pent up energy.  They may need increaseed attention and exercise.  You can teach wing flapping and provide lots of chewing and foraging opportunities to help with this.

BIRDS ALWAYS BITE FOR A REASON!!!!  If your bird bites you, you must look at the situation and figure out why you were bitten so you will know the next time!  Was the bird too excited? Was he trying to protect you from another person or pet?  Was he startled?  Did you move too quickly or were YOU stressed or nervous?

****Birds WILL pick up on your moods!!!  If you are tense, nervous or upset, stand back, take a few deep breaths and RELAX before approaching your bird!!!

WHEN YOUR BIRD BITES YOU-

-Push into the bite.  Do not jerk or pull away or you will most likely lose flesh!!

-If you are holding the bird and he starts nipping you can try the "earthquake".  Just give your hand or arm a quick shake to distract him.  You may also try a few "step-ups" to distract him.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE ARE YOU TO EVER, EVER HIT YOUR BIRD!!!!  If you become that upset, you must simply return him to his cage and walk away.

Most biting is out of a bird's control and is the only way he has to react to something that he does not understand!  All you need to do is say a quick "no", "ouch" or give a few seconds of the "evil eye".  Although you may be in pain, staying calm may keep an excited bird from biting again!  If you yell and scream and become excited, the bird may actually enjoy the "drama".  Cockatoos are notorious for being "drama queens!!!".  Whatever you do, do not reward bad behavior.  If you go to a screaming bird, he will learn to do this when he wants attention.

REMEMBER:  AGGRESSION ENCOURAGES AGGRESSION!!!!

Also, try to handle the situation by yourself without having the bird's favorite person rescue you.  This will only teach him that he can bite you and then get to go with his favorite person.  Put the bird down as calmly as possible.

***ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND, THAT JUST BECAUSE A BIRD BITES YOU, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE DOES NOT LOVE YOU!!!!