I STILL CAN"T GET MY BIRD ON MY ARM!

Question

I have a blue fronted amazon. I don't pet him, I know I know they need lot's of interaction, but he'll bite the heck out of me!!! And no, it's not a little nip, it's a chunk that he will take out of my hand. See my aunt had him,( he's worth about a $1,000) I got him for free from her. She really didn't have much time to take care of him because she was always so busy with her work. When her daughter passed away, she took the bird. And one day she was getting him more water and food, and he grabbed onto her hand. At first she thought he was just being nice, but then he reached down and bit through her fingernail. OWWW!!! I do all i can to pet him( I can a little bit, we just got him about 5 or 6 days ago) He already bit my once, and next time i'm afraid it might be a little more serious, please help.

~Birdluver

Answer 1

Here's a advice,

Don't ever force!

That's not how you

gain a birds trust!

Go on http://www.birdtricks.com/

that web page will teach

you all you need to know

about gaining trust

and teaching your bird

tricks. Just because you

force a bird to step up

when you push on his

belly doesn't mean

you gained his trust.

Answer 2

just sit by the cage and talk to it in a sweet voice and slowly he will become more used to you then open the cage and talk to him it doesnt matter what you just talk you can read him a book it doesnt matter it will make him more comfy with you and he will come out and hang with you after awhile

Answer 3

Be very patient and keep working with him. Try giving him some of his favorite foods (not seeds per say).

Answer 4

It is going to take a while, it’s only been a few days.  However it is going to take a huge commitment from you in time, energy and patience.  You need to be firm with them or they will walk all over you.  It sounds like the poor thing has not had a lot of social interaction in a long time.  In your case I’d also consult some experts on the proper procedures but what it will really come down to is patience and consistency.

The biting can be curbed but will also take patience.  You may wish to wear gloves for a while when handling him (however sometimes this scares them so if he reacts badly, don’t use them.)  Is it possible he was ever hit or otherwise treated badly and so fears people sticking their hands out at him?

If you do not have the kind of time and commitment to do so, the kindest thing you can do is to find the bird a new home.  Look up local rescue groups that deal with birds/exotics and they will help adopt him out.  

Answer 5

Just needs more time to get used to you.  So basically,you're the third owner of the bird then?  That's pretty traumatic for them-getting used to one person, then that person's gone, etc.  Have patience, keep working with him.  Give him treats, pet him on the head.  Be sure your saying "step up" as well when you do put your hand/arm out for him.  That's a basic "parrot" command that all should know/learn.  Don't let him sense you're afraid of him, especially by jerking your hand back when you think he's gonna bite-I know that's hard lol....And also, if he does bite you, try not to react or say OWWW.  They learn very quickly then to get you to go away is to just bite you, and they'll continue.