My new green cheek conure is biting, HARD. what should i do?

Question

I just brought home a new green cheek conure(8 weeks) and im not able to get him out of the cage. but when i let him come out on his own and then reach my hand to have him step up, he bites hard and it is he doesnt want to let go from biting. His bites are hard that they are breaking the skin. I know these birds can be nippy but wasnt prepared for this. Please let me know what I can do to stop this behavior.

Answer 1

Give him time to adjust to his new home a little more first before you start trying to play with him. He's still very young, just taken away from his home and "mommy", and more than likely very freaked out at a new house, a new cage, new people, new noises, etc.

After a couple days (during which you can talk to him, give him treats, etc, just don't try and take him out of his new cage), try letting him come out to you on his own.

If he's still nipping, try using a dowel (stick, or a sturdy perch) to have him step up on, then see if he'll perch on your hand off of that. Some birds get very goofy around their cages, but once you can get them away from it, are the sweetest birds. Teaching your bird to step up onto a perch will help overcome that.

I have some birds that no matter how much I've worked with them, still are horrible about coming out of their cage when I reach in, but they will get up on a perch to come out, and once away from the cage are the sweetest bird.

As for nipping in general, a good "No!" and not paying attention to the bird for a few minutes can do wonders. If the bird already has you, pushing your hand further into the bird will throw them a little off balance and isn't as expected, and they usually let go faster than if you try to pull away from them.

Answer 2

http://citynoise.org/article/2170

This internet site was very interesting. Basically, your bird is biting because you're trying to make him do something he doesn't want to do. As for how to make him WANT to get on your finger and not bite, have you tried treats?