Hello,
I came across your website and I love it!! I just bought my bird 2 weeks ago and he does a lot of nipping and sometimes bites when he gets scare. Am I going to have trouble taming him since I did not buy him until 6 months? He loves to be out the cage, comes on my hand or shoulder often, but is always nipping. He did bite me hard when I was trying to introduce him to taking a shower/bath. He also flaps his wings often and squawks for no reason that I know of. Why is he doing this? He does this on and off the cage. Does it on my hand also. Whatever tips you can give me will be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks, Michelle
Taming my 6 month IRN
Moderator: Mods
-
Misty_Anikin
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:32 am
- Location: Rialto, CA
- Contact:
Hello Michelle,
Your bird is still fairly young so I'm sure you can stop the nipping thing. I think the key to not getting nipped is using a DISTRACTION.
For example, when I first got my IRN he was a little nippy and since I knew he was bound to nip me at some point, I would make sure I had a pen or toy for him to bite that way he wouldn't bite me. This worked like a charm! He doesn't nip anymore. Also understand that you are still new to him and he is probably a bit unsure so he nips to protect himself. This is just part of his nature until he gets to know you and know that you are in charge! Just don't allow it if he gets too nippy; set him down and when he is good hold him and praise his behavior and even offer treats so he knows that this behavior is acceptable to you.
As for him flapping his wings and squawking, that is just normal bird behavior
They flap their wings to exercise/stretch and squawk to talk or call out. Hope this helps some. 
Your bird is still fairly young so I'm sure you can stop the nipping thing. I think the key to not getting nipped is using a DISTRACTION.
For example, when I first got my IRN he was a little nippy and since I knew he was bound to nip me at some point, I would make sure I had a pen or toy for him to bite that way he wouldn't bite me. This worked like a charm! He doesn't nip anymore. Also understand that you are still new to him and he is probably a bit unsure so he nips to protect himself. This is just part of his nature until he gets to know you and know that you are in charge! Just don't allow it if he gets too nippy; set him down and when he is good hold him and praise his behavior and even offer treats so he knows that this behavior is acceptable to you.
As for him flapping his wings and squawking, that is just normal bird behavior
They flap their wings to exercise/stretch and squawk to talk or call out. Hope this helps some. -Misty
-
Michelle
Sleeping
Thank you for your reply. Every bit of information will help. I did have two more questions. My IRN sleeps in the corner on the cage. The first two nights I had him, he did sleep on the water bowl, but the last two weeks, he has slept in the corner at the top of the cage. I will take him and put him on his perch, but he goes right back to the corner. Is this normal? Also, he does not like water. How should I get him to take a bath and how often should I do this? Thanks again, Michelle
-
Misty_Anikin
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:32 am
- Location: Rialto, CA
- Contact:
Hello Michelle,
Great to hear back from you! My IRN sleeps in the corner as well, it's his favorite spot in his cage when he sleeps. There is nothing wrong with him not sleeping on his perch; I think that they just feel more secure at the highest spot they can get too...after all it's natural for them to want to be as high up.
Taking a bath; my bird took a while to play in the water too. I thought he was just one of those birds who didn't care for it but one day he started playing in the water and from then on he loves it. He only takes baths on his terms though. I offer him a bowl of water, turn on the sink, or take him in the shower...if he takes a bath great but if not i just wait till the next time he bugs to get in the water. I think a good call is at least a couple times a week. This does not mean you have to soak your bird! Just gently spay him with a water bottle a few times and that is just as good as a bath. Try to offer him different ways and different times of the day to bathe and he might do it on his own. My bird likes to bathe during the oddest hours of the day! Anyway, hope this helps.
Great to hear back from you! My IRN sleeps in the corner as well, it's his favorite spot in his cage when he sleeps. There is nothing wrong with him not sleeping on his perch; I think that they just feel more secure at the highest spot they can get too...after all it's natural for them to want to be as high up.
Taking a bath; my bird took a while to play in the water too. I thought he was just one of those birds who didn't care for it but one day he started playing in the water and from then on he loves it. He only takes baths on his terms though. I offer him a bowl of water, turn on the sink, or take him in the shower...if he takes a bath great but if not i just wait till the next time he bugs to get in the water. I think a good call is at least a couple times a week. This does not mean you have to soak your bird! Just gently spay him with a water bottle a few times and that is just as good as a bath. Try to offer him different ways and different times of the day to bathe and he might do it on his own. My bird likes to bathe during the oddest hours of the day! Anyway, hope this helps.
-Misty