Why do Parrots and other Pet Birds bite?

Parrots bite for the following major reasons!

Playing with Birds:

It is a hard wired, or instinctive behavior for Parrots to inspect a person's finger or other body part with their strong beak. This is the way nature provides information to the youthful bird about its environment. It is the responsibility of the owner to tell the bird just how hard it is permitted to "examine" fingers and other stuff. A loud and sharp "NO" is similar in effect to the vocalization that an adult Parrots would use in the wild to communicate to a youngster that it has exceeded its bounds.

Territorial Aggression:

Parrots instinctively defend territories both in the wild and in captivity. In the wild a Parrots bonds with one individual and will defend their nesting territory from intruders. Captive Parrots also bond with one individual and protect a territory from intruders. They can easily learn that biting is the only, or at least the best, way to drive human intruders away from their territory.

Fear Aggression:

As mentioned earlier, many Parrots have bitten out of fear of a human forcing himself or herself on the nervous bird. This is also an instinctive reaction that is closely associated with survival. If the bird were in the wild it would simply fly away. However, most captive Birds are denied the ability to escape and are left with biting as their last resort.

Learned Aggression:

Some Parrots learn to bite for a desired response. This learned aggression is displayed in many ways. One bird could learn that a light bite to the arm of its owner when he or she is eating a donut may result in a piece of the tasty treat being offered to stop the annoying nibbling.
A different Bird may learn that a bite to the finger will cause a person to leave it alone on top of the cage or on a person's shoulder, even if it is for just long enough for the person to go get a dowel or perch to pick the Bird up with. Once a Parrots bites a person for the first time, it may be on its way to learning that this is a valid way to communicate with humans. Any behavior that is reinforced is likely to be repeated.

To avoid being bitten, start by developing a positive relationship with the bird. Try to avoid forcing the bird to do anything it doesn't want to do. This is a very complicated concept for many Parrots owners to understand, mainly when the information available to Pet Bird owners suggests dominating the Bird. Plus, many humans have a fairly good reinforcement history associated with dominating other animals, such as dogs, and even other humans. It is a communication strategy that seems, at least to them, to work fairly well. Going against this natural tendency and working to establish a relationship with the bird that is built on positive interactions is the first step toward a partner relationship with a Parrots.

Next, the bird owner should develop sensitivities to the bird's communication. He or she should learn how to read its body language and listen to what it tells them. Then, they should care about what it says and allow the Bird to be a companion in the relationship instead of an thing. They must learn to ask the Bird to do things and avoid telling it. After all, rarely does anything, except a predator, ever force a Parrots in the wild to do something it doesn't want to do.

One more thing that will enhance a Parrots owner's relationship with their Parrots:

Taking responsibility for each time the bird bites them. Parrots owners should understand that biting is unnatural for a Parrots, and it is something that they have either forced it to do or trained it to do. When they accept this responsibility they will begin to see that their scars are symbols of insensitivity and not badges of courage. They will also begin to lay the basis for a satisfying partnership with their companion Bird.

Author: Zevs Borealis
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