So, why is your parrot nibbling your fingers or ears? It's simply because they are curious. They are playing and discovering new things. However, young parrots may not realize the strength of their beaks and may nibble on you too hard.
Birds like to bite their owner's lips because it is similar to beaks in birds. Birds can use their beaks to nibble, bite, and nip at their owner's mouths to express affection, express desire to bond, show territorial dominance, express being stressed, and even express their desire to be fed.
Biting is not an arbitrary behavior. Parrots make a choice to bite - or not. Your parrot is trying to express something and is using his biting as a means of communication and control. Sometimes hormones kick in seasonally to contribute to a bit of "edginess" in birds.
25 Signs That A Parrot Likes You
- They cuddle with you.
- They preen themselves.
- They groom you.
- They flap their wings.
- They flap their tail.
- They have a relaxed body posture.
- They bow their head.
- Their pupils dilate.
Biting. Your pet bird will give you a real bit if they feel frightened, anxious, or vulnerable. Chances are they don't mean to display aggressive behavior, but rather just an act of self-defense. You can distinguish a real bite from beaking behavior since the bite will likely be quick and hard.
Chances are that your bird is not trying to be aggressive, as biting is not a dominance behavior in birds. Biting among wild birds is usually only an act of self-defense, and not a "pecking order" signal nor any type of punishment or social correction. The true bite is often lightning-quick and quite hard.
Do Parrots Like To Be Petted? Parrots enjoy petting once a bond of trust has been established. Parrots are very defensive of their space. Whether they're a love bird, macaw, African grey, or an Amazon parrot, most birds won't accept handling from strangers.
Can Budgies Detect Sadness? Budgies can detect if you're sad or experiencing grief. According to Scientific American, birds can read your emotions by observing your facial expressions. Your pet budgie can quickly detect that you're sad from mere glimpses of your face.
Showing Affection and Trust
Outside of the mating season, nibbling can be a sign of affection. If the nibble is gentle and non-painful, it's likely a form of kissing or preening. Budgies only do this with other budgies they trust, and this behavior carries over to their owners.
The Avian Welfare Coalition informs us that parrots can become jealous especially with visitors and other pets. An overly jealous parrot isn't fun to be around.
Preening is a way for birds to maintain the quality and hygiene of their feathers. Sometimes, a parrot will use these same techniques on its human's head hair or facial hair. If your bird does this to you, know that it is a loving gesture. Your bird is grooming you as it would groom itself.
Many birds may bite when they are feeling playful and are over-stimulated. Amazons and Cockatoos are especially prone to “overload” behavior. Know your bird's body language and avoid trying to handle a bird that is obviously excited.
Most parrots also don't mind being touched on the feet. Touching your parrot anywhere below the neck is not recommended and can lead to frustration on behalf of your parrot.
Wings. Your bird may move his wings to stretch or get exercise, but he also may be telling you something. Wing flapping generally means a bird is either seeking attention or displaying happiness. If your bird is flipping his wings, it often means he is upset by something.
Sitting on your shoulder, however, should be considered a privilege for your bird, not just another perch. If you choose to shoulder your pet bird, properly train it to step off at your request. Allowing your parrot to perch on your shoulder could create serious trouble in the future.
If your parakeet or parrot wiggles its beak in your presence, it is a sign of affection. When a bird squeaks its beak (moves it side to side and vice versa, like humans grinding their teeth), it's another sign that it likes you.
Many parrots are afraid of the dark. Cockatiels are especially prone to night frights. Night frights are when your bird flaps and flails inside and around its cage. When this happens, immediately turn on a soft light and speak to your bird softly until he calms down and goes back to his perch.
Never sleep with your parrot because you could suffocate or injure the bird, resulting in broken bones or punctured organs. Parrots require 10-12 hours of sleep each night, and taking a nap with your bird can throw its sleeping patterns out of sync.
Take Caution. While you're managing your biting bird, be cautious. Bites aren't only painful, but they can also be severe. While rare, parrot owners have lost eyes, fingers, and toes to their pet birds, while others have sustained traumatic injuries to their lips, ears, and noses.
Orient your hands so that the easiest way for the parrot to reach the treat is by stepping up onto the offered perch. If your bird does not immediately step up, reward any contact with the offered perch at first, and incrementally reward only the desired step-up behavior.