Baby pionus sometimes bites hard. Advice?

[n0lan_i]

Good afternoon everyone,
I am a recent and proud owner of a white capped pionus baby named Jiminy. He is about 7-8 months old and is overall a wonderful companion. We love him deeply!

Recently, he has started to get nippier than usual. He bit my partner in the lip unexpectedly about a month ago, and as of today, did the same thing to me. He has only drawn blood once. He is usually incredibly sweet, quiet and is happy to be interacting with us and even strangers.

We do not encourage bad behavior and walk away the moment he shows disinterest in being held or touched. He usually warns us when he doesn't want to be touched with squeaks and puffing of the head feathers. The moments where he has landed the bites were moments he seemingly did not give us warnings.

We reward stepping up, and other good behaviors, with treats.

I recognize his warning signs and we do not tease him. The few, hard bites that he landed seem very spontaneous. I was shocked that he bit me today. I ask because I find it little unusual for a parrot so young. I've read all about the "terrible twos" and I'd assume he's simply too young to be hormonal, but I could be wrong?

Sometimes I think he's unaware of his own behavior. There have been moments where he warns us with a squeak/lunge, I walk away, and he immediately calls for me and "steps up" without any second thoughts and is happy to perch on my shoulder. It's almost as if he's confused by his own actions.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice you have. Thank you for your time!

 

[orphansparrow]

I know someone here will be able to help you better, but just wanted to say, I relate! My boy, who I've had for 16 years and I understand his signs well (or so I think) bit me today on the neck, with no warning that I could see, and left a giant welt. The rest of your post sounds just like my Duckie.

 

[n0lan_i]

I know someone here will be able to help you better, but just wanted to say, I relate! My boy, who I've had for 16 years and I understand his signs well (or so I think) bit me today on the neck, with no warning that I could see, and left a giant welt. The rest of your post sounds just like my Duckie.

Thank you for your response! Must be something in the air today. I'm glad to hear that it's not abnormal behavior, though am sorry to hear Duckie gave you a good chomp. May I ask what kind of pionus Duckie is?

 

[orphansparrow]

Oh I’m sorry. Duckie is a Green Cheek Conure, not a Pionus. I didn’t see that you posted in the Pionus group. Thought it was in general.

 

[Shannan]

With our Conure we noticed that like a child, it took him some time to learn how to control his beak so many times he would nibble a little too hard but it was not on purpose. He is a year old and he is greatly improved. Others will likely pop up with some great suggestions. I'm excited for you. I have never met a pionus but I am intrigued by them.

 

[n0lan_i]

Oh I’m sorry. Duckie is a Green Cheek Conure, not a Pionus. I didn’t see that you posted in the Pionus group. Thought it was in general.

No need to apologize! Appreciate you sharing regardless. I was initially looking into a green cheek before making my final decision. Glad to hear you've had 16 wonderful years with him.

 

[n0lan_i]

With our Conure we noticed that like a child, it took him some time to learn how to control his beak so many times he would nibble a little too hard but it was not on purpose. He is a year old and he is greatly improved. Others will likely pop up with some great suggestions. I'm excited for you. I have never met a pionus but I am intrigued by them.

Thank you for sharing! You reminded me of another detail I did not mention. Jiminy loves to finger fight, and generally shows restraint. This is all the more reason I get surprised when he goes for a painful chomp. Glad to hear your conure has greatly improved with age, and am hoping my guy will mellow out too!

Appreciate your kind words. Despite my post, Jiminy has been such a wonderful companion. I did a ton of research before making the commitment, and was at the right place at the right time when I decided to get a parrot. Everything pretty much checks out, except he is a lot spunkier than I was anticipating! I I hope your conure brings you the same joy!

 

[orphansparrow]

I’m curious to what you mean by “finger fight”?
If you mean, play fight with your fingers, I’m pretty sure that should be discouraged. I used to volunteer at a rescue long ago and one thing the woman there taught me was to never “tease” or “play” with your fingers. That’s what objects and toys are for. It just leads to confusion around what’s to be expected from them in regards to your body and what they’re allowed to do. The way to teach them to not bite is to never let it happen. Even soft ones. I know, easier said than done, but that’s the goal.

Also, I can’t wait for you to post some pictures! I’ve also never met a Pionus!