Each year, many parrots are given away because they bite the humans they spend time with. Why do parrots develop the biting habit and what steps can be taken to prevent development of aggressive avian behavior?
Parrot biting can be triggered by the behavior of the humans the parrot spends time with. How humans interact with the bird plays a role in how the bird responds and ultimately whether it will develop undesirable and potentially dangerous biting behavior.
Actions That Teach Parrots to Bite
Both human and bird can misinterpret signals.
Beak Behavior Misinterpreted by Humans--A parrot uses its beak as an extension of itself, for any number of tasks. For example, in the wild, a bird would grab onto a branch with its beak, prior to stepping onto it. If a human presents a finger and tells the bird to step up, the parrot may respond by testing the "perch" first via beak to hand. If the human is afraid of receiving a bite and jerks the hand away, this reaction may actually trigger biting on the part of the parrot.
Understandably so. The bird may have simply been testing the finger prior to obediently stepping up, as instructed. The parrot has now been shown that the perch is unstable. The next time a finger is offered, the parrot may be cautious and use stronger measures to test/secure the perch prior to stepping up onto it.
"In Your Face" Behavior--Another behavior that can trigger parrot biting is the human who approaches a parrot and waves a finger in front of the bird's beak. This is asking for a bite because the parrot interprets this as threatening behavior. Any quick movement such as poking, pointing a finger or waving may be perceived by the bird as an invitation to fight. Often, a parrot will lunge in warning, and if this warning is ignored, will bite the offending finger, hand or arm.
When a Parrot Bites--Unintentional Reinforcement
A parrot bites. How humans respond will play a large part as to whether this is occasional behavior or behavior that becomes entrenched.
Laughter--Surprisingly, laughter can reinforce avian biting. Laughing when a baby parrot bites someone or attacks an object, unwittingly reinforces biting. The bird may enjoy the musical sound of laughter and view this as a reward. It will be motivated to seek this reward again. What will happen when the bird is fully mature and capable of truly injuring someone?
Yelling--The person who yells when receiving a bite may also reinforce undesirable avian behavior. A parrot may enjoy the response a bite provokes, enjoying the sheer drama that has ensued. Because a parrot is a dominant creature, this response teaches the bird that biting is an effective measure and can be used to control a "flock member."
Retaliation--A human might retaliate to a bite by thumping the parrot on its beak. This is never a good response. The initial bite may have been unintentional or an instinctive behavior on the bird's part. Striking back at the bird models aggressive behavior. Parrots have incredible retentive faculties and the action will be remembered and may trigger a bite when least expected.
Teaching a Parrot to Bite--Ignoring Clear Signals
Perceptive ownership means being attuned to the signals a parrot gives. Respecting a parrot's boundaries facilitates peaceful interaction.
Alone Time--Just like their human counterparts, parrots have times they would rather be left alone: they may be busy eating or preening; they may be sleepy or feel stressed. Respect for a companion parrot includes being sensitive to the signals it gives. Humans should never force a bird to act sociable when the bird demonstrates it does not wish to do so. Pushing the issue could provoke it to bite.
Nipping Biting in the Bud
Living with a companion parrot can be a wonderful experience but owners do well to guard against unintentional reinforcement of avian biting. Parrot biting should be nipped in the bud to ensure peaceful and safe coexistence.
Source:
Athan, Mattie Sue, Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot, Barron's Educational Series Inc. 1993
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Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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