How to Stop a Parrot from Biting

To understand how to stop a parrot from biting, we must first understand what causes a parrot to bite.

Causes

First off, parrots don't like being forced to do something that doesn't suit their fancy. Perhaps you want to take your parrot out of its cage, but it would rather stay inside. So it bites. Or your parrot is comfortably perched on your shoulder, and you try to put it back its cage. So it bites. When you try to force a parrot to do something against its wishes, it gets upset and strikes back.

Second, parrots are oftentimes protective of their owner. If somebody else enters the room, the parrot may attempt to bite them in hopes of 'protecting' you. If unable to reach the other person (most often the case), then the parrot may go berserk and bite you instead. You have involuntarily placed the parrot into an uncomfortable and frustrating position. And so, in retaliation, your parrot bites.

Third, do you realize that you may inadvertently be responsible for your parrot's biting? Suppose your parrot is on your shoulder and bites you. You smack it upside the head and place it back in its cage. Your parrot has just learned that biting you is an easy way to get back into its cage. Parrots like their cages. Think about it. A parrot's cage contains all of its belongings: water, food, toys, etc. Furthermore, some people try to distract their biting parrot with a treat. You are essentially rewarding your parrot for having bit you.

Remedies

Now that we know why your parrot bites, we need a method to stop this disruptive behavior. Obviously, the best option is to avoid placing your parrot in an uncomfortable situation. But truthfully, and realistically, this is impossible. This is equivalent to telling a man to never piss off a woman. It's just not going to happen! What you can do, though, is condition your parrot by punishing its inappropriate behavior.

If your parrot bites you or attempts to bite you, immediately drop it and let it tumble to the floor. Parrots do not like being trapped on a floor because it places them in a position of weakness. Floors are full of 'nasty' predators like dogs, cats, squirrels, and anything else that the parrot fears. Let your parrot 'chill' on the floor for several minutes, and then offer your hand so it can climb back up to safety. Don't worry; your parrot will not bite you. It is so happy to escape the floor that any previously held aggression has quick disintegrated. When your parrot finds its bearings again, be certain to praise it or give it a treat.

Conclusion

If you don't want your parrot to bite, then you need to take responsibility for its behavior. This entails acquiring sensitivity to its temperament. If your parrot starts fanning its tail, dilating its eyes, or tightening its feathers, then don't hesitate to drop it right away. Unless you take action, your parrot will never learn. It is one thing if it bites you, but a whole different matter it if bites a friend or a child.