Another question about biting

[jetanlori]

I just read the entire thread about biting and I have another question. I know that all birds can and probably will bite but are love birds in general known for this type of behavior. Somone posted under the biting topic that this was the reason she was getting away for lovebirds.

[jetanlori]

And I quote from someone named Carmela, "This is why I am getting out of Lovebirds. I hand fed two Luvs and spent alot of time and effort to socialize them and I can't handle the biting. I have Cockatiels and even if I don't handle them every day...like breeders, I can still pick them up and no biting. They seem really mean with each other too. Wow lots of luck to all of you."
this was posted under "biter not so anonymous" "all of a sudden hard biting"

[butterfly1061]

When I was doing research on lovebirds, what I found most often talked about was how they "bonded". I didn't hear too much about biting. All pets can bite, weather it's a cat or dog or bird, etc... What I've learned most about them biting is that it usually means they want/need something. It's their way of communicating. My brother has a Blue & Gold macaw and at 1 yr old he is still considered a baby and will be for about another 2 yrs. He bites too when he's trying to tell you something. It's just communication. :)

[jetanlori]

See all my research has been how my sweet little lovie has changed and is now a monster. I refuse to beleive it though and that's why I want to hear experiences from those people that have not found that to be true. Obviously all animals can bite but it seems that birds bite at some times for what seems like no reason and it's a lot harder bite. I have a puppy and she will bite but it doesn't hurt and she stops if I yell. She doesn't view it as a game and the biting doesn't break the skin. I have had birds that I was holding and petting and then all of a sudden, "chomp" and they don't let go

[Mummieeva]

Most birds will do opposite if you yell. They might do it for the reaction. Have not seen or heard from Carmela to be updated on her situation. But she had alot of lovies at once so not sure the whole situation. I have a biter who has gotten alot better. When they are around 6 months they go through terrible 2's just like kids and test mom and dad greatly. This board is a great places and even if bird does bite. There is alot of advice to help.


Steph

[Janie]

And I quote from someone named Carmela

Yep, that was someone who did come to this forum for a short time. She/he did nothing but complain about lovebirds....odd, don't you think? This is a lovebird forum. Personally, I never thought this person was for real, as in really a lovebird person. Anyway, I think lovebirds get a lot of bad press. My favorite bird speciality store says the same thing...they are bitey and wild. Well, they get a bunch in, stick several in a single cage, do not interact with them and then don't know why they turned wild. Their larger parrots are alone in a cage with daily attention. Probably because their $ value is so much higher than a lovebird. Again, even a hand raised/socialized bird will revert if left alone long enough. Daily interaction and attention (and LOVE) are a must in keeping them tame and gaining their trust. I talk a good talk about wishing I had other species but my favorite parrot, by far, is a lovebird! :D

[Buy A Paper Doll]

My birds go through phases of bitey-ness from time to time. My experience has been that extended periods of bitey-ness is due to either hormones or molting. Example: Right now, my Milo is molting. He's itchy and irritable, so he wants to express his frustration by trying to rip my fingernails off. When the molt stops, he'll go back to being his normal sweet self.