How to Approach Biting Birds

Bird bite out of fear, aggression or playfulness, but no matter why a bird is biting, it is behavior that needs to be halted. If a bird is biting out of playfulness, a loud firm "no" is enough to dissuade it, but if the bird is biting out of fear or aggression, take further steps to prevent this behavior. Approaching a biting bird requires some time and effort, but with time and patience, this behavior can be restricted and eliminated.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set a schedule. Birds are highly routine-oriented animals and when they know when you are coming to visit them in their cage every day, they can expect it and even look forward to it. If your visits are more erratic, they tend to be more nervous.

    • 2

      Make eye contact with the bird, bringing your hand slowly up to the bird from below and say "step up."

    • 3

      Hold an unfamiliar small object up to the bird if it looks like it is getting ready to bite, presenting it just beyond the reach of the bird's beak. The bird's attention fastens on the object rather than biting you, and even if the bird bites, it will bite the object. Use a small toy or wood block for this purpose.

    • 4

      Encourage the bird to step onto your finger by resuming eye contact and leaving your hand there. The approach of your hand is what can trigger a fearful or aggressive bird to bite, and since the bird has been distracted away from its approach, it regards your hand in a friendlier manner.