How to Get a Biting Bird to Let Go

Some birds have phenomenally strong beaks and once they have a grip of something, it is not going to be easy to make them let go. If that something happens to be you, the experience is going to be painful as well as frustrating, but don̵7;t just yank the bird away. This might hurt him, cause more pain to you and reinforce the reasons he bit in the first place. Instead, take a softer approach. Once you are free of the bird, try to figure out why he̵7;s biting at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Disinfectant
  • Bandages
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tell your bird to let go in a relatively quiet voice. You might feel like shouting or even screaming, but this is not going to help. A squeak of pain might, depending on how well the bird understands humans, but don̵7;t overdo it.

    • 2

      Move toward something he̵7;s used to climbing on, such as his cage or familiar furniture. If you̵7;re lucky, he might release you and climb onto the furniture at this point.

    • 3

      Pick up a toy or treat with a free hand and wave it around to distract him.

    • 4

      Push the body part he̵7;s gripping toward him. This forces his head into an uncomfortable position and he̵7;ll probably let go.

    • 5

      Pull open his beak with your free hand if he̵7;s still biting. As a last resort, pull him off, using both hands if possible. Recruit a family member to help if he̵7;s a strong bird.

    • 6

      Return the bird to his cage and leave him to calm down for a while.

    • 7

      Disinfect and dress any resulting scrapes. Bird beaks may carry a multitude of germs, some of which can cause infection.