How to Keep Your Quaker From Biting Your Finger

Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are native to temperate regions in South America, but humans have created feral populations in North America and Europe as well. Quaker parrots live for 20 to 30 years and grow to 11 to 13 inches in length. They have bright green plumage covering their backs and tails, with gray underbellies and faces. They are bright, mischievous birds known for their talkativeness, but because they are territorial and somewhat aggressive, they also tend to bite.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood, toys, fruits, vegetables
  • Sticks
  • Towel
  • Cage
  • Food
Show More

Instructions

  1. Preventing Biting

    • 1

      Teach young birds that biting is not allowed by saying "no" in a calm voice if they nibble on your fingers. Offer them pieces of wood, toys, fruit or vegetables that they can bite instead.

    • 2

      Train young Quaker parrots to follow basic commands and behaviors. Teach the bird to step up onto objects like sticks and fingers to make it easier to move the parrot around and remove it from its cage. Start wrapping the parrot gently in a towel and walk around with it. Continue this behavior throughout adulthood so that you can use it when taking the Quaker parrot to the veterinarian. Wrapping the bird will keep it relaxed and prevent it from biting.

    • 3

      Leave the Quaker parrot alone when it shows signs that it does not want to be bothered. Do not try to take the Quaker from its cage if it fluffs its feathers, lunges or moves away. The bird will bite to inform you that it does not want to be bothered. Do not try to interact with the bird if it is sleeping, because it might become startled and bite in response.

    • 4

      Take steps to prevent the Quaker from feeling that its territory is being invaded. Remove the Quaker from its cage before cleaning its cage, because it will chase and bite your hands if you allow it to remain in the cage while cleaning. Do not try to interact with the bird when it is eating or change its food when the bird is in the cage, because Quakers are especially territorial about their food.

    When a Quaker Parrot Bites

    • 5

      Blow in the bird's face and say "no" in a firm, calm voice. This will teach the Quaker parrot that you do not like it when it bites. React calmly to the bite; dramatizing the pain will encourage the parrot to bite again, because many parrots enjoy the realization that they can make their owners jump or scream.

    • 6

      Give the Quaker parrot a time out. Place it in its cage and ignore it for a while. Cover the cage if the bird is acting especially aggressive or overwhelmed. Interact normally with the bird again after the time out is over. Praise it and give it treats if it behaves well.

    • 7

      Allow multiple people to hold the Quaker parrot if it is bonded to one person and acts aggressively toward others. Each person should speak calmly to the parrot, ask it to step onto his finger and praise the bird when it does so.