Owning a bird comes with the possibility of experiencing bites, and it’s important to be prepared to understand why they do that. Image: bigworldinalens/PEXELS
Why is your bird biting you?
Although not all pet birds bite, there is a notable distinction between a playful nibble and an aggressive bite.
Owning a bird comes with the possibility of experiencing bites, and it’s important to be prepared to understand why they do that. Image: bigworldinalens/PEXELS
A bird’s beak is a strong and versatile tool. Although not all pet birds bite, there is a notable distinction between a playful nibble and an aggressive bite.
Birds are naturally inclined to use their beaks for various activities such as chewing food, climbing cages, and breaking open hard objects.
It can be disheartening when our pet birds display aggressive behavior, especially when we’re unsure of the underlying cause.
However, owning a bird comes with the possibility of experiencing bites, and it’s important to be prepared to understand why they do that.
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1. Wanting control
Bird groups, including pet birds, typically establish a pecking order within their social dynamics.
Biting is a common behavior used by birds to defend their territories and assert their status.
In the pet bird context, their territory usually includes their cage or the human they are bonded to.
Some birds learn that biting can yield desired outcomes, such as observing the reaction of the person in pain or being returned to their cage.
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2. Health issues
Birds, like humans, can experience illnesses and health issues.
When a pet bird is feeling unwell, they may resort to biting as a way to communicate their discomfort.
However, it is crucial to have any changes in your bird’s behavior assessed by a veterinarian.
Consulting a veterinarian is necessary to rule out any underlying serious illnesses or diseases that could be causing the change in behavior.
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3. Playful behaviour
During play sessions, it is not unusual for birds to occasionally bite, especially when they become overly excited.
Pay attention to your bird’s behavior and body language during play and stop if they seem overwhelmed or too energetic.
It’s important to be aware of your bird’s limits and avoid situations that could lead to discomfort or excessive excitement.
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4. Fear
Birds often bite when they feel scared or fearful.
Lack of socialization during their early stages or past mistreatment can contribute to fear-based biting.
Even well-socialized birds can sometimes become frightened.
Building trust and showing your bird that they are safe is crucial in preventing biting behavior.
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This article was compiled with the help of Artificial Intelligence
