How to train an adopted bird that bites and won't leave my shoulder?

Thanks for reaching out about Coco and including photos. First, don't let him to your shoulder as the dominant bird is often highest in the tree. Allow to come out of the cage with the use of a perch or stick. Keep the distal end higher than your hand to prevent climbing up the stick to you. This all revolves around proper training and a good book might help. Try "A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot". Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky. Despite what many people may think, birds are not supposed to bite readily. They come to learn to bite when the other forms of their body language are not seen/listened to by others, including owners (and veterinarians!). I would recommend looking at Sky's body language and your actions in situations - both before she tries to bite and when she is trying to bite. You may see that Sky tries to move away, or leans away, prior to trying to bite. It may be that Sky has not had any good or non-frightening experiences with humans yet so she doesn't know how friendly you are trying to be. I would recommend moving very slowly, and using food items that Sky likes to eat to help start to form a bond with her. When you start to move towards Sky, and there are no signs of avoidance (see above), then she gets a treat that she really likes. If she shows any signs of avoidance, then you just move away - you leaving may be her reward, and that is okay because you haven't pushed her so much that she feels like she needs to be desperate enough to bite. For training, you may want to start by asking her to step up using a stick or wooden dowel instead of your finger. This will be more safe for you, and may be more comfortable for Sky initially as well. There are videos online that give training tips as well - I would recommend searching for positive reinforcement videos as these tend to be very successful for birds. I hope this gives you a place to start, and good luck with Sky!

If you've just adopted Arnie, I would give him some time to settle in and get used to his new surroundings before doing too much too fast. It may be that the stick, new environment, new people, new place, etc is a bit too much and so he is lashing out from fear and stress rather than aggression. Giving him some time to get used to his environment and interacting just by offering to pet him when he's calm, or giving treats/tossing treats every time you come by can help. Once he seems a bit more calm, introducing new things one at a time is best to prevent overwhelming him too much and causing him to lash out from stress. Parrots are much like toddlers- too much too fast is confusing and scary!

It will take patience and consistency (and maybe some Band-Aids), but it is possible to train even an aggressive parrot. The key is to work with her for short periods of time, multiple times a day. You'll need to start from scratch and get her acclimated to having you around. Begin by simply sitting near her cage for ever increasing periods of time. Move slowly and speak softly. End each session with a small treat. Make no attempt to touch or pet her during this period of acclimation. Once she is accepting of you near the cage, place your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. She may flutter, squawk and move to the far side of the cage at first. She may also bluff and feign attack. Again, make no attempt to touch or pet her. Reward her as she progresses. Eventually, you may be able to get her to allow you to pet her. Always approach with your hand from below eye level, not above her head which can be threatening. Offer treats from an open palm. Once she is taking food regularly, try the perch command, place two fingers out and gently press against her chest while saying "step up" or "perch". Reward her when she complies. Be patient and consistent.

The training of birds all revolves around comfort and security. Continue to train to step up on your finger for longer and longer periods of time. Observe your bird for when it tries to fly away and distract with treats or attention but then allow to step down, during your control. Clipping wings might aid in your training.

It may be a simple preference. Some pets, birds included, have their favorites. You can try to gain her trust gradually, but be prepared for rejection. Start by simply sitting by the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Progress to placing you hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Make no attempt to touch or hold her. End each session with a small reward or treat. Be patient and be consistent. If it makes you feel better, I have a parrot close to 30 years old that I have cared for since she was a chick. She will bite me any chance she gets. It's not just you.

It is possible he's a bit bored or anxious, and that's why he's continuing to bite you even with training. You can try offering him a treat or toy to put into his mouth while you handle him to give him a chance to bite down on that instead of nibbling on you! Keeping him on your arms away from your face or shoulders and away from perches where he can reach down and bite you may also help reduce it. If the behavior continues, talking to a local animal behaviorist near you may also help. It's also a good idea to rule out any health issues if the biting came on suddenly, or if you're noticing any other changes in behavior or health status.