Cockatiel biting fingers

[Sam Eades]

G'day

My Cockatiel Arky is getting along well. He is trusting me a lot more and
will climb on to my finger without too much hassles. Once he is there he is
very happy and he also like to sit on my shoulder. However, if I put my hand
anywhere near him, he will make a grunting sort of noise and attack my
finger. He doesn't bite hard, and when I put it under him he will perch on
it, but if I try to stroke him or scratch his belly, he goes to bite me.
Is it a warning, or a game? How can I stop him doing so?

Thanks in advance

--
Sam Eades
sea...@bigpond.net.au

[Alex Clayton]

If the bite is not painful your home free. Hands are always the hardest part
of training a bird. Move slowly, and just keep working with him. Don't reach
around from behind him, let him see your hands coming. Offer him treats
while you hold them, and just keep working with him. It takes time and
patience. Most birds use their beak and tongue to "feel" things to.
--
For E-mail remove the "ns"

"Sam Eades" <sea...@bigpond.net.au> wrote in message
news:kZXj7.1993$bY5....@news-server.bigpond.net.au...

[Xposé]

"Alex Clayton" <clay1...@drizzle.com> wrote:

> Most birds use their beak and tongue to "feel" things to.

Even when climbing onto a perch within easy reach, they often feel it
out and grab with their beaks first.

My Merlin is an exception to all the others I've owned, in that he
still hisses and nips EVERY time a hand goes out to fetch him. He was
skittish from birth and remains so seven years later, but thoroughly
enjoys the company of a warm shoulder and announces his annoyance if
ignored for too long. Nibbling on an earing keeps him occupied on ones
shoulder for hours, although he sometimes gets carried away.

Gavin