Michael wrote:The Senegal Parrot biting tends to be more related to territory, jealousy, rivalry, displaced, and just bullying. Senegals can bite out of fear but they seem to be more fearless than Greys so it's less the issue. They're really bold so they are less likely to be driven by fear. Instead, they can be driven by aggression and intentionally pick fights. For some people this is less tolerable, for others (like me) it is more tolerable. I would rather work on reducing rivalry, desensitizing toward territory, and socializing than waiting for weeks for the bird to stop being afraid of something. To me, the fear bite is more unexpected than the jealousy/territory bite because I have no idea what crazy new idea the bird gets to be afraid of.
As for Senegals bullying owners, this is probably the more common/serious problem. This requires a certain balance of fearlessness but without cockiness. Like you need to be tough but at the same time not overbearing. You can't back down or be affected by fear, but you can't piss them off or trigger fear/aggression either. It's a certain balance but it seems that once you get it, it's the key to this species. I've been able to handle loads of Senegals without getting bit with pretty much the same approach.
This information is very helpful. So she hasn't angrily/intentionally bit me since the first week I had her. She bit the crap out of me numerous times the first week, and terrified me but I decided to man up and pretend it didn't phase me and she hasn't done it since. *knock on wood*
HOWEVER, this seems to be a thing for her. She was acting fine with my mom and then wham! a bite (after happily stepping up and chirping cheerfully and having hung out with her once before). It's like she's testing people. To me it seems the only thing to do is just continue on as though she isn't going to bite and earn your brass. The problem is no one wants to touch her or be with her after they've had her rather horrendous bite....(it took me some time to boost my confidence) How can I socialize her and get her to stop biting when she doesn't ever try it with me anymore?
She also bit my boyfriend in the face, which sadly was primarily my fault for even allowing a situation where that could happen. Needless to say people aren't too pleased with her. I am praying I can find some bird adorers around here who I can bribe with cookies to socialize her. Any other ideas though?
