How to Stop Your Pet Bird from Biting Your Fingers

Birds use their beaks for everything. They eat, move objects, and crack seeds, nuts, and tree bark. They also use their beaks to grip branches and pull themselves up, and when danger arises, they attack with their beaks to protect themselves. However, people tend to mistakenly assume that any threatening gesture their pet bird makes with its beak is an attempt to bite.

Birds rarely bite unless there is a good reason. However, a bird that is afraid of human hands may bite a finger. For example, if you try to touch the head of a young bird that is not yet comfortable with you, it will bite your finger. To teach a bird not to bite your hand, first place it on your palm and show it your hand so that it learns the hand is not a threat. Rather than suddenly touching its head, touch beneath its legs or belly where it can see your hand.

When calling a bird and asking it to step onto your hand, use a short, clear word. Even if the bird gently grips your hand with its beak to climb on, take care not to become startled and jerk your hand away. A sudden large movement may frighten the bird and make it perceive your hand as an aggressive object. Imagine an object as large as you suddenly making a loud noise or moving. Wouldn't that be frightening?

For a bird that is extremely afraid of being touched by a hand, it is better to use a stick. Once the bird learns to step onto the stick, it will gradually become accustomed to the hand as well.