Pablo's biting :(

[Jack]

Pablo, my rainbow lorikeet has started to bite.
He began just 'nibbling' at first but now its started to get really hard, but its more like a nip than a full on bite. Hes almost 12 weeks, is it something thats common at this age? Or is it because of the breeding season? That be said he's not sexually mature so i wouldnt think it would be that. Is there anything at all that i can do before it progresses into a harder bite?
Thanks

[Jack]

I just noticed thats its only females he is biting? Could this mean that he is actually a she and is 'protecting' me?

[avinet]

Nov 24, 2011 21:03:23 GMT 10 Jack said:

I just noticed thats its only females he is biting? Could this mean that he is actually a she and is 'protecting' me?

It could be but he is a bit young to be developing sexual orientated behaviour. Many babies go through a bit of a terrible teens stage of development, and with Rainbows it is a bit more noticeable since their beak is so sharp and painful

It is important to take steps to get on top of the problem - have you had a look at the Barbara Heidenreich books and DVD's. www.goodbirdinc.com/parrot-behavior-problems.html#2

Her stuff is really good, and is available in Australia through the Australian Birdkeeper web site.

I have always found Lorikeets a difficult bird to understand when it comes to behavioural issues, maybe one reason I have never wanted to keep a rainbow, so I'm hesitant to make suggestions. It is really a bird you need to see first hand to make any useful comments - but the Barbara books will be really useful especially the aggressive behavioural one. birdkeeper.com.au/bird-behaviour-products/parrot-problem-solver-finding-solutions-to-aggressive-behaviour as well as the first of her books, birdkeeper.com.au/bird-behaviour-products/good-bird

cheers,

Mike