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I have recently boughten a two year old IRN, I also have a nine month old Caique. We are the fourth owner for Lola (IRN) and I don't think she was treated very nicely. We've only had her for two weeks and been able to make alot of progress, however, she is very cage aggressive. She tries to to bite me even when I change her food and water. Also I can sometimes get her to step up and down... but there are times when she steps up she decides to bite me, the same when I'm just petting her. How do I get past this with her?

Hi Lola,

It seems that your bird was hand tamed before. But if she is not handled after that she must have got out of the habit. The best thing is to let her have some time out of cage daily and when she is out do the cleaning part and things. But please close all the windows and make the room bird safe.

Once she starts coming out and exploring your house, simultaneously you start giving her treats from your hands and try to handle her as much as possible. Very soon your bird will understand that your hand is not a threat and then she will start behaving herself.

But dont expect all this to happen in a day. It will takes many many days and a lot of patience from your side. Hope that is helpful to you.

Subodh

I do keep her out of her cage for most of the day and she has gotten alot more gentle when I give her treats by hand. Thank you for your help

Most welcome.

Subodh

Just when I thought we were making progress... We've taken two steps back will she ever come around? I know it takes time and patience and I've only had her for two weeks. It just makes me so sad when she seems to regress.

Just try to be patient.

-MissK

Hi lola,

Can you please describe exactly what has happened???

Subodh

Thats very true Missk. I never really thought about it. I'm just finding Lola to be one of the most difficult birds I have ever encountered lol. But than again its a learning process for the both of us as I am pretty sure she hasn't had anyone that wanted to really interact with her. I just found it heartbreaking that she started to nip and peck at me for no appeartent reason. We were just sitting on the couch and she was on my shoulder. Oh well... just gotta be patient and hope it'll get better.

You'll get there!

-MissK

lolagirl wrote:Thats very true Missk. I never really thought about it. I'm just finding Lola to be one of the most difficult birds I have ever encountered lol. But than again its a learning process for the both of us as I am pretty sure she hasn't had anyone that wanted to really interact with her. I just found it heartbreaking that she started to nip and peck at me for no appeartent reason. We were just sitting on the couch and she was on my shoulder. Oh well... just gotta be patient and hope it'll get better.

For no reason that you could see. It is important to keep this in mind, that we do not always know what is triggering a behaviour. Also, sometimes a little nip means "I don't want to do this anymore" or "I don't want to be touched right now". Sometimes it can be circumstantial. For instance, Hane does not want his field of vision interrupted if someone else is walking around within his sight or making large movements, so he will nip at me if I try to pet him in a way that blocks his view. Sometimes birds are just moody and don't want to be messed with.

We can unknowingly escalate behaviours we do not like when it comes to handling our birds. Consider an example: Bird uses beak to nip gently when he doesn't want to be handled. Owner ignores and presses the bird to step-up anyway. Bird bites harder. Owner yells and goes away. Bird has learned that it has to bite hard to get owner to go away. If the owner had been willing to accept that the bird might have his own ideas about being handled, the bite would not have happened and the bird would learn that it only has to nip gently to say 'no'.

If we learn to respect out birds as creatures having their own will then we can begin to recognise the often subtle signs of what they do or do not want.

Some signs are very, very obvious. Like the "I want your food" one where they hover over you, try to sweet talk you, and don't leave you alone.

I totally get what all of you are saying. This isn't my first bird. I am just finding it to be confusing because she chirps and whistles when I talk to her and when I am petting her... Then she'll lunge/nip at my fingers or hand but she will continue to chirp and whistle like she was before. I am slowly getting the hang of her moods but I'm just confused as to what I am doing wrong.

Good luck
-MissK

I am by no means an expert. Three months total bird ownership experience, actually.

However, in this limited time frame, I saw a huge improvement in trust and behaviour between my one-year old Berry and her new flock.

One pattern that I noticed was that those sudden lunge/nips were usually followed by a great big poop dump!
That explained a LOT. I would start timing 15 minute intervals and set her down over some paper or her perch BEFORE she got nippy and that was that!

Sweetest, cuddliest IRN ever! I love her. Give it some time and be observant!

Ya I think I maybe causing it. I am pretty nervous when I go to pet her and I am trying to get better at it. I'm trying not to pull away. I totally think she's feeding off of my body signals and I am just stressing her. I'm gonna try some more with her but also try to give her space. Thanks guys for your help. Ill keep you posted

Hi Lola,

Patience is the key and be observant.

Subodh

Well done!"

-MissK

Well, Lola and I have had an amazing last four days! She hasn't bitten me at all! Now don't get me wrong though, she has tried but I tell her no and leave her be for alittle while and come back to try again; and was successful! The only thing though is I can't get her off of her cage, but my husband can get her down for me. Now heres my newest question.... Are IRNs one people birds or can theybond to more than one person?

Hi Lola,

Yes they tend to bond to one person normally, but if you socialise them properly they get along with other family members as well. My alex seems to be bonded to me. But he is the happiest when my son is around though there is never physical contact between them.

Subodh