Not 100% sure what is normal mouthing behavior

[Nanajennie]

I have a good handle on the toy issue now... Now I need help with what is acceptable for her to nibble on with me.

Sometimes she wants to just lightly nibble a freckle or an age spot and she stops.... other times she wants to pull on my aging skin to pull her self up. other times she is just nibbling, but not hurting me, and it makes me worry that she will eventually learn to bite me and others

I always stop her, and I am curious, if there is a difference between just getting a sense amd biting

[EyesofFreedom]

dare I ask what the frack is nibbling you???

[fhgwgads]

EyesofFreedom LOL Will... she has a new little conure.. but the way you said that made me crack up!

[EyesofFreedom]

fhgwgads lol I figured someone would get the reference...

thanks for clearing that up... I was wondering if I needed to have a discussion with her

[Ginene]

Nanajennie
Jennie...you will KNOW when Coco is biting as opposed to grooming/getting-to-know-you nibbles. Her beak is strong enough to crack a walnut...so if she was biting, you would be bleeding or at least have beak marks.

[Nanajennie]

ROFL EyesofFreedom OMG that is hysterical! I have a Pineapple Green Cheek Conure! Where have you been?

@fhgwgads Ginene Hahahaha! I know how strong her beak is, I am in awe how she eats certain things, I just don't know if it is ok for her to nibble, you know, like dogs, if you let puppies nibble it can lead to biting.

OMG, still laughing at Will's comment!

[Ginene]

Nanajennie
Lol!!! He's a NUT!!! Gotta love him!!! I think for birds, "grooming behavior" is a form of affection. My parakeets use to groom me . But I guess you do have to be super careful with Coconut, or you can get really hurt. Hopefully, experienced hookbill people will help you.

[EyesofFreedom]

I must have missed the thread about the conure...

Yeah I am silly... I believe life is serious enough... if you can't have fun with what little time we have what's the point right?

[fhgwgads]

EyesofFreedom I certainly agree! You definitely add an element of lightheartedness and humor to the forum and it is much appreciated!! Lol

[EyesofFreedom]

EyesofFreedom I certainly agree! You definitely add an element of lightheartedness and humor to the forum and it is much appreciated!! Lol

Thanks... I appreciate that... especially right now

[fhgwgads]

EyesofFreedom you are very welcome! You don't have to thank me though, you are a much appreciated member of this forum!! Glad to have met you and do many others!!

[cindy]

Jennie, a lot of what hookbills do is explore with their beaks and mouth and tongue. The clue is to watch for signs of being upset and will often do what is called pinning of the eyes...they can cause their pupils to constrict, go very small.

Greys and larger birds it is more noticeable. It is a sure sign that if they intend to bite hard or lunge you can often she the pinning of the eye and know not to put your arm, face or hands near them, simply walk away and end their plan of attack.

So your bird does not go for skin you can wear a certain denim shirt that will allow her to grab onto the sleeve or shirt without contacting skin. I often were either a denim shirt or hoody for Rummy to have better hold of when he is climbing up my arm, it also prevents them from targeting little spots in the skin they want to explore...another very clever toy to make is a necklace out of plastic beads, plastic animal shapes and little blocks for them to manipulate while hanging out on you. It is good stimulation for their mind as well. Pieces can be bought though Foster and Smith.

[Ginene]

I often were either a denim shirt or hoody for Rummy to have better hold of when he is climbing up my arm, it also prevents them from targeting little spots in the skin they want to explore...another very clever toy to make is a necklace out of plastic beads, plastic animal shapes and little blocks for them to manipulate while hanging out on you.

Very smart ideas!!!

[cindy]

Forgot to add to the necklace add a few leather strips, tied in knots and let them him unknot it, it is good mind stimulation. Only use non-dyed, natural leather, bird safe...again Foster and Smith has a good assortment of fun toys and parts!

[Nanajennie]

cindy Once again, I thank you! you always come through for me Thank you so so much