Mixed Messages: Friendly Budgie Bites!

[BirdLady]

My new budgie, Grashak, recently started stepping up on my finger and quickly graduated to hanging out on my arm and hopping onto my shoulder. He seems happy to be there: his body language is relaxed and friendly and he chirps and sings while I speak to him. While on my arm and shoulder, he is *very* keen to get close to my face and keeps stretching his neck in its direction. When I bring my face close to him, however, he bites me hard, all the while chirping and continuing to display friendly body language! SIlly billy! What am I to make of these mixed messages? 😅

[Loz]

It's nothing personal, Grashak doesn't know he's hurting you

I wouldn't let him bite your face though. It might become an ingrained habit if it goes on and you don't want that

[Azalea]

As Loz said, your bird probably doesn't mean to hurt you when doing that. Two of my Cockatiels do something similar. One of my Budgies, Willow, sometimes pecks/nips my hands and arms too hard, probably looking for millet pieces.

[Hezz]

I’m guessing he is still a young bird? He will still be learning that biting skin is different to preening feathers. You can help him learn. Firstly don’t allow him near your face. If you want to go there, that can happen later. For now limit his attention to your arms and hands, tell him “gently” when he looks about to start nipping, and interrupt him when he does before painful, praise the next gentle exploration. Make an outraged noise when he does bite hard - I find the most effective is something close to the noise they make at each other when one has stepped out of line.

[BirdLady]

Thank you for your responses! I like the suggestion to imitate their own annoyed noises when they step over the line. I’ll be squawking the next time he bites me and cooing if he tickles!