SM>Hi.  I have a cockatiel a cockatoo, a finch and a Green Cheeked Conure.
SM>SHe is about seven years old and a real sweetheart.  I have the same 
problem
SM>When I put my hand in the cage to feed her she bites me.  I have'nt been
SM>able
SM>to figure out why she does this either, and I have'nt figured out a way to
SM>break her of it.
Many birds bite hands that enter their cages because they think they
"own" the cage space, just as if it were their nesting hole in a tree.
What you need to do is practice making the bird come out and go in when
YOU want her to, not when SHE wants to. Start teaching the "step up"
command when the bird is NOT in the cage. Work with her daily until she
ALWAYS steps up when asked to. Then start working with her ON TOP of her
cage (close the door so she can't duck inside).
Once she will readily step onto your hand from the cage top, try it from
the cage door. Don't back away from any bites if possible--enforce the
'step up' command by waiting her out. (If you back off when she bites,
this teaches her that biting gets her what she wants!).
SM>really want a Scarlett Macaw or an African Grey.  Can anyone tell me
SM>if an African Grey and a Cockatoo could get along in the same cage?
I wouldn't recommend it--cockatoos and greys are from different
continents, and the two species would probably not get along well under
forced living conditions. Better to have two separate cages for them.
--Kathy
 * SLMR 2.1a * I seem to be outgrowing my birthday suit.
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