How can I teach my conure to stop biting?

How do I stop my Sun Conure from biting?

• I just got my first Conure. First bird actually. Jiacuomo is a 1ish year old sun that i had my eyes on for a long time. PetCo had him on sale because he'd been there so long and had biting probs. Pretty common from what I gather with conures that haven't been handled much. He's really goofy and fun inside his cage, but whenever you reach in to get him or move something he freaks out. When I do get him he bites and screams. He can put on quite a bite even through my work gloves. I don't give an audible response when he bites, but i just pet him and talk in a calming voice so he calms down. I've been talking to him a lot and sometimes I'll leave my hand in his cage to get him used to me, but I'd like some advice from some more experienced owners.

• Answer:

  Hey sorry to hear your having bird problems. So what you first want to do is get him used to your hand in his cage. He is probably being territorial, just place your hand in the cage and leave it there. Don't move it just hold it there until he relaxes then take your hand out and give him a treat. Do this and every time get closer and closer until you can reach right in and place your hand next to him with little-no reaction. Second thing, you never "get him" you place your hand flat facing down, put your finger under his feet and lift up saying "step up" he will go with you. Never grab your bird or try to socialize with him if he doesn't want to. At first he will probably bit because thats what he is used to do. You have to show that your in charge. Do this by a few things. Don't respond to being bit. No screaming, yelling, yanking your hand away just ignore it. Then he will learn that nothing comes from doing it. Also when he bites reach up with your finger and push down on his beak closing it. This will train him not to bite. You have to be more dominate than him. Third bribe him. Take his food away for a few hours then place food in your hand, try to get him to eat from your hand. Don't be cruel, but use it as a way to get him to interact with you. Forth if he doesn't want to be handled and interacted with there is nothing you can do. Some birds just are not social. You can't change that. He should get better as he gets more comfortable but some birds never do. Read into his body language. Does he want to be pet? Why is he reacting negatively to your hand?