Answer

I understand how much of a comfort and outlet having a bird can be, so let's try to convince Sandy.

 

I like that you're covering the cage at a consistent time. Birds like routine. Try for 12+12 hours though rather than dusk to dawn. If you typically get up at 7:30 a.m., then put her to 'bed' at 7:30 p.m.. Don't worry about the light as much as the number of hours to keep her natural clock set right. Covering is also excellent. You're doing a good job.

 

You might be surprised to know that her biting is very likely for your reaction. She's enjoying the habit and even though the feedback is negative, it's still feedback (and routine) to her.

 

So, to change the biting, change your reaction. That's much easier said than done isn't it?

 

Since it's just an initial bite, if you can tolerate it and not react - she's going to lose the reward of your usual reaction and not be very interested in doing it anymore.

 

As you've noticed, once she's up on your hand and after that initial bite, she usually stops. If she doesn't, giving her an "earthquake" a gentle shaking of your hand, but not enough to dislodge her or cause her to feel insecure, will often distract her.

 

I've also found that walking quickly into a different room (which isn't hard to do with a bird chomping down on my arm like a pitbull) will surprise them enough to stop. Suddenly, in new surroundings, I'm their best friend.

 

If you cannot get your bird to cooperate right away with hands, remember, you've got years ahead of you - it's worth it to do this right. Try just placing your hand in the cage for a minute and letting her get used to it being there. Having a treat in hand will help make your fingers a positive thing.

 

When it comes time to take them out of the cage, if you're really concerned about bites, we've used layers of old socks on our arms, hidden by our shirt sleeves so the bird doesn't get used to seeing the socks. To effect the layers, cut the toe end out of old/clean socks and pull them up over your arm, then pulling your regular sleeve over these layers.

 

Tuck your closed hand down and offer just your arm to the bird with the command (in a normal, but firm voice) to ‘step up'. Put the arm up to the bird's feet (just above them) at the breast and it should naturally step up onto your arm.

If you get bitten (the socks should prevent it from really hurting and reacting), bring the bird to just below your eye level and looking right at them, firmly tell them ‘no biting', ‘don't bite' or ‘be gentle' (whatever phrase you use should be the one you maintain).

 

You're doing the right thing in keeping her nearby as you watch t.v.. It's a wonderful bonding experience for her.

 

While she's sitting there, go through the ‘step up' exercise, but don't stress it. When it's obvious that the bird doesn't want to do this anymore, don't push.

 

Eventually you'll find there's no biting happening when you reach in to take her out of the cage. It won't be long before you're doing this without the ‘socks'. You may still get nipped now and then, but the ‘no biting' instruction should curb it.

 

One thing I keep reminding myself is that as much as it may hurt (this bird I'm interacting with is one of the larger macaws, known for the most powerful beaks in the bird world!), I'll heal. The bird, however, may not. They are forever in captivity by us. We can leave the house, find amusements and distractions, hobbies and interests. These birds are completely at our mercy. Their day, indeed, their lives, are only as full and rich as we provide.

 

Again, you are doing a very good job. She's very lucky to have you!