BITING!!!

[quaver45]

hey everyone. Today I let Hugo and Boss out of their cage again - third time they been out and they were being quite friendly when they were out and coming over to see us (the last times they ran away!) Anyway after like an hour i (eventually!) got them back in. Hugo was ok with this. Boss wasnt and started chewing the bars.

A little later Boss was on his wheel and it was banging against the side of the hay rack so i opened the cage to move it and Boss decded to make a run for it. I put my hand up to stop him and after he figured out he couldnt get round my hand he bit me! He didnt draw blood but it wasnt a grooming nibble type bite - he opened his mouth really wide and just bit down :-(

Any ideas how to stop this?

Thanks

[deguconvert]

One way to help is to blow a puff of air into his face. I would also suggest that you work diligently with the treats and the frequent visits to the cage, bringing him out onto your arms and shoulders, giving him treats like oat flakes or sunflower seeds, and building a great trust bond with him. One thing that can help to teach him to be more accepting of his return to the cage is to give him a couple more of the treats once you have placed him back in the cage.

[jenowuk]

When we first got our goos, they didn't like hands in their cage, but were quite happy to come out and never bit when they were out. He might just be a little rattled if they're new, and territorial - you know, this is my cage, get out! Don't be scared, they will learn that you're not a threat:-)

Might also be worth you don't handle their food or treats before putting your hands in the cage, to make sure they don't smell like food!