There are many types of parrots, and it doesn’t matter what kind of pet you have. It is necessary to be prepared that the parrot bites its owner at a particular moment.
I had it too. I began to wonder after the first such situation, and I learned a lot of helpful information for myself.
The severity of the bite depends on the type of parrot. Bird’s age is another factor that affects it. So, for example, a parrot cub very often eats everything — in this way, he learns the world around him and will bite your fingers too.
However, you should understand that such bites are only an expression of parrot’s aggression in a good meaning of this word. Still, there are some issues you should be aware of if your parrot bites you.
Let’s discuss what are those today. I also include some pieces of my knowledge about what type of parrot’s bite is the most harmful and what the bite strength depends on. So, let’s start right away!
Which Parrots Hit the Hardest?
If we think logically, parrots of large breeds can bring maximum harm with their bites. A striking example is the macaw parrot. The bigger the beak, the more chances it brings more to the owner.
However, you should not believe that if the parrot is small, it does not bite painfully — this will be a wrong understanding.
After all, the severity of the bite depends not only on the size of the beak but also on how the parrot uses it.
If the parrot bites, you can understand the strength and nature of the bite, as well as the degree of damage received. So, probably the easiest way to find out your parrot’s bite force is to let it bite you. And the next question arises: how can you safely and accurately test the strength of a parrot bite?
What if you’re not up to any tests done on your own and don’t want to be bitten by a parrot? There is an answer: scientists have already got some measurements. related to parrots.
How Do Scientists Measure the Power of a Bite?
When calculating parrot bite strength, pounds per square inch are used (or PSI).
The PSI is usually calculated using the formula: Pressure = Force/Area (P = F/A).
The indicator itself is called “bite force”. However, it is scientifically correct to say “bite pressure”.
And this is quite logical because, with the help of such a measurement, we can understand what pressure the parrot’s beak bears on human skin or another object used in testing.
This parameter is used not only for parrot bites but in regard to other animals and birds. Depending on the type of the animal be it a predator or plant-eating animal, the PSI varies a lot. For example, a human bite is only 162 PSI in force, while the bite force of a crocodile is 5000 PSI ( the strongest one by the way!)
As for the strength of a parrot bite, it varies for each parrot species and stands in between 300-400 PSI. This bite force is enough to crack nuts, kernels, and seeds. For parrots, different factors can influence this indicator, they are explained below.
What Factors Influence the Severity of a Bite?
One of the essential indicators of the bite force of this bird depends on the size of the beak. And this is an entirely objective factor. Everyone understands that the larger the brim, the stronger the bite will be. For example, if you compare a tiger and a domestic cat, the first has a much greater bite force than the second, and the animal’s size affects this, with parrots just the same. So, for example, if you compare the strength of the bite of the budgerigar and the macaw parrot, then the second will do more harm.
Some are mistaken when they think that the size of the parrot also affects the bite strength. This is wrong, and for underlying reasons, it is the size of the beak, not the bird’s body.
Do not forget about such an indicator as to the prohibition of a bite. This indicator can be compared with good breeding. So, for example, a man who goes to the gym and has tremendous strength — beats his wife all the people around. This is an indicator of good breeding and socialization. The same can be said for parrots. Some birds have quite a lot of strength, but they do not use it daily. So, for example, Ara parrots are distinguished by their upbringing. It takes a lot of effort to anger off such a parrot to the point that it bites you. At the same time, you can take into account the Amazon parrots. Here they are less restrained, and the frequency of their bites is much higher than that of other types.
The critical point of measuring the bite force of a parrot is the structure of the beak. Here, the width of the brim is considered an important indicator: the narrower, the easier the bite, the more comprehensive, the more potent. Do not forget about the sharpness. The sharper the beak, the more damage the edge can do.
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What Types of Bites Are There?
Research has shown that there are different types of bites, depending on the type of parrot. Most often, when thinking about tastes, people think of parrots such as macaws or cockatoos. In principle, this thinking is understandable because these large parrots can cause significant harm. However, the following types of bites can be distinguished:
- Sharp stab bites. This type of bite is typical of small parrots with tiny beaks. This type of bite is sensitive and painful.
- Prolonged bites. Most parrots take their bite quickly. However, the Caique parrot grabs its prey and is in no hurry to let it go.
- Twisted bites. Amazon parrots not only bite most often but also inflict specific bites. Grasping the skin, they twist it. This feature makes the damage as high as possible.
- Chewing bites. There are species of parrots that do not just bite once but do it for a specific time.
Above are the main types of parrot courses. Each one has its characteristics and specific qualities that should be considered when choosing a pet.
Which Parrots Have the Strongest Bites?
As already said earlier that different parrots bite in their way. One type of parrot bites more gently, while others can cause significant damage. Below you’ll find a list of a few parrots whose bite is the most strong and can be harmful to humans.
Green-Winged Macaw
Probably, everyone is familiar with the green-winged macaw. It is a large and beautiful bird. However, in terms of bites, these parrots rank first. Their beaks are pretty strong and can do great harm to humans.
According to the indicators, their edge is equal to 400 pounds per square inch — which is quite an impressive number, considering that we’re speaking of a bird.
If a green-winged macaw has ever bitten you, you’ll never forget it.
Blue and Yellow Macaw
This type of parrot is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Their plumage is attractive and mesmerizing to the eye. However, when people come across the beak of this parrot, they stop associating the blue-green parrot only with beauty.
This type of parrot bites very hard and painfully. The bite force values correspond to those of the green-winged macaw.
Hyacinth Macaw
This is the third type of macaw parrot, which is characterized by solid bites. But this is not surprising. After all, these are large breeds of birds, which means they have powerful beaks that can cause significant damage.
This type of parrot can grow up to one meter. Its bite force is also 400 pounds per square inch.
Cockatoo
Cockatoo can also be classified as one of the parrots with the strongest bites. Of course, the indicators are not as high as in the previous three species of macaw parrots, but they are not small either.
The force of a cockatoo bite is 350 pounds per square inch. This is a beautiful and friendly bird. It will not be challenging to teach her to talk. It is large, but at the same time, it can be dangerous. Therefore, you need to be careful when dealing with cockatoos.
Malukan Cockatoo
And the last on my list of parrots that bite the most is the Malukan parrot. Its bite force is 500 PSI.
You won’t disagree — these are very high rates! And it can be noted that such a bite can bring a lot of damage to a person.
What to Do If a Parrot Bites You?
If you, like me, have a parrot at home, you should know how to behave when bitten. A small scratch can simply be disinfected, but for more difficult bites, use the following tips:
- Wash the bite site with warm water and soap and dry with air.
- Apply a special ointment with disinfecting properties and an antibiotic to the bite site.
- We protect the bite site with a plaster or bandage. It is necessary to protect the wound until complete healing.
The biggest problem from a bite is an infection, so it won’t be superfluous to see a doctor. And well, do not forget about the precautions!
