Annoyed and nipping at earlobes & told to step up?

[toto2021]

Hi, I have a 3.5 month old cockatiel, handraised and very tame. I've had him/her since 9 weeks old. He is quite comfortable hanging out on shoulders, often napping or just exploring. He knows how to step up and even do some tricks.

With me he's never nipped and made the annoyed sounds at my earlobes, but for some reason he will randomly do this to my mom when he's on her shoulder. He'll make the annoyed sound and nip at her earlobes, as well as her fingers when she of course has to try to get him to step off. Any help or tips to discourage this nipping behavior? My mom is usually never doing anything to cause it, it seems totally random.

 

[Wardy]

Easiest way to stop this is to stop him getting on shoulders.

 

[FeatheredM]

Sometimes the best way to stop a behavior is to prevent it from happening, I'd either cover my ears while he is on your shoulder, or do what wardy said.

 

[Farlie]

I certainly hope your mom isn't using any cosmetics or perfume. That'll cause issues.

 

[Teckechick]

Try to do away with the shoulder time. You could also have Mom try to use a perch to get him off her shoulder if he does get on her.