self defense or trying to mate?

[tovasshi]

Neelix bit me today. It was the second time hes ever bitten me. The first time was when he was younger and I held him too close to my face before he was used to people. This was over a year ago. He ripped out a chunk and it bled a lot. His first bite was a quick and then he jumped in an escape attempt. (luckily I don't have any scars)

Today was very different, which makes me suspect he was trying to mate with me.

I picked him up, like a usually do. Hes a lot more socialized now. he likes sitting in my chest or shoulders. Usually when I pick him up he will climb up my arm and stay still. This time, however, he bit my jaw and did not let go. He stayed on for a solid minute. I tried walking to his favorite perch/safe spot and he had no interest in it. I tried persuading him, and he didn't let go. Eventually I had to pull him off. He didn't whip or hiss at me when at all when he finally sat down on his perch, he just kid of looked at me funny. To my surprise, he didn't do any damage to my face. There are a few tiny little pin prick holes that are now completely invisible now that the bleeding stopped. Looking at my jaw you can't tell I was bitten at all.

Thoughts?

[crazybaby]

Its hard to say really. The idea that he hung on and didn't jolt or try to rip you apart tells me it was likely a love hold. Although a friend of mine had a female ig who had done the same thing to her underarm when she had been spooked. Was there anything that could've did that to Neelix? Did you walk by a mirror or was there a sound or something? At any rate, it sounds like a love bit. From this point forward I would hold him in your arms instead of the shoulder, the last thing you need is him to miss and hit your eye! That would be horrible.

[prism_wolf]

Yup...holding close to the face can be dangerous. Some do, but they do so at their own risk. Body language is a real key to deciding when it's safe and when it may be a good idea not to allow it so close. It is breeding season and males are beginning to go bonkers and be unpredictable...

[IguanaKing]

I'd say its a love bite too. I know all too well the damage a bite from an angry iguana can do to your face.