cockatiel is pushy

Question
My cockatiel is sweet, handsome, and very smart. I love having him with me all the time, and he loves being with me while I do my homework. There is just one problem that I would like to solve: When he feels that my mind is on other things while he's out of the cage, he will sometimes nip me. If he asks for a cuddle or a scratch while I'm doing homework or something else and I don't respond to him because I'm working, he goes on an all-out nip spree. His bites don't hurt, really he's just putting his open beak on me over and over again, but it is annoying. He's never bitten me, and I had assumed it was just a personality thing, but lately he's also been doing it to my face. I'm very annoyed. Help please!

Answer
Emily,

You are going to have to be firm with him.  It sounds like he thinks he's the flock leader here, when it is supposed to be you.

When he starts to do this, start doing the "ladder" routine.  In a commanding voice, say "UP" and put your finger under his chest.  Repeat with the other hand, over and over, until he gets the message.  The next time he does it, put him back in his cage and don't take him out right away.  That way, you are not rewarding him for bad behavior.  Remember, any attention to him is better than no attention, and if you scold him, that is paying attention to him.  

Please let me know how this works.

Cindy