Retraining an aggressive Military Macaw- Help!

My mom has owned Radar for 16 years. She bought him(her?) from an exotic bird show and even weaned him. Over the past couple of years Radar hasn't received as much attention as he should since my mom returned to work.

I am in college and really want to connect with Radar so we don't have to sell him. That would break my heart. On our first morning session I successfully, and steadily, got Radar to come out of his cage perch on my arm using peanuts for a minute. But ever since then when I try to touch his foot/belly through the cage he growls at me and occasionally lunges. He used to let me do this too so it really confuses me why he stopped. I guess I crossed a line somewhere. He does still like to tongue kiss though.

I'm not afraid of getting bitten, even though he has and it REALLY hurt and left bruises, because I know that is just going to happen. I just feel like I'm getting nowhere and really need some advice.

Thank you

1. Birds that don't get handled don't stay tame.

2. Birds that get locked in their cage too much, get mad.

3. Macaws that don't get attention, sometimes get really mad.

Start over, from square one, with basic taming and step up practice.

Increase outside the cage time.

Increase the amount of attention the bird gets.

Be prepared to deflect bites, and control the beak with two fingers.

I think earning his trust and being consistent with him will help a lot. Macaws are such attention loves are affectionate birds. These traits are why I love Macaws so much.

Little by little I think Radar will come around for you and as time goes on and he learns to trust you it will get easier to work with him. Find his absolute FAVORITE food and use only that food to give him as treats by hand. Once he learns you are the giver of the favorite food he will begin to "perform" for you by doing what you ask of him. Go slow and work in stages with getting him to the point you can handle him in the manner you and he are comfortable with.

Birdman666 is one of the best macaw rehabbers on this board. Hopefully he will chime in and give you some valuable insight, advise as well.

LOL. He answered your post before I did. Just LOL

Many birds are or become cage protective and may occasionally let their guard down or be more personable than normal.....

Since you mentioned that Radar has had on again off again attention, I would think that's the major part of the problem and slowly building trust "again" should be your first priority.....once you've reestablished a level of trust, you'll find everything else will come together.....the only problem is that you're in college and your available time and what Radar may expect/need may not coincide...then there's the probability that you'll be heading in your own direction after school.....

I would caution that wherever your new efforts lead, be sure that Radar's best interest is held before yours or you'll be back in the same place, with an upset, disillusioned bird that has been let down.....

Good luck.....

Apparently as I was typing my post, the others before it chimed in.....

Birdman666: Is there a way I can get him out of his cage soon without him ripping my fingers off? Or is playing defense my best bet?

I feel like if I can get him out of his room he won't be so territorial and will be (somewhat) easier to work with.

Giving him structured interaction time will probably work wonders. Same set time every day, if you can do that. He will anticipate it, and look forward to it.

Minimum outside the cage time for macaws is FOUR HOURS PER DAY.

If he hasn't been getting that, that's why this is happening.

Even if he's just sitting on a portable perch in your room across from you, while you study, that will probably do wonders for his attitude.

Sarah92 said:

Birdman666: Is there a way I can get him out of his cage soon without him ripping my fingers off? Or is playing defense my best bet?

I feel like if I can get him out of his room he won't be so territorial and will be (somewhat) easier to work with.

Click to expand...

You're probably right. I'd bet on it. Sounds like he's cage bound.

DEFENSE FIRST.

Have you thought about wrapping a thick beach towel around your arm when stepping him up?!

I thought about that but I thought it would make a less stable perch for him to hold onto. I'll try that tomorrow though!

This afternoon I left the door open on his cage and let him climb around while I played Enrique Iglesias (his favorite artist) on Pandora. I sat on the floor with a container of peanuts (his favorite treat) and he was a dream. He danced to the music and would occasionally come down off of his cage walk across the floor and up my legs to beg for a treat. He knew I had the goods. haha

The only issue I had was when I stood next to the cage he came over and acted like he wanted to step up on me. I extended my arm slowly and he reached out slowly with his beak and I thought: YES! SUCCESS! Then he pinched me and that was that. Oh well. Next time.

I had him out for three and a half hours (he was getting a bit antsy after 3 hrs) then got him back in the cage without a struggle. I think tomorrow I might try to get him on his perch and take him into the living room for a change in scenery.

Thanks for the tip!

Wrap it tightly enough and it's fine. And that prevents him from latching on.

Sounds like you know what you are doing, and are on the right track.

Hi. I have a Millie, with whom I have a great relationship, and as much as he loves and adores me, I know better than to stick my fingers in any area he can get them, while he is in his cage. I just have to respect that.
As most Militaries (I have heard) are very beaky, mine uses his beak both for sinister and benign purposes, and I have to pay attention to determine which he has in mind.
I'm no expert, but I really think they are big mushes (mine is) and they just want you to earn the affection they really want to give you anyway!
I think if you keep providing outside cage together time, consistently, you will have a whole new world open up with Radar. I think it will diminish aggression over time. The one thing I have learned 100% for sure, especially with my Military, is that being in a rush, or a hurry always ends badly. They can't be rushed, or shoved around. For instance, we came home yesterday, so enthusiastic and looking forward to taking two of our birds out for a walk before it got dark. We had about an hour of daylight left. Wingnut was his usual, soo excited to see us self. I impatiently tried to get him in his harness, without letting him decompress from the excitement of our return, that I got chomped on. It was my fault. I rushed him, and he needed a few more minutes. That's just an example.
Good luck with Radar. I'm so glad he has you looking after him. You seem to be doing a great job, and I look forward to hearing about your progress

Thanks BirdyMomma! You are soooo right about the rushing thing.

Today was a great day with Radar. I took him out to the living room with me for 5 and a half straight hours while I did some work on my laptop. He spent a lot of time chilling on my lap and we enjoyed some rounds of peek-a-boo with a blanket. Every 20 minutes or so he would climb on my arm for me to put him on his perch for a quick potty break. I never put my arm out; I am just letting him come to me for now and that seems to be working. He even gave me some tongue kisses on my lips when I made kissing noises- which I think is pretty huge! He's only ever done that with my mom outside the cage before.

I am finding that being calm and patient is the best thing..Oh and singing Latin music...for some ungodly reason he loves my singing. Eh, to each their own I guess

Here's a picture of Radar on my lap (and yes, he really needs a shower and is getting one in the morning!):