***Big Birds With Big Beaks Will Bite You***

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Or.....

You can take the proper steps of socialization and have little kids feed them pine nuts. She also flew to him, which he thought was the best thing ever.

Right now I am taking her pretty much everywhere with me and having strangers feed her pine nuts and whatnot. I think it is better to have her given treats by people so she can equate treats to humans, rather than annoying hands that pet all over her. As they treat, I instruct them to slowly show her their hand and scratch the top of her head. My example is "Move your hands slowly, like when your in water." For people who seem afraid I either skip this step completely, or scratch her head and then have the other person join me.

 

[angie_robyn]

That's so sweet. You are doing such a great job with her! I am looking forward to harness training my birds and getting them used to going out.

 

[Kiwibird]

I bet Kyleigh made that little boys day! Kids are always fascinated with animals especially a big, bright and beautiful macaw Great she's getting out and about and socialized

 

[Anansi]

Socializing Kyleigh AND entertaining children at once! Nice!!

Is that plastic bag in your hand her poo catcher?

 

[Hawk]

Socializing Kyleigh AND entertaining children at once! Nice!!

Is that plastic bag in your hand her poo catcher?

I was going to ask that too....It's a great idea. I seen a person recently that had like a velvet shoulder wear for birds perched on shoulder with harness, that can be taken off and washed. I wanted to ask where they got that cause I never seen one like that which has a built in clip to strap the flight harness to your shoulder and a pouch on other shoulder to store
treats in....quite convenient. But got lost in the crowd.
Anyone ever seen one or know where you can get one?

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Thanks folks! I made it my goal to introduce her to somebody new every day this month. So far, so good! Nope that's not a poop catcher, she does a great job not pooping in public. Nothing that I trained though.

 

[Taw5106]

You are doing great with Kyleigh and she's doing great with people which is amazing work. Kudos to you both! I know if I was the kid in the pic, I would NEVER forget such an amazing moment, that kid has a great memory now. Congrats to you both!

 

[JerseyWendy]

BIG pat on your shoulder, Stephen! You are truly doing everything right with your gorgeous girl!!! Those extra steps you take with her are not only unforgettable for many, but you will also reap the rewards forever.

 

[Allee]

Sweet photo, Stephen and Kyleigh! Thank you for giving a little boy an unforgettable experience and thanks for sharing your adventure.

 

[IamJolyn]

awesome! When your done, wanna come train my Harley?

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Thanks everyone! I seriously learned most of what I know from what here on this board. I can guarantee there's a few members with inboxes full of my questions ahah

 

[Jessw931]

You know, honesty something I hadn't thought about was socializing Sammi. I'm a stay at home mom with 4 kids and we homeschool. So she always spends time with us,but we do entertain at our house frequently I think our next step will be socializing her so others can see why we love her so much!!!

 

[Birdman666]

You're beginning to sound a little like me...

 

[Anansi]

You're beginning to sound a little like me...

She is? You're a stay at home mom with 4 kids, too? ;p

 

[JerseyWendy]

You're beginning to sound a little like me...

She is? You're a stay at home mom with 4 kids, too? ;p

 

[Birdman666]

Or.....

You can take the proper steps of socialization and have little kids feed them pine nuts. She also flew to him, which he thought was the best thing ever.

Right now I am taking her pretty much everywhere with me and having strangers feed her pine nuts and whatnot. I think it is better to have her given treats by people so she can equate treats to humans, rather than annoying hands that pet all over her. As they treat, I instruct them to slowly show her their hand and scratch the top of her head. My example is "Move your hands slowly, like when your in water." For people who seem afraid I either skip this step completely, or scratch her head and then have the other person join me.

Allow me to clarify that statement...

You're beginning to sound a lot like me... this is exactly the sort of thing I always rant about.

Honestly, this is how it's done.

 

[JerseyWendy]

^^^ Mark, we knew that! We just like messing with you (cause you've got a great sense of humor!!)

 

[Birdman666]

I was not complaining...

 

[Minimaker]

I would have loved to do this, but ours really would have bitten someone in the beginning. It really depends on the bird and how it was raised I think. Some take longer than others to get to that point because they weren't raised right. Mine will still bite people handing her nuts, she nipped my dad and my mother in law recently when they were handing her treats. Now my dad holds the walnut waaaaay out so she has to really reach for it. She's sees my dad all the time so it's not a lack of familiarity, and my MIL is great with other animals-so sweet and gentle, dogs and cats love her. The only person totally safe is my son, her whole demeanor changes with him and she becomes a different bird. She turns into a love monster with him, climbs on his head and preens his hair. I swear that bird gets stars in her eyes when she looks at him. It's true love if I ever saw it.

 

[Taw5106]

I would have loved to do this, but ours really would have bitten someone in the beginning. It really depends on the bird and how it was raised I think. Some take longer than others to get to that point because they weren't raised right. Mine will still bite people handing her nuts, she nipped my dad and my mother in law recently when they were handing her treats. Now my dad holds the walnut waaaaay out so she has to really reach for it. She's sees my dad all the time so it's not a lack of familiarity, and my MIL is great with other animals-so sweet and gentle, dogs and cats love her. The only person totally safe is my son, her whole demeanor changes with him and she becomes a different bird. She turns into a love monster with him, climbs on his head and preens his hair. I swear that bird gets stars in her eyes when she looks at him. It's true love if I ever saw it.

I am able to allow Venus (my Ekkie) to interact with people, but forget Buddy (my GCA), he loves talking to people but no touching. Venus is very gentle and tolerant where Buddy is afraid and reactive to everything. Example Husband was snacking on an orange. He walked up to Buddy's cage and handed him a slice. Buddy took it but then threw it to the ground and laughed. If people get too close he starts lunging and trying to bite, but if they do not try to touch him but only talk to him, he's great. He's a work in progress.