Bought. 6 year old blue and gold!! need help!!!

[Eli]

Me and my wife just bought a 6 year old blue and gold macaw. He is a beautiful bird. But the he only likes my wife at the moment, he gets excited when he see's her and runs down the perch so she can play with him. Now when i go try to talk to him or give him an almond he wants to bite me. I tried the whole speaking softly, paying him compliments and everything but i see no progress. Im very eager for him to trust me as his owner.

Can someone please help.

 

[MaraWentz]

It's going to take a while. You're going to need lots of patience and the knowledge that you're going to get bit. Not just once or twice, but a lot in the begining. My original Red Front Macaw hated every one, but me. However, being married, I couldn't have him constantly attacking my husband. After just a month of working with him he came around a bit. I constantly put him on my husband (after he finally stopped lunging at him). That made him seem more comfortable and to calm him down while on my husband I gave him treats while me husband held him. I also had to find his favourite treat (for most birds it pine nuts) and have my husband give it to him. We originally tried peanuts (he loves his peanuts) but he would just pretend to take it and nip his fingers. However, he eats peanuts as snack every day, so we had to bring in some thing new and exciting. Also when my husband got bit I told him to control himself, don't yell, don't fling or shake him, gently put him down and pull your finger back. Trust me, I know it is painful (ours would latch on, bite, and then twist his head while biting). but it shows that you clearly are not scared when it comes to his extreme aggressive measures. Shows dominance. Also with tricky birds I find that if you can get them out of their cage (using a something to scare them or shoo them out) that they are much more easier while on the grown, such as my african grey. From there they will usually allow you to pick them up and when they do hold them for a bit. Each time time to hold them longer and take steps towards treats and petting. It is a battle of the wills. The bird wants to know what he can do to get you to give up. Know when to give up though, or you will over stress him, but increases yor patience everyday. They're like a 2 year old. They want to know if the scream and holler or hit and kick will they get the candy. Birds will carry on and scream or bite to see if they can get what you want.

 

[Eli]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[roxynoodle]

I am single, so may not be the best help. But, others here recommend the unfavored person take over feeding and cage cleaning. You should also try to interact with him when your wife isn't home or she is willing to stay in another room, out of his site. It may also help if it is your wife you hands him to you to show him you are an accepted member of the flock.

He may also be starting hormonal behavior at that age, and you wife will need to watch him for trying to chose her as his mate. Any behavior along those lines needs to be ignored by her. If he is on her when it starts, she should put him down on a stand or back into the cage.

 

[HalfInsane]

You might also try interacting with him in a room where he rarely, if ever, spends time. If his behavior is territorial, he will be less likely to view an unfamiliar room as 'his'. It is also important that you are the only one present; he also likely is protective of your wife towards you.

 

[mtdoramike]

Good luck, at best you can hope that he will tollerate you in time. But it sounds like he has chosen your wife as his BFF, which it common among birds. It's rare to find a bird that likes everyone and trusts everyone.

When we first got our Senegal, she would do anything for me and loved to be either on me or near me. But 6-8 months later, she has chosen my wife as her BFF and at best tollerates being with me.

 

[luvmytooo]

Maybe just give it some time as well. If you recently "just got him" let him get to know you and his new environment.
Good luck with your new friend

 

[MikeyTN]

Mara hit it right on! BUT you can not show fear to a macaw or birds period, they know! If he knows your afraid of him he will keep on like Willie with my partner....lol....My partner refuse to hold Willie because my partner is afraid of Willie. I've tried for 8 years so I give up pretty much....lol....

 

[suebee]

having a bird that has chosen my man as a potential mate, it can be seasonal so in a few months time, he may calm down around you etc, but when the season starts again all this bad behaviour can start up again!

nov to feb nut is all about my man, now her season is over she is happy with us all and more laid back, especially to me, and prefers to hang out with me

but i have to say this yr she has been kinder and not done any flying attacks, though both me and my son have had a mean bite from her, and had her fly at our heads

as said by all above and keep up the contact, but watch him and try not to over do it, and this works the best when there BFF is not in the same room, or even better in the house

 

[Mike]

Ditto on HalfInsane's suggestion to interact only in a neutral territory.

Also, try reducing the bird's time with your wife, and increasing your time.

Don't in any way force yourself on the bird. Reaching into the cage for a step-up command can be a violation of your bird's territory.

Oh, and bribe, bribe, bribe. Figure out your bird's favorite treat on only you should provide that treat--at least until he accepts you.