Hello!

[Shaveice]

Im recently building up courage to handle a scarlett maccaw that has been in my family going on 23 years. Hope this is the place to gain some knowledge on his body language and and how to get over the fear of holding him.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there, and a warm welcome to the forums.

I'd say you've come to the right place! Please have a look at this thread, regarding big mac body language: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

Please, don't hesitate to ask us any and all questions you may have.

 

[Birdman666]

1. Always approach the bird with confidence. They react to your fear. That usually triggers the "big bad bird" routine. The calmer you are, the calmer the bird will generally be. Don't flinch if he lunges. Just sit there slightly out of range, and laugh at him.

2. Scarlet's are beaky birds. They put their beaks on everything. It's normal.

3. A closed, bent fist gives the bird nothing to latch onto if he does try to bite.

4. Take you time. If he is less than receptive today, then try again tomorrow, the next day, etc. Don't be afraid to walk away and ignore him if he isn't cooperating. "If you want attention from me, you have to be nice."

5. Favorite foods go a long way towards establishing a friendship...

 

[Shaveice]

1. Always approach the bird with confidence. They react to your fear. That usually triggers the "big bad bird" routine. The calmer you are, the calmer the bird will generally be. Don't flinch if he lunges. Just sit there slightly out of range, and laugh at him.

2. Scarlet's are beaky birds. They put their beaks on everything. It's normal.

3. A closed, bent fist gives the bird nothing to latch onto if he does try to bite.

4. Take you time. If he is less than receptive today, then try again tomorrow, the next day, etc. Don't be afraid to walk away and ignore him if he isn't cooperating. "If you want attention from me, you have to be nice."

5. Favorite foods go a long way towards establishing a friendship...

everytime im near his cage, he leans in and turns his beak away from me as if he wants me to pet him (which I have started petting him). This may sound a little crazy....but I've told him I'm scared to pick him up because of his talons being sharp. he Then procedes to nibble them down, while saying "see". As if hes trying to tell me that hes not scarey and his talons are no reason to fear him. Even the other night while I was visiting, him my girlfriend was pushing me to pick him up he even backs away from the cage door waiting for me to make the first move as if its for my approval. the reason im nervous is from tending to him as a child (10-18 before I moved out) He lunged and I took it as he was angy at me. Now days he seems more "mature" and wants to build trust with me. I dont see him everyday since he is my fathers bird but when i visit my father once a week I always spend time with the Macaw (shaveice). do you think this could also prevent a bond to be built?

 

[Flboy]

Welcome, nothing to fear! Assuming you have great medical!,,,,,,,,,,,,kidding!
No worse than any 3 year old with a gun!