Help with a re-homed B&G Macaw

[Rio123]

Hi there!
I was hoping to possible find some help here. Me and my girlfriend have re-homed an 8 year old Macaw. His name is Rio. My issue is that he only likes me. We have had him for about 2 months now. I am able to pick him up play with him pet him. But every time my girlfriend does so much as enter the room he lunges at her and tries to bite her. Though on occasion she is able to give him some food from a fork, but that about it. I want her to work with Rio more but she can't even get close to him without him trying to bite her. If anyone is able to help in anyway it would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks a lot!!!!

 

[wrench13]

Read up everything on our macaw sub forum, especialy everything by birdman666, who is the resident macaw master. Dont give up the ship. And thank you for rescuing a older macaw.

 

[Kentuckienne]

I second Wrench's recommendation. Our B&G rescue started lunging at me and gave me a couple good bites. It made me hesitant. I went back and dug up birdman666's posts,including advice about countering bites and lunges. First, I did the towel wrapped around the arm under a long sleeved shirt, and suddenly bites got no reaction. And instead of backing away from lunges, I stood my ground and bobbed my head back st him. This confused him. And I began telegraphing my intentions so he wouldn't be anxious. If I need to walk by his cage, I don't look at him on his cage top. If I look at him, he wonders if I'm coming over to take him off the cage, or touch his toys or food, and he tenses up and lunges against the anticipated encroachment. If I look toward the place I'm heading, I can still see him watching me out if the edge of my eye but that's all he does - he hunkers down and watches.

So consistency is key. Make sure Rio knows what's going to happpen. She's going to walk past the cage, she's going to change the food bowl, she's going to request a step-upon (firmly, confidently without cringing - hrre is where the towel trick comes in handy. And favorite treats don't hurt none.

 

[itzjbean]

Congrats on rescuing! It's not uncommon for rescue macaws to have issues with one sex or the other, but luckily when worked with consistently, these birds can make great companions.

If it were me and our macaw was having issues with my husband, I would first get the macaw used to my husband's presence, just sitting nearby him. Even if just in the doorway to the bird room. Staying there until the macaw no longer reacts and goes about its business, and day after day get a little closer and closer to the bird. It could take several days/weeks. Treats help!