I need help before I ruin these beautiful Macaws

[Baswegan]

I acquired two large macaws; a Scarlet and Harlequin (I believe). They came from the same household, but never allowed out together. They talk and make jokes and are very intelligent. I have raised all types of exotics, big cats, hooved stock, etc. So you can imagine my surprise when I found out I'm afraid of a bird. One bit my finger and it took three weeks to heal. The bite was my own fault, I didn't scream, or say anything I just left the room to stop the bleeding. But now I have the fear.
I had one on my forearm, only to have him walk up towards my face so I slowly ducked and put him on top of his cage. I know they are testing me, and I keep failing. I purchased books and read everything I can. I have millions of questions, but no one I know has large birds. I need training before I do anymore (mental) damage to them.
With such large birds is it that horrible to us a stick instead of a forearm?

 

[Auggie's Dad]

A stick is actually the best way to start. Ideally two sticks so you can work on the 'step up' command. It's a fairly basic command so they probably already know it, but they don't know it with you. Place the stick/perch in front of them; start from well in front of them and a little below their line of sight (they should be able to see it, but it should not be straight in front of them and definitely not above.) Bring the stick up to them toward their stomach or at their 'hips'. Tell them to step up, usually this is pretty natural and they will do it well - at least at first. Reward them, with a good treat if you have one for them, or at very least with calm praise. Then do the same with the other stick, one after the other 'laddering' up.

Do only VERY short training sessions. This can serve several purposes: it is a handy command in its own right, but it also shows them that there is a pattern or system (birds need to understand their environment), also it establishes that you can give commands.

If this doesn't go smoothly just let us know where the problems were and we can go from there.

Also as far as being afraid of them... get over it. Sorry to be abrupt, but if you walk in afraid of them they WILL bite you. Using sticks is handy as you can be more confident. If you or not confident then put them down and walk away.

 

[BlueToast]

A self help film maker named Al Hitchcock made a movie called The Birds to help the folks afflicted with this phobia. Also if you got a problem with heights you could pick up Vertigo by the same film maker.

 

[Iwantacracker]

bluetoast, was the a joke? hah. that movie will make you afraid of birds if you aren't already. although, i love alfred hitchcock.

baswegan, i'm terribly sorry about your fear. it seems only natural that if this is your first experience with birds (as mine is with me) that if you're bitten straight off, you'd have some lingering fear to work through. nobody wants to be bitten to the point of taken weeks to heal.

try to be gentle with yourself while you and your birds are working through this. i've read so many things that say they can 'sense' how you're feeling, so if you're feeling afraid or like a failure, they may sense that. there's nothing to be ashamed of for being afraid. things effect everyone differently. the good part is that you're here talking about it and wanting to work through it for their benefit and hopefully yours as well. you both deserve it.

my girlfriend loves our african grey, and he's very affectionate and friendly. but as soon as he's out and starts walking up her, she gets afraid that he's going to try to poke her eyes out of something. it'll take time for them to learn to trust you and the same goes for you in your comfort level and ability to trust them. good for you for being willing to work through it and ask for help.

 

[dakisgirls]

I think you need help from an avian behavior spe******t who will teach you not to be so afraid of your bird. I have known my macaw since I was born so I do not really have experience when it comes to rescuing birds since I have known Poulaki (My macaw) all my life. I wish you the best of luck!!! P.S. If your are looking for some good parrot books, Google Nikki Moustaki. Her Parrots For Dummies book taught me a lot firsthand!!!

 

[HamzahQaisar]

I know exactly how u feel

Try doing introducing clicker training .....

step.1 go buy a pencil sized stick make sure the wood isnt treated or that it isnt poisonus

step2. go buy treats prefferbly bite sized of make ur own get some almods and crush em put them in a little bowl

step3. get your bird away from the cage as some birds only bite because they defend their terrotory

step4. place it on a table, get it to to touch the tip of the stick when it does that wucikl make a clicking noise with your mouth say good bird and quickly award it a treat

step5. Never make it more than 15mins

step6. when it is used to the tip touch techinque, move the stick a little farther around 5-10cm away do the same onloy 15 minz reme,ber

step7. keep doing this untill the bird figures out "if i go to this stick ill gte a yummy tasty treat"

step8.point the stick at your arm it will go on ur arm just tust me

step9.the more training you do the closer the relastion goes

1 Bird at a time please

Biting
when it bite you you wrote u made no reaction and went out the room
EXCELENT
keep that up

another tip always show the bird whose incharge cause macaws are always trying to get the upper hand and seize any oppurtunity

Hope I helped

Oh Btw Im new here lol

 

[Sadieladie1994]

New here and was reading about your situation. So nice of you to take on two birds. You do not HAVE to take a bite. Stepping up is not a simple easy behavior. Some things take time. You need to feel secure.

Might I suggest going to Goodbird,inc.com. Barbara Heidenreich is an excellent bird trainer with years of experience. Besides magazines and books she has some videos and one is step up.

Macaws are large birds and just like any other bird they need to feel secure when stepping up. Sometimes it is how you do or do not hold them and can make them feel insecure. As far as parrots go, macaws body language is pretty easy to read as they show it more. To learn to read their body language more I suggest going to you tube and watching some videos of macaws and watching behaviors and interaction. It sure helps to train your eye to read their behavior. Even better is if you have a video camera...video tape your interaction and go back and watch. It works.

Once bitten you do become hesitant which is not good. A way to help you feel more secure is to protect you some. Take an ace wrap and put it around your wrist/arm. Put a shirt over that. This is not done so you can take a bite. This is done for you psychologically and being secure that if a bite came you would not be hurt.

Just a few suggestions and wish you much success.

PS macaws are pretty forgiving birds and they will grow with you.

 

[locito277]

Im on the same boat as you man. Ive had my birds over 2 years and am still terrified of my Harlequins beak :-( My B&G is antisocial. I bought them bonded but never bred as they are quite young around 3.5 yrs of age. They are super tame with the guy who took care of them at the place I bought them and remain tame with him till this day when they get their nails and wings trimmed. Im a chicken and I know th eHarley likes attention as he climbs on my leg in the siofa while I watch football games but this is after a few beers and I am less scared LOL

 

[Kiwibird]

There is only so much you can gain from books or Internet articles. It sounds to me like you could could use a little hands on help from someone who is more experienced with large parrots. Macaws are some of the hardest birds to work with, especially rescues. Most places have bird (parrot) clubs, and I would highly suggest you look into some in your area to connect with other bird owners with a lot of experience who would be willing to help you. You can also always contact your a-vet to set up a consultation appointment to get some professional guidance. There is no shame in getting some help when you need it. I actually grew up with large parrots (had a lifetime of experience under my belt), but when I adopted my BFA Kiwi, he was far more of a challenge than I was prepared for. Our vet was able to provide some excellent behavioral guidance, as well as some kind folks we connected with who had tons of experience with rescues. I'm glad we asked for advice as needed, because we were able to get the information and support to help Kiwi through his many behavioral issues. Best of luck, and seek out that help your needing!