Hi guys, so this is my first post and I love to hear from you guys!
So about 2 months ago, I rescued a male Illiger's Macaw (Goozoo) who is 8 years old. I know just a little about the bird and am being patient with training the bird slowly. So he comes from a home where he was exposed to 3 other birds (African Grey, Blue and Gold, and an Umbrella). Long story short, the owner had all birds from the time they were babies and raised them all with a lot of care. Unfortunately, the owner is going through health problems and did not have any interaction with the bird for at least 8 months. So I decided to rescue the little guy (Goozoo) and have been working with him though he is very hostile. He is getting better slowly but I would like to know ways of gaining more of Goozoo's trust.
I know he is very smart and has many tricks up of his sleeve but he is very uncomfortable. He tries to be in his cage at ALL times and reaching to pet him is almost impossible without getting bit (when hes on the cage). Interestingly, He steps up and lets you slightly play with him when he is not around the cage.
I want to know what else I can do to separate him from the cage and get him comfortable and play more. I've tried all sorts of tricks to try to let him get on my hand when hes on the cage, but he does just budge and simply bites!
Something interesting I noticed today when he was next to me was that he regurgitated; he moved close to my face and did it twice. I read that Macaw's may only do that if they feel comfortable with their owner. Now, he has a pretty regular diet and have not seen him do that when he is by himself. Can anyone say what this may mean?
Thank you for reading and responding. I appreciate the help and look forward to hearing back from y'all!
So about 2 months ago, I rescued a male Illiger's Macaw (Goozoo) who is 8 years old. I know just a little about the bird and am being patient with training the bird slowly. So he comes from a home where he was exposed to 3 other birds (African Grey, Blue and Gold, and an Umbrella). Long story short, the owner had all birds from the time they were babies and raised them all with a lot of care. Unfortunately, the owner is going through health problems and did not have any interaction with the bird for at least 8 months. So I decided to rescue the little guy (Goozoo) and have been working with him though he is very hostile. He is getting better slowly but I would like to know ways of gaining more of Goozoo's trust.
I know he is very smart and has many tricks up of his sleeve but he is very uncomfortable. He tries to be in his cage at ALL times and reaching to pet him is almost impossible without getting bit (when hes on the cage). Interestingly, He steps up and lets you slightly play with him when he is not around the cage.
I want to know what else I can do to separate him from the cage and get him comfortable and play more. I've tried all sorts of tricks to try to let him get on my hand when hes on the cage, but he does just budge and simply bites!
Something interesting I noticed today when he was next to me was that he regurgitated; he moved close to my face and did it twice. I read that Macaw's may only do that if they feel comfortable with their owner. Now, he has a pretty regular diet and have not seen him do that when he is by himself. Can anyone say what this may mean?
Thank you for reading and responding. I appreciate the help and look forward to hearing back from y'all!
