Macaw isn't being nice.

[Chipples]

I got a BG Macaw yesterday, he is about 4 years old, and his name is Gusher. Yesterday, he would let me pet him, but would only step up off of someone else's arm. Now, I can't even pet him. He tries to bite me, as I read that I shouldn't move to show no fear. I did this, and he
Just kept nipping me. I had my fist clinched up, do it didn't hurt, but one of the bites brought blood. I don't fear him, I just fear that he won't like me. Does Gusher hate me? I've had him for a day and have already grown close to him. I want him to like me. Please help!

 

[Chipples]

Please disregard spelling errors, I'm using my phone. Haha.

 

[josiesmom]

In my opinion, he needs time to settle in and get used to his new surroundings. I would sit near him and read to him and offer him food through the bars of his cage. Everything is new and he is still afraid. Don't give up on him as it has only been a day. Good luck and please keep us posted.

I'm sure some other more experienced members will also have some good advice for you soon.

 

[gemini84]

congrats on your new fid.
it is way to early to tell if he hates you, and im sure if you provide him a happy healthy home he wont.
All birds need time to settle in to a new home. just take things slowly with him. sit with him and chat and sing with him. offer him treats and show him he can trust you. it will take time. just be patient and let him do things in his own time

 

[MikeyTN]

I tell my macaws no biting right away. I don't sit there and let them chew me up. That's painful and they can do a lot of damage!!!! You really need someone with experience with a macaw to show you how its done.

 

[Chipples]

Something I just realized, if he sees me in another room, or if I'm walking away, he "squawks" at me. What does that mean?

 

[U2gal]

Sounds like he likes you but just being a normal macaw

Give him time to settle in

 

[MikeyTN]

Birds use their calls to call the members of the flock. Give your macaw a name and call them by their name and talk back when they call for me. Its like your having a conversation. If you have anyone local that can show you how to care for your macaw that would be great. If you said he's was in such a bad shape, take him to the vet to have him looked at!

 

[Chipples]

I was just speaking to Gusher in a very calm voice, and he said "Hello" twice, and it sounded like he said "I love you."
Does this mean anything?

 

[Chipples]

Whenever I open his cage, he just shuts it back. I don't know what to do, being a new owner of macaws. Can someone please message me and tell me what I need to do to make him comfortable and happy?

 

[MikeyTN]

I was just speaking to Gusher in a very calm voice, and he said "Hello" twice, and it sounded like he said "I love you."
Does this mean anything?

That don't mean a thing! Willie shuts his door on me all the time but its a game to him as he's slammed his cage door on my head before when I was inside working on his cage.. he's crazy though....

 

[Blancaej]

The key is being patient and giving your macaw time to adjust. You have been given some good advice here. Talk to him from outside the cage for the first few days. Then try giving him food through the bars. When you think he is ready, open his door and see if will come down and get food from your hand. Baby steps, baby steps, baby steps. With a little time and patience you will be best buddies before you know it. It could take some time. It depends on each individual bird. So don't be discouraged if you don't bond overnight. The fact that he is calling for you when you walk by is a great sign!

 

[emmett518]

I'd also recommend getting a good book on birds (macaws), and reading it from cover to cover. It will keep you from making big mistakes that can cause problems down the line.

The key here is patience. It's going to take a lot of time (month or even two) to have the bird settle in, and feel safe in your home.

Again, get a good book as a start.

:red:

 

[davisn456]

My Frankie was exactly like this when I first brought her home as well, but she warmed up after a few days. A lot of it is adjusting to the environment, and also getting a level of trust built up. I was able to also get Frankie's cage, but if your bird is getting used to a new cage on top of everything else, it can create a lot of stress (for both of you).

Positive reinforcement helps a lot, like giving a treat after a good interaction, like stepping up or petting the bird. It wasn't long before she wanted to be near me. Also, I've learned to respect her moods. If she doesn't want to interact with me, I respect her wishes and leave her alone. It's gone a long way to building up some trust and now she's a fun companion to be around.

I admit that I've been disappointed a couple of times. On more than one occasion, I wanted to interact with Frankie and she wasn't in the mood. Sometimes I interpreted that as rejection and would feel a little upset. But then I started to realize that there are times when she just wanted to do her own thing, pretty much just like me. Now I don't take it so personally.

 

[Chesphoto]

Sounds like you are doing a good job. Remember, you don't know for sure what the last four years has been like for Gusher. Give him time.

I just rescued a scarlet that was kept in a way too small cage with no sun light and no interaction for 10 years. This bids is happy to step up to get out of the cage but isn't too happy to go back in. I've been taking everyone's advice and making bed time fun. Maybe you should do the opposite, make coming out of the cage so much fun that Gusher wants to be with you.

I also agree with the advice of doing things on your parrots terms. At the shelter, I have seen some really bad bites when volunteers thought the could force a parrot to do something. I've been bit too, but now I am careful and never push anything after any warning sign.

A bit of advice, as the owner of the shelter constantly reminds us, any thing with a beak can and will bite. Don't force anything, unless you absolutely have to.