Macaw jealousy issues

[kme3388]

Blue is having some jealousy issues when I hold my Ekkie. He’s fine with other parrots until I go to handle them. Then he screams (for a very long time). I’ve been putting in ear plugs, and ignoring him when he does this.

Is there another approach that may be beneficial?

Please don’t feel like if you don’t have a macaw you can’t comment. Anyone with a larger flock may experiences this.

 

[kme3388]

He really is a big baby! With some serious jealousy issues. I’m wondering if this is a pecking order issue that I just don’t understand with parrots.

 

[Sophieskitchen]

Wow those screams! lol Ive never had a macaw so im not sure if what i suggest would even work but if it was me, I try the following things:
1. Give him a new interesting toy before handling another bird. Maybe if he is distracted with a new toy he would be happy to entertain himself for awhile.
2. I would give him a bath before handling another bird. Usually a bird spends quite a bit of time preening after the bath and hopefully that would keep him busy long enough while you interact with the other birds.
3. I would only try this if the other two failed...I would use a clicker and his favorite treat. When you handle another bird i would count out loud " 1 missassippi, 2 missassippi, 3 missassippi, etc." Click and treat after 1 second of him being quiet while you are with another bird, then after he has mastered that, increase to 2 seconds and click and treat if hes quiet for 2 seconds while you interact with another bird...etc. keep going so hopefully he will understand him being quiet while you interact with another bird will earn him treats.
I hope one of those things work. Im sure your desperate to find a solution!

 

[kme3388]

Wow those screams! lol Ive never had a macaw so im not sure if what i suggest would even work but if it was me, I try the following things:
1. Give him a new interesting toy before handling another bird. Maybe if he is distracted with a new toy he would be happy to entertain himself for awhile.
2. I would give him a bath before handling another bird. Usually a bird spends quite a bit of time preening after the bath and hopefully that would keep him busy long enough while you interact with the other birds.
3. I would only try this if the other two failed...I would use a clicker and his favorite treat. When you handle another bird i would count out loud " 1 missassippi, 2 missassippi, 3 missassippi, etc." Click and treat after 1 second of him being quiet while you are with another bird, then after he has mastered that, increase to 2 seconds and click and treat if hes quiet for 2 seconds while you interact with another bird...etc. keep going so hopefully he will understand him being quiet while you interact with another bird will earn him treats.
I hope one of those things work. Im sure your desperate to find a solution!

Thank you, he does enjoy training so far. He can target train, turn around, and wave a claw.

Macaw’s do have an ear piercing scream, it’s not consistent with Blue anyway unless I am handling another parrot. The only other time he does it is if he wants out of his cage.

 

[Sophieskitchen]

Thank you, he does enjoy training so far. He can target train, turn around, and wave a claw.

Macaw’s do have an ear piercing scream, it’s not consistent with Blue anyway unless I am handling another parrot. The only other time he does it is if he wants out of his cage.

Please keep us updated. He is a real beauty and lucky to have you.