Macaw Tantrums

[Mommajack]

My Rudy, who's a 4 month old Ruby, is currently throwing a tantrum as I type. I got him on the 8th and have had no major problems, other than the last 3 days he fights me when it's time to get back into his cage. I have no previous Macaw experience.

This morning I fed him as usual, and after a few moments of preening he jumped to the bottom of his cage and grabbed the door with his beak. He started raking the newspapers back at the bottom with his feet, and sometimes shredding it with his beak. If I walk past the cage he pauses and watches me, but then returns to his shredding and raking when I continue on. He's quite vigorous in his actions, and sometimes rattles the door with his beak. The bottom of the cage is nothing but shredded paper now, which is useless as the pan is missing so the shreds are just falling to the floor between the wire. When he gets tired he pauses, but then starts up again after about 15 minutes. He watches me the entire time.

He does have toys in the cage, and I have taken him out every day, sometimes more than once. I try to make sure he's out at least a total of 2 hours a day. This just started today. How does one handle a macaw throwing a fit? He obviously wants out but I don't want to reward his behavior. Should I ignore him? He has not been out of his cage today yet, and normally he has by this time.

He's worn himself out now, and is falling asleep. What should I do at this point if his behavior continues? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

EDIT
I just remembered, the only thing I've done different today, other than I haven't taken him out yet, is giving him a sprig of mint. I can't tell if he's tried any yet. Could this be a weird allergic reaction? He's never had it before.

 

[MikeyTN]

I laughed while reading this post....They LOVE to shred paper! Since the pan is missing with just the grate, why don't you place a matting under the cage with paper on top of it? Just in case you have carpet....I'm sure your trying him how to step up right now. Go to his perch and say "UP" or use a perch and while your holding Rudy in front of the perch, use the perch to gently nudge him towards the perch, you usually won't have to touch them with the perch and they will move on their own. He's a bundle of joy right now and take your time to properly train him and he will do fine!

 

[Norbert.n.Honey]

I dont know, if this is the right thing to do but i try to keep my birds out of the cage as much as i can (they'll stay on top, when I'm not interacting with them for the most part) and only keep em inside the cage when I'm leaving the house or at night; buy a portable perch you can bring in to any room and put him on if thats an option, but thats what i do

 

[Mommajack]

@Mikey
Well it had occurred to me at first that he was just having fun, but it doesn't *feel* like that's what he's doing.

What kind of matting? I have tile floors but I'd like to find something to put under the paper. The cage is borrowed, until I can afford one of my own, which will have to be soon as he's outgrowing this one.

@Norbert
I can't do that (keep him out all day), I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. The dogs come in occasionally if it's really hot, and every night. The cats are always indoors. I have to lock one up in the bathroom when Rudy is out because he's a bit too interested in The Giant Feather Toy That Moves.

Also, he does know 'step up' and 'step down'. He also knows his name and 'no'. He just isn't obeying the last 3 days. He runs up my arm unto my shoulders and sits behind my head where it's difficult to get him when I try to put him up. If he's on my hands and I raise them up above my head, he jumps to the top of his cage. Then he jumps back onto me and runs behind my head. If I'm quick enough, I can keep telling him to step up onto one hand then the next...with me doing a sort of windmill action with him going from one hand to another...to keep him from running up my arms. But as soon as I move towards the cage he just jumps on top of it again. When I do manage to get him inside the cage and tell him 'step down', he refuses, but I know he understands the commands just fine because there is no problem when he's outside the cage and we are playing.

He was quite obedient the first few days.

 

[Norbert.n.Honey]

ohhh got ya, but the cat's the predator now when Rudy grows up the cats gonna be the prey ... good luck, i hope you figure it out soon!

 

[jacksmom]

How does one handle a macaw throwing a tantrum? Duck and cover, of course!

Jk...he will probably never stop wanting to shred the paper...that is just too fun! I would probably make a new pan for the bottom, out of wood and plastic, until you can get a new cage. (Or just convert a room into a huge cage you can hang out in with them, we decided any guests will have to be happy with our living room!)

You can try giving him "funner" things to shred, like cardboard, so on...most parrot toys are made to be indestructible (kinda, lol) and his young beak won't be strong enough for most wood "shreddable" toys. Even paper you would rather him shred, hung from the bars, I am sure would be preferable to you than what he is doing now.

On the obedience...Jack tried these same tricks with me as a youngster. The "windmill" works to convince him you don't want him near your head, (I suggest never letting a macaw, no matter how much you trust it, within range of your face) as for the cage, I am at a loss...what you are describing is the biggest reason why I ditched cages and made a bird room...they really don't seem to like cages! I have heard people successfully using bribes, though...a peanut in the bowl, so on...anything that is special that they don't get all the time and really love.

Never a dull moment, huh?

 

[Grinder]

It sounds like the honeymoon period is over and now he is testing you. It's very common for this to happen. We have to remember that parrots are not pets, but companions. So while our parrots do depend on us for food and housing they still consider us a part of their flock and they want push and test boundaries to see where they fit within the flock. It's very important for you to be vigilant and create boundaries for Rudy during this time. By putting in the time and the effort now, the future will be much easier on the both of you.

 

[jacksmom]

True that, Grinder!

 

[forbey]

I realize that Macaws are not Amazons, and I have not been a widely experienced companion to either, but I have learnt a few things over the years.

Cage bottom, if you can't make one, go to your local Menard's, Lowe's or Home Depot, etc. They should have a rubberized mat with carpetting built into the top surface. We purchased two large enough to catch anything Skittles might drop to the floor. We vaccuum periodically and exchange them every week or so so we can take them out and power wash the dirty one. Yours might need swapped out mor frequently because of the lack of a cage bottom, but it should still work to help save your flooring.

Shredding paper: If he digs it, give him more. Go for the heavy duty cardboard and stash other toys and food in it. If it wears him out and he sleeps, it will help him get his aggression out (instead of towards you). Plus if simply gives him something to do.

Tantrums: WALK AWAY! PERIOD! Skittles, like most Amazons, has one or two periods a day where SCREAMING is the thing to do. We have learned that he quits sooner if he realizes it won't bring yu back running. Talk to him, tell him you'll be back when he settles down ... and then stick to it! Before we moved we had to shower in a makeship shower stall in the basement (we were remodelling the bathroom) if he got to screaming while we were downstairs we refused to go up until he stopped. If he starts when we are nearby, we leave his area.

As for not going back into the cage. Don't make it a punishment, while he is out, leave his food in the cage and the door open so that he knows that is where food is and that is where sleep is. Other than that, the other Macaw people will have to direct you erecarding Macaws.

Best of luck,

Forbey

 

[Mommajack]

>.<

OK, so I finally brought him out of the cage, and he kept flying around the house. He hasn't done that before but I knew it was only a matter of time because his wings aren't clipped.

I think maybe I have a plastic tub in the garage, the lid will cover part of the bottom anyway. It's a start. And the cats have a big box I've been letting them play in, that I can cut up for Rudy.

So now Rudy is licking the computer screen as I type, trying to eat the cursor and the little smiles, and Kato (the well behaved cat) is on the desk here at my elbow, watching it all. He's curious but not threatening. Here's hoping Kato's predator instincts don't kick in. But I suppose one good bite from Rudy would cure that (crosses fingers) if needed. I don't leave Rudy untended when he's out anyway.

I cannot convert a room, but it would be nice if I could!

I will try giving Rudy treats to get in the cage. He loves sunflower seeds, maybe they will work.

EDIT
Thanks for the suggestions forbey!

 

[davisn456]

It sounds like Rudy is a little bored, and may also be testing you a bit. I'm curious if he ever plays with the other toys...it's possible that the paper is just more interesting (sound, feeling, etc.). My Frankie has several toys in her cage, but she literally begs for tissues, paper towels, or newspapers when I'm changing them in her cage. I give her one occasionally, and she has a blast with them.

There could also be some jealousy going on here too. Rudy seeing you interacting with the other animals when he's locked up may cause some frustration on his side. I'm struggling with the balance of this myself between Frankie and my two cats. Luckily my cats are pretty used to Frankie now and pretty much ignore her, so I don't worry about watching quite a closely these days, but I'm always aware when they're in a room together. That situation should improve with time.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I'm sitting here laughing my butt off, visualizing Rudy doing his flying rounds in your house and now licking the computer screen. Has he "tested" the keyboard yet? Those buttons pull out easy...that is just SO much fun!

Sorry....I couldn't resist.

Rudy is just testing you EVERY which way he can think of. Gentle but firm guidance is now called for. You can do it, just remember to laugh at his mishaps.

 

[Merlee]

Since your baby likes to shred, if you have one, put in an old phonebook or pieces of cardboard. Pizza boxes are great! Maybe this will distract him from what's on the floor of your cage.

I have a dog and cat and they both leave the birds alone.

 

[Betrisher]

One good shredding toy I've found is the cardboard bolts that fabric comes on. Most fabric shops are grateful to be rid of them, so you could try providing Rudy with some of these to demolish. I slit them along the length and slip them onto the cage wire or even over a perch. The Beaks take great pleasure in ripping the cardboard apart and I've got a permanent supply of it from my local fabric shop. NB. I'm a quilter. ;D

 

[Mommajack]

As for not going back into the cage. Don't make it a punishment, while he is out, leave his food in the cage and the door open so that he knows that is where food is and that is where sleep is. Other than that, the other Macaw people will have to direct you erecarding Macaws.

Best of luck,

Forbey

This worked well yesterday evening. I waited until I knew he'd be hungry, then let him see me put fresh veggies and fruit in his bowl. He jumped on top of the cage a couple times, but in the end went in without nearly as much fuss. Thanks for that suggestion!

I did cut up part of a heavy duty box and put cardboard on the bottom of the cage. He hasn't chewed on it yet but at least it's keeping the paper shreds off the floor for now (and poo!).

@davisn456
Yes, he plays with his other toys, especially one I made for him. I don't leave him unattended while it's in his cage, because I'm not sure how bird-safe it is. I take it out if I leave the house, and at night.

As for the jealousy issue, I've wondered about that too. All my babies want my attention

@JerseyWendy
No, not the keyboard, but he has discovered the buttons on the remote controls for the TV :31: I have to keep him away from them when he's out.

So now I have another issue (of course!). When Rudy flew around yesterday he took aim at the window, but at the last moment swerved and tried to land on the curtain (he failed miserably and wanted a hug). How do I keep him from trying to fly through windows? Most of them have blinds on them, but that particular one and a couple others do not.

 

[goalerjones]

Try taking him right up to the window and allowing him to see it and feel it. Show his environment to him on a regular basis so he can navigate properly.

 

[Mommajack]

Thanks you!