Macaw trust?

[Caleb]

Hello all! I guess this question can really fall under any knid of bird of any age but since im lucky enough to be getting a baby hahns macaw I would like to know from the long term and even short term keepers, how they got their new bird accostomed to them and their surroundings. If the bird is a baby will that make it easier or harder to get him to trust you?Also, if you had trouble what did you do to make him feel more comfortable?

 

[Alisana]

As strange as it sounds, sitting next to their cage and talking gently with them, or even reading aloud can get them used to you; first by presence and also by voice

 

[Alisana]

Some macaws really love picture books, where you can point to the picture while reading It's really quite cute when you watch their eyes pinning in excitement as they get engaged in the story (or your animated voice and the pictures, lol)

Has the bird already arrived?

If it hasn't - it's a good idea to organise the pickup for the morning, that way they have a whole day to get used to their surroundings in cage. It can be rather unpleasant to wake in in a completely different room/surroundings.

 

[Caleb]

Thanks really good advice! He actually arrives on Sunday. I don't think I'll be able to get him early. I'm driving quite far out of my way to pick him up! Sooo excited

 

[Alisana]

Thanks really good advice! He actually arrives on Sunday. I don't think I'll be able to get him early. I'm driving quite far out of my way to pick him up! Sooo excited

Congratulations

Make sure that everything is ready before hand then. Cage, toys, destructibles, food, water, etc. If you can get some sample food that the breeder was feeding with, get that as well. Makes the transition over to your food easier (unless if course your'e using the exact same thing) Some Hahn's like the hidey-huts but there's conflicting reports on how safe they are. (Caught thread around toes)

Keep in mind that birds can become dehydrated during long trips - so ensure that he is getting enough liquids. Sometimes they don't drink due to spilled water dishes, other times it's just due to fear/being in an unfamiliar area.

If you have other pets, keep them away from the room/cage area. Cats/Dogs meowing/barking/hissing etc can make the arrival home very unpleasant, so lock them away. If you have other birds, practice a 30-60 day quarantine rule and get a vet check certificate.

Explain everything that is happening when you do things. "I am going to pick up your cage now, you'll feel it move, but you'll be safe/OK", "We are going to the car now. It'll be a smooth drive, you can relax now, and I'll let you know when you are home." "We are home. This is where you will live." etc - Even though young, they've got good cognitive ability; talking constantly as well will get him used to your voice, and by announcing changes, he'll learn to trust that you'll warn him before something happens. Use a calm voice; if it's an exciting thing (like cage with toys) you can use an excited voice as you pull toys out to show him. I remember reading about one lady who had an Amazon (Life with Ben) and she would always say "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay" when they were in a nervous situation, and he learnt it from her and would say it to himself when he was scared.

Best of luck!

 

[Caleb]

Wow this has really cleared things up for me! I wondering if i should bring toys and talk to him on the drive. Now that it's cleared up i feel more comfortable picking him up!