Marigold Update! GW Macaw

[KennyDolly]

Hi All -

Things are sort of progressing with Marigold. She now doesn't really hurt when she bites, but will try and step up, get one foot on then jump off and run to the other side of the cage acting afraid of me. If I come too close to her for too long she gets classic "I WILL bite you" body language. At least she gives me warning now! Any tips? I spend at least 1.5-2 hours with her every day, talking and giving treats. Once she warms up to me it will be much easier to give her more attention, since I can bring her room to room and don't have to stay next to her cage.

In other news, Scarlet has finally discovered Marigold's presence. She struts by her cage if they are near. Clearly we know who's boss!

 

[MonicaMc]

Is there any way you can reward Marigold for coming closer to you? And reward her for putting a food on you? She doesn't have to step up immediately, but if she learns that going to you means good things abound, she may continue that practice until she actually steps up on her own!

 

[KennyDolly]

Yes, I treat her as she gets near me, inside the cage. She has no problem taking treats through the bars. I had felt like I was making a little progress, tonight instead of taking her liberal slice of apple she grabbed my hand and gave me a good bite. She's turning into QUITE the handful! Scarlet never gave anyone this much trouble lol

 

[MonicaMc]

Keep at the training then!


You might try making it so Marigold has to reach for her treat but have your hand far enough away that she can't bite you.

 

[LiL_Caity413]

 

[Joannr24]

With my new guy Toby, I was told to remove him from the cage and let him live on a big playstand until he learned to be respectful. It worked great! This week I let him back in his cage and he has no issues when he comes out. He steps right up with no biting. When he's on his playstand I offer my arm with fingers and thumb curled in a fist for protection. Sometimes he steps up and others he doesn't which is fine with me because he isn't biting to say he doesn't want up. He's just walking away.

 

[KennyDolly]

Hello everyone! Thanks for the support.

Found Marigold's favorite treats fr now.... LOVES baby carrots!! She can eat them all day. She also adores honeydew melon and most kinds of nuts. I reward her for gentle finger touching with beak, and she doesn't get rewarded if she bites hard, but rather redirected to a toy where she happily chews. I give her a treat after she interacts with me, grasping my finger or putting a foot near whenever she is gentle. Does that sound good?

 

[GW.Joe]

Sounds like you are on the right track, But I'm no expert here

It was a slow night here, I'm sure some will comment in the morning

Glad to hear you are making good progress !!

Joe