Meet George... she hates me =(

[lvshell]

Looking for ideas on how to deal with my Scarlet Macaw.
She is a rescue that we got 3 weeks ago. She is 25 yrs old. My hubby and I went to visit her a couple times before we brought her home and she had such a sweet personality we couldn't say no. When we picked her up she was fine with me. She rode home in the car on my shoulder. The first couple days she was here we had lots of fun play time together on the floor. She was just adorable. Once my hubby started having playtime with her, it was all over for me. She loves on him, cuddles with him, nests with him, preens him... he is her chosen mate.

Now if Im anywhere near them during playtime she chases me out. She lunges at me constantly and has bitten me way too many times to count, only a few she times didnt draw blood. She bites to hurt. I can still get her out of the cage in the mornings, and most of the time she is okay with that. She did get me good once a few days ago, but for the most part, she's okay with me getting her out of the cage. Im pretty much gun shy now and dont have a clue where to start to get her to stop biting me. I want to love her so much, but she's making it very difficult. I dont want to give up. HELP!!!

Any suggestions would be so very much appreciated. We also have a Green cheeked Amazon Manu, and an African Grey Max that I get along just fine with. Im just lost with George. :22:

 

[JawzX]

welcome!

may I suggest the book "parrots for dummies"? It's a great resource and covers almost all aspects of parrot ownership... Including biting. Macaws can become very stongly bonded to a single person and it's important to keep them well socialized to prevent the sort of jealousy issues you seem to be having. Try spending time alone with her, make sure your husband is nowhere to be seen or heard and have lots of treats and praise for her when she is good for you. A bird like a macaw has a scary beak, but the less you can manage to react when she bites you the better. She'll learn that biting isn't an efective method of dealing with you. Tell her "No Bite!" when she does and then leave her alone. She'll lean that not only is biting not effective but it gets her ignored, and birds hate to be ignored. Patience and a positive attitude will go along wa to helping with this.

She looks a little scruffy, hows her diet? Is she molting? Has she been to a vet for a checkup? Do you have prior parrot experience or this lovely big girl your first?

 

[lvshell]

Thanks for the tips.

When we got her she had plucked most of her belly feathers and those on her back. She has since stopped the plucking about 75% and a lot of her feathers are starting to come back. We are hoping with a good home and diet she will feel better and stop plucking. She was being fed mostly seeds so we converted her to mostly pellets with a little seeds mixed in now and then. She also gets fresh fruits and veggies.

I must admit, my hubby is the bird person in the family. The two others we have, he has had since they were 6mo. old. (which is about 10 yrs now) He trained them well from the start so they are great with everyone. But I guess we are both a little lost with George's behavior. Thinking her being already 25 yrs old, she's pretty set in her ways....
For me, a parrots for dummies book would probably be a pretty good idea. =)

 

[Marnie]

welcome!

Do you have prior parrot experience or this lovely big girl your first?

you need to re-read her post especially the last line about her other parrots..............

 

[greycloud]

Congrats and welcome! George is gorgeous! The first couple days are always happy and fun. Soon they learn the ropes and who they like or dislike. It does not have anything to do with you, just happens. Scarlets are very large macaws with a lot of attitude. If she does not like you it is important to keep your distant right now. You husband has made his time very exciting and he over stimulates her. This has led her to be attracted to him.
To make this work he must also agree to fix some things. When he plays with you should not be around. Let him talk, laugh, sing. No heavy petting all over. Only head scritches. Otherwise she becomes sexually stimulated and frustrated. She is perfect breeding age. Your hub needs to let her know he is in charge, not her. If she reacts to you in a negative way he must correct her. Either by ending playtime or putting her on her playstand and turning his back for a few seconds. She should NEVER be allowed to be on the floor, especially if you are there. I say you should let them have private playtime because she will continue to react to you poorly due to protecting your husband.
For you to eventually have a relationship with her your husband needs to leave the area, sight unseen. Leave her in her cage. Pull a chair up, talk, sing, read to her. No eye contact right now. Drop a treat in her food cup and praise her. If she lunges ignore her. She needs to see that you mean her no harm, bring yummies and don't expect anything from her. Do this 3-4 times a day for about 10 mins. After a few days offer the treat between the bars and continue to do the same things. The next step will be to open her cage, stay far enough away to protect your self and continue to talk, praise and treat. PLay with toys in your lap and make happy voices, offer her the toy. Slowly she will come to trust you and learn you can be fun.
It is important that your husband know that it is all not fun and games. There are rules and acceptable behavior.
Also, pick a very favorite toy and a very favorite treat, that only YOU will use during your training sessions. You hub will never use these so she learns what you bring to the relationship.
Do not give her the opportunity to bite you. Always keep your distance till a trust bond is made. Don;t sway from the steps I have offered. Sometimes you will have to take 2 steps back to gain 1 forward. Most important have patience!

 

[MikeyTN]

What Greycloud says is very true. BUT you also must NOT be afraid of George cause it would never work if you show your fears. George is a beautiful Scarlet Macaw, I was wanting to get one before I found my Willie, a Blue & Gold Macaw. He came to me on his own and he's been my baby ever since so there's no Scarlet in the future cause I don't think I can handle another Macaw. Willie is very demanding of me, he keeps me to himself.

 

[lvshell]

Thank you so much for the advice. Im anxious to get started visiting with George in the manner you suggested Greycloud. I can see George has definitely chosen her mate in my hubby. I also have noticed that she is a bit more receptive to me when he is not in the room. I think spending some separate time alone with her will help a lot. I know she just needs to get comfortable with me and Im hoping she eventually will. I just really didnt have any idea how to approach the problem.

I want to do what I can to give her a happy life while still retaining all of my fingers! lol

I love these smilies.... <----George lol

 

[patterson]

yea just like the others said, try spending time with him while hes in his cage, we both handle ours the same but vincent is a daddys boy too lol