Merlin jumped a big bonding hurdle today!

[MagicalMerlin]

Today, Merlin decided I was his person!
We have had him for almost a month exactly. I do, do all of his care giving, feeding, free time, training, all of that. At first, I thought he preferred my husband to me. But the last few days have said otherwise.

So today, my hubs and our son left for a week to go on vacation. Since we have a small zoo here, I had to stay home. Which is fine with me! LOL
Merlin has been out for the whole day, since I don't have a 5 year old AND a macaw to tend to, I could do it!

Today; Merlin got into my lap, puffed up and let me pet him! I've touched him here and there over the month, but not real pets and definitely not on the head or neck. He let me pet his head AND neck! And under his wings. We sat there for at least half an hour and he let me love all over him, he regurgitated for me (I'll take that as a complement for now, LOL)

Then, maybe the biggest thing of all...he stepped up for me while on the back of the kitchen chair! Usually, he will lunge and try to take a finger off because he doesn't want to get down. But today he stepped up! He's stepped up for me almost every time I've asked. Hes been in my lap on and off all day, let me pet him each time hes been in my lap.

I feel like we've jumped that very tall "who is he bonding to" hurdle today! I'm SO happy! I've loved him since day one, and I would love him no matter his preference. But selfishly, I'm so happy its me!

I just wanted to share this awesome news with some people who would understand!

 

[GraciesMom]

That's awesome! I'm really excited for you. I hope you & Merlin have a great week together. Take full advantage of your alone time together for the next week & have lots of fun & cuddles!

 

[BeatriceC]

That's awesome! It's so amazing the first time a bird steps up on you after he's been reluctant to do so for a while.

 

[MagicalMerlin]

Thanks!

I hope we can have a great week together too!

I'm so used to dogs and cats, I don't know if I've ever been this excited when an animal likes me! LOL

 

[plumsmum2005]

So pleased for you, can see it means a lot.

Please be careful when your family return, Merlin may be a little confused until he sorts it out so allow extra caution just in case, which is better than a bite and uncertainty.

 

[Flboy]

Happy dance for you!

 

[MagicalMerlin]

Today with Merlin has been awesome! He's stepping up when he *should* or when he needs help.

I have noticed since our "bonding experience" yesterday, he hasn't done anything "bad". (SO many quotes! LOL) For example, last week he wanted to pull the carpet up all the time. I would have to towel him to get him away from the area of carpet. Along with distracting him with his appropriate toys. The last 2 days, not a single incident of pulling at the carpet. Is there a correlation to bonding with me and not doing bad things? Hes only been chewing on bird appropriate things. Hes pretty much been the dream bird for the last 2 days.

Another awesome thing thats been happening, he's let me put him in the cage from my hand! Before, I would have to towel him and put him in his cage, because he wouldn't step up for me. Or, he would step up because he needed help, I would walk towards the cage and he would reach down and bite my wrist to tell me he didn't want to go in the cage. Now, he will step up, I tell him "lets go night night" and I can put him right on his favorite perch with no problems. Is this what all you bonded to bird people get to feel every day? Its amazing!

Another thing that is totally different is his need for attention. I usually do my house stuff during the day, then let him out of the cage for several hours when I don't have any distractions. Today was no different, I got what I needed to get done done. The whole time, he was screaming/chattering for me.
Then while he was out, every time I would get up or walk around, he seemed to panic. This afternoon, I was reading stuff on here, I wanted a cup of coffee. So I walked 5 feet to the counter behind me and he seemed to panic. I put my hand out for him to step up on, he stepped up and stayed there while I poured my coffee, totally content.
He does entertain himself with his toys and a big cardboard box, so hes not totally dependent on my interactions.

Is this what its like to have a macaw who likes to be with you?
Do they feel separation anxiety, even while in the same room?