Birdman666
Well-known member
- Sep 18, 2013
- 9,904
- 264
- Parrots
- Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
I think I've done a number of posts on this subject, but my answer to biting macaws is to (1) first and foremost put myself in a position not only to where I can control the bird, but also WHERE THE BIRD KNOWS he can be controlled.
That's step one. Introducing this bird to Mr. Towel, and stepping him up with two fingers on the beak, generally does an attitude adjustment.
If he goes to latch on when you let go of the beak, you shake your arm to get him off balance BEFORE HE CAN LATCH ON, and he immediately goes to the floor. He can sit there for a moment and "think about it." Then he doesn't get up, until he steps up nice. Repeat until he "gets it."
If he is a habitual biter, wrap a large towel around your perch arm before stepping him up, until you have trained him out of this. The same rules apply, however, we don't want him biting the towel either. Meet Mr. Floor...
Macaws ALL OF THEM are attention oriented. The withholding and giving of attention is your number one training tool. USE IT! Withhold attention when they act up. SHOWER with attention when they are good birds.
Macaw training 101.
Oh, and you have already learned this one: THESE BIRDS KNOW WHO IS, AND WHO ISN'T AFRAID OF THEM. IF YOU ARE NOT, THEY DON'T BOTHER YOU. IF YOU ARE, THEY KEEP IT UP UNTIL YOU DEMONSTRATE TO THEM YOU ARE NOT. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO TEST UNTIL THEY ARE SURE!
That's step one. Introducing this bird to Mr. Towel, and stepping him up with two fingers on the beak, generally does an attitude adjustment.
If he goes to latch on when you let go of the beak, you shake your arm to get him off balance BEFORE HE CAN LATCH ON, and he immediately goes to the floor. He can sit there for a moment and "think about it." Then he doesn't get up, until he steps up nice. Repeat until he "gets it."
If he is a habitual biter, wrap a large towel around your perch arm before stepping him up, until you have trained him out of this. The same rules apply, however, we don't want him biting the towel either. Meet Mr. Floor...
Macaws ALL OF THEM are attention oriented. The withholding and giving of attention is your number one training tool. USE IT! Withhold attention when they act up. SHOWER with attention when they are good birds.
Macaw training 101.
Oh, and you have already learned this one: THESE BIRDS KNOW WHO IS, AND WHO ISN'T AFRAID OF THEM. IF YOU ARE NOT, THEY DON'T BOTHER YOU. IF YOU ARE, THEY KEEP IT UP UNTIL YOU DEMONSTRATE TO THEM YOU ARE NOT. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO TEST UNTIL THEY ARE SURE!