New B&G and new to macaws :)

[Homeschoolmom]

Hi, I'm new to the boards and this week adopted a 7 year old B&G He belonged to a friend who couldn't really handle or control him, to the point that he would attack and block them from passing his cage when he was out. I am really excited to have him here and since bringing him home on Monday I've been able to remove him from his cage and snuggle with him on the couch. Most of his mouthiness is gentle sometimes he presses to pinch or if he gets his panties in bunch he'll act up, but over all I'm just tickled with his progress! But since I've never kept a macaw there are certain behavoirs I'm trying to figure out One is he is not comfortable on hands or really arms either To get him to willingly get off the cage I have to wrap a towel on my arm and nudge him up, but if it's just my bare arm out the the cage he barks a bit and won't budge or moves away from me. Has anyone else ever experainced this? I once took in a BFA that would ONLY step up on a WHITE sock - odd right? I'd like to help him get past this but he is very nerous on a bare arm as were if it's wrapped he's much more comfortable and at ease. Also when I'm snuggling with him he loves to feed my hands and will now let me kiss on his cheeks, but one thing he does that I find is odd is that he'll try to wedge himself between myself and the couch while scratching like and chicken and feeding my hands. While he'll feed my hands right away, this behavoir seems to be the next "level" but I can't figure out the reasoning of the scratching. Also if I kiss on his back while he does it he'll make noises like a Grey growling but his behavoir seems to saw he's enjoying the attention, but that sound would make me think otherwise. I'd love any input! Thanks so much!!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum.

Unless I missed it somewhere, what is your new baby's name? Are you certain of his gender?

As for him only wanting to step up on you when you wrap your arm with something: Perhaps he feels safer, and it's less slippery for him. When you hold a big mac on your arm, try and hold the arm close to your body, so he can use his beak against your chest for balance. He's too big to fit on just one finger, so if you want him on your hand, offer your entire hand to him.

The noises you are describing that he makes on the couch could possibly be over-stimulation. It also sounds as if he's regurgitating for you - that's a sign of affection, but you don't want too much of it.

You wouldn't happen to have a few pics to share with us of your new pride and joy, would you?

 

[josiesmom]

Welcome and good luck! As Wendy said, we love pics.

 

[Homeschoolmom]

Thanks guys, I was kinda of worried that I may be getting him all worked up JW I don't know for sure the Casey's gender, I'm looking to send away a sample to Avain Biotech and figured I'd disease test and sex him at the same time Right now he's in quarantine in our downstairs family room, but after he's tested and cleared I'd like to build a gym for him up in our dining room. Our BFA likes to have his feet covered with my fingers when I pick him up, but I know Casey doesn't but to have both feet on my hand is just not comfortable at all it seems, and without the towel neither is my arm I'll try bringing him in more to my chest once he's on my arm (w/out the towel) and see if he becomes more confident Any ideas on how to distract him (without insulting him) on the regurgitating? It's a mess, but manageable but I don't want to over excite him and set myself up for more behavior issues later. I also have smaller children that I would like to introduce him too as he becomes more consistent with his behavior, as I would like him to be a friend of the family and not my devoted mate, do you have any suggestions on trying to help a macaw to enjoy the entire family? Our BFA, Kelley is a lover of children and has willing become a family friend, but I worry that Casey will change his way only for me if I'm the only one working with him. Thanks in advance guys, I will get up pictures in a bit!

 

[MikeyTN]

One thing is be real careful to allow a macaw to be near your face!!! You never know what they may do cause they can easily disfigure your face! I don't allow my macaws to be near my face or on my shoulders. I know people who went through several plastic surgery after being attacked by a macaw near their face or on shoulders.

It's not easy to get him to like other family members if he's attached to you. As long as I'm around my partner can't go anywhere near either one of my macaws. Only I can but they're good to dogs but have to be careful around children. I don't trust Willie with kids but Lola I haven't tried it with her yet....