New Macaw, seems depressed

[NandayMom]

So I got a 6 yr old female B&G macaw on July 4th. She seems depressed. She sits in mainly the same spot. She eats ans drinks. She makes very little noise. She will step up and she will let me pet ger, but she wants to be on her stand.
How do I get her to play with her toys, and want to spend time with us on the couch or kitchen or whatever?

I know it will take time, I just want to do what I can to encourage a good relationship from the beginning.

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[plumsmum2005]

Hello, congrats on your new addition, what is her name? Do you know if she knows how to play with toys? Her previous home or homes will have left an imprint and understanding that can be helpful.

Have you had an AV check over just to discount anything health wise? Do you know how long it is since she had one?

We have some well informed owners on here and I am hoping they see your plea soon.

 

[NandayMom]

She was just at the vet for wing trim and beak trim. He gave her a clean bill of health.

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[psychocircus91]

With all due, respect,, 12 days is not a long time. It could take your bird months and months to feel fully comfortable in her new home. Keep up the gentle interaction, offer toys and treats, and just work on building trust.

 

[NandayMom]

I never said 12 days was a long time.....Where did I say that? I said I KNOW it will take time, but asking for what I can do from day 1 to encourage a positive relationship.

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[chris-md]

I never said 12 days was a long time.....Where did I say that? I said I KNOW it will take time, but asking for what I can do from day 1 to encourage a positive relationship.

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Hello nandaymom. No need to be defensive, we are all here to help you and want to see you new friend flourish under your care. Nothing was meant by this comment other than to reinforce that you shouldn't expect too much now, which is a very relevant point to your situation.

Keep doing exactly what you are doing, as previously mentioned. Gentle interactions, treats, etc. the bird will set the pace and you will know when he is ready for more.

 

[NandayMom]

His comment was not helpful. I'm asking for specific things I can do. Havnt gotten any yet

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[psychocircus91]

I'm sorry you did not find my comment helpful.

Your question is how do you get her to want to spend time with you on the couch. I'm sorry to say, the answer is TIME and PATIENCE.

Of course there are things you can be doing to keep her happy, and judging by your set up, you're providing her with what she needs.

To keep her happy... Frequent bathing, some birds will enjoy it, some will not.
Going outside, some birds will enjoy it, some will not.
Various types of toys, some birds will like different things than others.

There is no magic formula!

 

[Terry57]

His comment was not helpful. I'm asking for specific things I can do. Havnt gotten any yet

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I think you have gotten several helpful comments, including the one you mention.
Here is a link about building trust, which may help as well:

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Please remember that we are all parronts, taking time out to try to help others here. People will be more likely to post if their words are taken in the spirit in which they are given. Best of luck to you with your new baby.

 

[psychocircus91]

His comment was not helpful. I'm asking for specific things I can do. Havnt gotten any yet

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I think you have gotten several helpful comments, including the one you mention.
Here is a link about building trust, which may help as well:

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Please remember that we are all parronts, taking time out to try to help others here. People will be more likely to post if their words are taken in the spirit in which they are given. Best of luck to you with your new baby.

Good link, Terry. Thanks!

 

[chris-md]

His comment was not helpful. I'm asking for specific things I can do. Havnt gotten any yet

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I think you have gotten several helpful comments, including the one you mention.

Please remember that we are all parronts, taking time out to try to help others here. People will be more likely to post if their words are taken in the spirit in which they are given. Best of luck to you with your new baby.

Indeed. It's generally a good idea to not bite the hand that is trying to feed you. Instead of saying "that wasn't helpful, I've gotten nothing so far" as though you are entitled to something from us strangers, try "I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Can you please elaborate and provide some examples?"

Best of luck to you and your feathered ones.

 

[Flboy]

Nice setup, you have her off to a good start!

Be ready for the testing phase!

Good info here.
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

 

[Christinenc2000]

So I got a 6 yr old female B&G macaw on July 4th. She seems depressed. She sits in mainly the same spot. She eats ans drinks. She makes very little noise. She will step up and she will let me pet ger, but she wants to be on her stand.
How do I get her to play with her toys, and want to spend time with us on the couch or kitchen or whatever?

I know it will take time, I just want to do what I can to encourage a good relationship from the beginning.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Great setup. My first Bird was a B & G. I can remember how anxious I was to have him sit with me. It took a year. He was a rescue and had a hard time trusting. It will happen just hang in there.

Sit with him . Close to his playstand. Read talk what ever it takes. Trust me it will happen. Just little by little. If he is not eating from you hand try a skewer. I would sit with a bowl of Green Beans. Put one on the end and feed him. Apple anything will work. In time he will just take it from you.

Nothing feels better than gaining the trust of your Fid

 

[MonicaMc]

More toys. Especially foraging toys.

Any time you walk by, drop a favorite treat that your bird *only* gets when you walk by. You don't need to stand there and wait for your bird to eat it, but just doing this your bird can look forward to you approaching.

Teach your macaw how to target to an object. She doesn't necessarily need to touch it in order to be target trained, so keep that in mind if she'd rather chew the object than touch it!

Teach her new behaviors that can be fun for both you and her! Such as turn around, retrieve, 'big eagle', put an item in a basket, dance, shake head yes/no, etc!

 

[Birdman666]

The more you handle them and interact with them, the more comfortable they get with you.

Don't force the interaction. Wait for her to be receptive. But playing games, peek e boo. Favorite treats. Playing with toys on your lap. Particularly something like a pipe bell on a chain. Tug of war/peek e boo with a towel...

And just let it happen over time. This bird just hasn't bonded to you yet. And probably had bonded to either the other bird/former person, even though there were serious "aggression" problems there. That was what this bird knew, and now it's like starting over with someone new...

Nice stand by the way.