newbie here...B&G wants to be ON my head

[Bird Brain]

Hey All

I posted in the "welcome" forum but I didn't get a single welcome response :31: Maybe you fellow Macaw owners will be more "welcoming".

I got my B&G on Sun. He is not yet a year old. He is such a good boy (just guessing on sex) so far. Steps up readily to all. Is eating well.

One annoying habit he's developing or already had developed...he likes to go right up my arm, to my shoulder then my head. I didn't really even think about "is this a good idea", it just sort of happened. He is well behaved on my shoulder and my head. He seems very happy up there. But its a little difficult to get him off once he's up there.

Am I already spoiling him? Is this horrible to allow him to do?

I have other questions but I will hold off asking them because I think the length of my first post scared people away

Rachel
Rio - B&G Macaw

 

[MikeyTN]

Welcome to the forum!!! Awwww!!!! Look at that pretty face, he looks just like Willie...lol.

To answer your question, I would not allow him on your head! You need to protect yourself by preventing things from happening. A lot of people have them on the shoulders, not me, I don't allow him cause they can be unpredictable, things can happen....as you can already see, they have a strong beak that can do some damage!!!

 

[andrea.faerie]

WELCOME! (i'm a conure owner lol I stick to the active threads so I probably didn't see yours. I'm sorry! <3 )

 

[npandora]

Hi , welcome and what a cute bird you have. I do not allow my macaw onto my shoulders. My vet says he has seen many injuries to peoples ears and face due to their bird being on their shoulder.

 

[lynn]

hello awww he soooo cute i have a hahn macaw who i cant seem to stop going on my shoulder and i have had some really bad bit's to my ears neck and he had the corner of my eye so dont allow this wish i could stop mine

 

[MikeyTN]

Hi , welcome and what a cute bird you have. I do not allow my macaw onto my shoulders. My vet says he has seen many injuries to peoples ears and face due to their bird being on their shoulder.

A friend of mine is one of them....he has scars to prove it... like I mentioned before about him is improper handling and training....personally I don't have that kind of issues...

 

[cd4565]

That's a good looking young man you got there!

 

[Sabbath]

Beautiful bird, funny to think, just 2 years ago I thought those birds could only be found in zoo's!

 

[antoinette]

Hi and welcome, glad you posted in the newbie section, that's the way to go

You mentioned
I have other questions but I will hold off asking them because I think the length of my first post scared people away

Long posts do scare people, rather try keep it short and sweet
Your second posting here was A1, short and sweet and got great responses.

Good luck with your bird
PS..... we love sharing pictures

 

[JJones1719]

Welcome to the bird board and congratulations with you new addition. Since your B&G is not yet 1 year old. I would not let them on your shoulder until they have proven themselves trust worthy.
Macaws can sometimes spaz out and in the mist of things can bite the one they love so to speak. Bond with your B&G and enjoy eachother's company for the time being. Gain his trust as well as you gaining his.
Please keep in mind that the advise you get from Members are based on their own Macaw relationships and do not think that one rule applies for all Macaws out there. Be your own judge and use common sense when handling your new B&G. Best of luck Joe

 

[Tammy]

I have an Orange Winged Amazon & he is either on my shoulder or my head for at least 4 hours a day. He has NEVER been nippy or inappropriate while hitching a ride. The only problem I ever run into is sometimes his foot gets tangled in my hair. Then I lay down flat on the floor & help him get his foot out. When we play tag I tickle his belly & yell Tag, you're it & then sprint off. He flies around the house & perches on my head. I put my hand up & he hops on & I give him a great big kiss. I did have to stop wearing earrings though. The temptation was too much for him.

 

[Bird Brain]

Thank you all so much for your responses! I will try to use my best judgement with the shoulder perching. I appreciate the welcome. I have been using the search function to read old posts and find out great information. We have an appt with an avian vet next week so I guess we'll get blood drawn for a dna test and then soon after I'll know if RIO is a he or a she
thanks again
Rachel

 

[Abzeez]

I used to let my amazon ride around on my shoulder, but now he has become a "teenager" and I have found its not a very good idea. He gets lost in the moment and BAM, he nails my face. So no more of that in my house. Every once in awhile he will attempt it, but he gets put back on my arm or hand. Best of luck.

 

[azdesertrhino]

Great input here.

Mac tries to get on my shoulder but he gets "nippy", kind of like he is preening me but sometimes it gets out of hand.

I try to keep him off my shoulder but he can be a quick little bugger at times.

He is very young (15 months) so we are still learning (all of the family, including Mac).