Please help

[josiesmom]

In the last couple of weeks, Josie has become very jealous of anyone/anything that comes near me. This morning, was the worst. I always take her upstairs with me to wake up my son. She usually walks on his back and talks to him, but this morning, she tried to bite his toe when I gave him a kiss on the cheek. She does not want me showing any affection to anyone but her. She has also been a little nippy with me when she doesn't get what she wants. Also, she does not let anyone else handle her except me and my youngest son (10yrs). I'm at a loss here....she gets out time and we have lots of toys in her cage for when she is in there. She has also started screaming for my attention. Apparently, screaming is only a problem when I'm home...she talks nicely when I'm not home. I know winter can be rough on anyone, so is it possible that she has cabin fever. I haven't had her outside since it has been so cold here. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[wwendy104]

I have a similar issue actually and out of all my birds the B&G is the worst with jealousy. My kids tell me that she is so good when Im not around but as soon as I walk in the door, she hears me , or sees me she will start screaming until I go to her. She is very nippy with me too if I have handled the other birds or even was affectionate with my youngest daughter. I also have noticed however that she is very hormonal lately and I think that is why. If I am anywhere near her she regurgitates and tries to rub on me. I think this is the issue.

What I have been doing is if she is aggresive at all like that I will refuse to go to her for 10 min and if she screams I go over tell her no and walk away. It has helped some and the screaming has gotten better. I have also stopped rubbing her anywhere but her head. I am new to macaws so I don't know if this is a common issue or maybe a mating habit but this is what Im trying at the moment. Good luck!

 

[weco]

You've been chosen & she's upset you're not spending all your time with her.....she's coming into or is in breeding mode.....

Since you're the chosen one, the others are at risk of being nipped & you probably want to change handling habits for the next 3 months or so (head scritches only), while you read up on breeding macaw habits.....remember what you'll be reading will only give you pointers.....everybody is different, as are our feathered friends