Sudden aggression

[KariJ]

Hello,

So I’ve been having an issue with my blue and gold macaw, Goose’s behaviour, it’s really stressing me out and I could use some help. He’s recently become very aggressive, the only time he’s calm is when he’s hungry. He’s always chewed on my fingers and ears and what not a bit hard but that’s just because he doesn’t really understand his beak is very strong and can hurt people but now he aggressively bites my hands/fingers and when he’s on my shoulder he will attack my face and when I’m putting new toys in his cage he’ll follow me around trying to bite me. He flys off whenever I go to put him back in his enclosure when he’s being aggressive or hangs on to me or the bars on the outside so I’m not sure if that’s the right approach. I got him in January so I’ve had him almost six months and I believe he is now about 7 or 8 months old. Is this some sort of young/adolescent stage thing he’s going through?? Or is it something that he needs to be taught not to do? If so how can I get him to be less aggressive?? Or if there’s any other causes for it any information would be greatly appreciated. I want him to be as happy and loved as possible

Thank you in advance.

 

[noodles123]

Well, they don't reach sexual maturity from a few years, but he is becoming more of an adult and less of a baby.
I imagine that it is a combination of behavioral and hormonal factors. He sounds like he is in the "bluffing stage".
I absolutely HATE the following website (as they often provide terrible bird advice) but the advice offered on this particular entry isn't bad...https://www.thesprucepets.com/bluffing-biting-behavior-in-parrots-390306

FYI-
You should only ever pet them on the head and neck (the beak can even be sexual---now yours is still young, but you shouldn't get him in the habit of expecting things that will lead to problems). Access to shadowy spaces (huts, under shirts, under furniture, low ledges, boxes, pillows, blankets, under furniture) should NOT be allowed, as these also can trigger hormones.

 

[itzjbean]

After the baby phase wears off, macaws will try to test their boundaries constantly. It's up to YOU as an owner to make sure your bird knows that certain things are not acceptable, like biting too hard, chasing mom around to bite her, generally being aggressive is not acceptable.

You'll need to start working with him daily on bite-pressure training, and training overall to give him something to focus on. He should have plenty of wood and toys to chew up throughout the day as an outlet for those strong beaks.

Have your thought of indoor recall training? Teaching him to fly to exercise those muscles? Would be great for him to learn and would give him another outlet for excess energy.

No more shoulder time for him for now -- it's an earned privilege that only calm birds get to be on. Try to limit the attacking and aggression to ensure that only good things happen when you are around.

Does he have favorite treats to entice him to come out of his cage so he's not focused on you or his cage but instead the food? It's also a great tool to getting them back into the cage...works even with my tiny ornery cockatiel!

Also, what's his diet like? Sometimes a diet too high in sugar (lots of fruit) means too much energy and therefore extra aggression. Their diet should contain lots of fresh veggies, a low amount of fruit, healthy nuts, pellets, etc.

 

[Scott]

Macaws are phenomenal companions and the transition to adulthood can be terribly trying. Their beaks are intimidating, but take heart, they are less likely to use with impunity than other species.

A magnificent thread with helpful advice: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

Bite pressure training: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html