Home » Bird Forums » Birds Of A Feather » Macaws » New Severe Macaw
Posted by sbdirham on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 04:57 :: Macaws
I just adopted a 2 1/2 year old Severe Macaw, named Chester. Right now I am giving him time to adjust to me and the new surroundings. When I sit by his cage and talk to him, he comes over and seems very interested in me and what I'm saying. But if I move too quickly or reach to open the door of his cage, he backs away to the opposite side of the cage and acts defensive. He did take a piece of cucumber from me, even let me hold it while he nibbled it.
Any suggestions on gaining his trust would be much appreciated.
login or register to post comments | previous forum topic | next forum topic
Posted by Loyalty on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 13:13.
Just continue doing what you're doing. He's still very very young and impressionable. One of the best pieces of advice with birds that are re-homed is patience. Our CAG is 5 years old. We got him about 6 months ago and he still will bite us on occasion but he's gotten a lot better then when we first got him. It's all about time.
login or register to post comments
Posted by sbdirham on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 15:25.
Well, I got a "hello", a "hi" and something that sounded like "Beep-Beep" this morning.
I owned a Severe several years ago, but my ex got him when we divorced. I know that it can take time (it took Max a few months to willingly step up while inside the cage), but was mainly wondering if I should try to get him to trust my hand inside the cage first, or outside? I expect to get bit, and know that to let him know it hurts will only add to the "fun" of biting for him, but would be happier if I never had to "push" him to that point. I have a book on parrot training coming tomorrow, maybe that will help......
login or register to post comments
Posted by Loyalty on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 16:36.
If you decide to 'take the bite' be careful. As you've had a Macaw before you know what their bites can do :(. I would suggest is getting him out soon. When you first adopt a bird they can sometimes look to their cages as a safety zone and it does more harm then good to leave them in for a few days. I've got 3 adopted birds (a CAG, B&G and a female Eclectus) I've always got them out right away and had them on a play stand where ever I'm at in the house. It gets them used to the new house and the new owner.
login or register to post comments
Posted by sbdirham on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 16:54.
Chester was out for a bit early this morning, but seemed very stressed and frightened. I wanted to make sure that taking him out now was the right thing, or if waiting a bit would be better. So thank you for your advice.
As the day progresses, he seems more interested in what I'm doing and has let me stroke his feet.
One other thing: he tries (unsuccessfully) to bathe in his water dish. (it's funny to watch, but kind of sad too) I will certainly offer him a bath in the tub when I get him out.
login or register to post comments
Posted by Loyalty on Thu, 07/26/2007 - 09:41.
Another thing you may try with him that I find works much easier with big birds is a squirt bottle/plant mister or even a hose. My B&G and Eclectus love getting sprayed down with the hose. My CAG hates being sprayed but tries to bathe in his dish as well :(.
login or register to post comments