Animal Stories - People Talking About Macaws



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Latest Animal Stories on Macaws (474)

Emily Clark - 2012-04-02
I have a 2 year old greenwing macaw who screams everytime that my husband goes upstairs. He can go anywhere else in the house without any problems. I am not sure how to stop this behaviour. Any suggestions please let me know how to handle this situation.
Thanks
Emily

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Charlie Roche - 2012-04-02
Birds get real funny notions and probably to your feathered friend your husband is dissapearing. A child will cry when they can't see 'MOM' until they learn 'MOM' comes back. Possibly your feathered companion will outgrow this learning your hubby is not 'dissapearing'. He can try and take the bird up stairs with him. Just take the bird and go upstairs show him around and come back down. Do this several times. Yes, your hubby can dissapear into the kitchen - not upstairs but the bird can hear him. I can go anywhere in my home I want except downstairs. I finally just took my bird with me. Seemed to have solved the problem. The first time I took him downstairs - he was scared and flew back up the stairs but finally all was well and now no panic screaming when I go downstairs.

Susan Lewis - 2012-03-25
I got my Blue and Gold Macaw last week, Cozmo is 15 years old and a welcome addition to our zoo. Cozmo belonged to a family that lived in Pennsylvania and they were moving and unable to keep him. He is very friendly and started talking for us the second day he was here. He has said about 15 different phrases and keeps surprising us with new comments every day. My personal favorite occured last night when all of a sudden in a very clear voice I hear 'Shut Up' coming from his cage. People must realize when they take a parrot into their care that you have a pet that could very well out live you. They demand alot of attention and care, and should never be bought on impulse. I have a dear friend that has a parrot rescue and helped me in getting Cozmo, I would never purchase a parrot, there are so many that are in need of good homes.

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Charlie Roche - 2012-03-26
Parrots are definitely cxomplicated creatures and so intelligent, it is hard to believe. For whatever reason (although I believe I know the reason) they all seem to learn the words 'shut up' or 'quiet'. Of course they are never going to do it. Funny though. They always get the last word in.

Donna - 2012-02-14
Got our Hahns from a breeder when it was 5 months old. The breeder told us she hadn't handled 'Dublin' for quite some time (her larger Macaws were her 'babies'). We bought Dublin anyway and hoped she would come around for us. We still have a horrible time getting her to come out of the cage and don't want to upset her. Any suggestions would be sooooo appreciated. She doesn't do 'step up' but will come close to get treats. We love her already but would like to be able to hold and pet her and be closer. Thanks for any info. Donna

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Charlie Roche - 2012-02-15
If the breeder can't handle the bird, then the breeder shouldn't be selling the bird. That was an excuse for either not hand feeding as she should have, or not hand feeding at all or just neglect after weaning. Given that, your little guy is young and people shy/hand shy and you have to start at the beginning. Because he wasn't handled, he doesn't know that humans are great companions and love him. Yes, feed him treats with your hand, talk to him. Put him on the floor on a towel and play with him, with treats or little toys or they usually like small stuffed animals. Go slow. After a few days pick him up right in the towel and just put him in your lap. Continue the feeding and playing or just gently pet him. If this takes a few weeks - it does. Remember you have a fella with a 60 year life expectancy so no hurry. The idea is to get him not afraid of your hands, then enjoy being around your hands and then with the towel into your lap. He will train you from there. You will also be able to start teaching him to step up.
Donna - 2012-02-28
Hi! Thanks again! I have her out right now -- but once again it was a hassle. Once she is out she seems to enjoy it so I don't understand why she won't come out on her own. Have tried leaving food and treats just outside her cage -- just seems like she's afraid. I talk to her all the time and reward her for any little bit she gives me. I can now put my finger right up to her but she still won't 'step up'. Any suggestions on that? I feel so bad for her but am trying everyday to get closer and closer. Every place I read about birds it says that 'step up' is the first command learned. Do you still think I can eventually get her to 'step up' and let me hold her without her being afraid? Thanks again for all your help. Donna
Donna - 2012-02-28
Hi -- thanks for the info on our Hahns 'Dublin' but am still having such a hard time getting her out of her cage. Have been trying to get her to 'step up' onto a perch but she is terrified of coming out of her cage. She gets near the end of the perch but runs back into the cage. Got her out a couple of times and was able to play with her on a towel on the floor but I HATE to get her sooooo upset getting her out. I've tried holding the perch with one hand and a treat for her in the other but she gets sooo spooked if I start to take the perch out and scrambles for the nearest bar she can hold onto. I sit with her, talk to her and try to let her know how much I love her. I've had her for a month now (supposedly she's 6 months old now) and don't know if it's normal for her to still be so scared. I would definitely appreciate any info on how to get her out of the cage without spooking her -- and if I should still get her out no matter what. Thanks so much for any input. Donna
Charlie Roche - 2012-02-28
It isn't normal. She was stuffed in a cage or breeder box and not let out for probably weeks at a time and she is cage bound. She is afraid. Her whole life she has been enclosed in little walls. She is young and I am pretty sure this is reversible. Leave the cage door open and put food and water just inside the cage door. Then place the food and water just outside the cage door - then a little further. The more she is out, the more she is going to get used to being out. Try and look at it as if you were locked in a closet for months and months and fed there but not talked to and then someone let the door open. You would be afraid of the scary big world out there.
Charlie Roche - 2012-02-28
Yes, I am confident that you will be able to get her so she is not so afraid and will 'step up'. Let's say every time you go through a door - a gun goes off. It would scare you and eventually you just would not want to come out. Sure would be grateful when you are out but terrified of coming out - I mean who knows when the bullet will hit you. I think the breeder just grabbed this little guy and tube fed (force fed) and ignored any kind of pet, talk, hug, touch etc. Another thought - what happens if you just totally remove the cage? I realize you can't do that permanently but can it be done for a day -

Step up. While the little guy is sitting on your lap or in a towel just slide your whole hand under his belly. Just leave your hand there and make sure he is relaxed. Pet the top of his head with your other hand. Laugh, talk etc. Then say 'up' and just lift him from underneath maybe 1/2 inch - sorta like a game. Do this as play. Eventually just lift him 'up' with your hand, holding on to his foot with your thumb. You cradle a baby lifting it up - so you are going to cradle the little bird as you pickit 'UP' slowly.
Charlie Roche - 2012-03-03
Hey great - Dublin got out and went on top of her cage - that is a start. Yep, sounds older and definitely not treated very well. But you know now she will come out of her cage so just let her go in and out as she wishes. Talk to her, feed her little pieces of your food with your hand - she will come to you. It just takes time.
Donna - 2012-03-03
Thank you so much for all your input. I was thinking the same thing about the age. The breeder said that she thought 'Dublin' was a female and she wanted to keep the 'male' for breeding. Now I am beginning to think 'Dublin' IS older and was not a good breeding hahns. Is there a way a vet can tell the age? She came out and went to the top of her cage to get some food in her 'play' area and got back into her cage after about 1/2 hour. I put some food right outside her door on a chair but she didn't go for that. Also -- think I might have scared her in the beginning trying to get her out of the cage (the 'breeder' said to get her out no matter what). I will continue to keep trying as I am beginning to think she might have been abused by the breeder. Thanks again for all your help. Donna
Charlie Roche - 2012-03-03
I don't know for a fact but the behavior of Dublin is way unusual. If I had to guess, I would think you have more of an older bird - possibly not hand fed. This breeder should have been able to handle her own babies and you should have been able to handle the baby easily. That's done so we just go from there. Up until maybe 30 years ago, most pet birds were 'wild caught' and imported. They were caught in the forest and brought to the United States. They made wonderful loving companions. So just recently people have the luxury of having a hand fed, tame baby. Now I know your bird was not wild caught as not allowed anymore but I do believe you are having problems. If it is possible to have a wild caught full size macaw as an affectionate loving pet - then your Dublin will come around. It is just a little more difficult. It takes time. Dublin is probably sensing some of your anxiety as well - birds are great at that. I go back to put the food outside the cage and let him come out to eat. He is not going to starve - they don't eat sometimes for a day but he will come out to eat. Just leave the cage door open. Try putting a perch (a screw on perch) and possibly a screw on food bowl on the outside of the cage. What happens when you take him out and he 'runs'? Go by him and sit down. Just go get him and pick him up again or try putting him on the bed with you. Get creative but youneed to get him out of the cage and into your lap or laying down next to you or laying on your chest or by you in the bed - something to start connecting. He is going to live a long time and you have lots of time - you do not have to go fast. This is going to take a few weeks - maybe longer but you will have a wonderful companion.
Donna - 2012-03-03
Hi -- it's me again -- and losing confidence fast as far as our little hahns 'Dublin' will ever be a bird that wants to come out of her cage, sit on our shoulders, and just 'not run away' when she thinks we want her out of the cage. Tried putting her food just outside of her cage (even with a few treats) and waiting to see if she comes out. Nothing! Then I feel sorry and put the food back in thinking I don't want to starve her. Just how long can the food be out of reach? I do believe she has come a long way since I first got her but I really want her to just come out to me and that doesn't seem to be happening. Tried putting a towel on my lap to have her 'step up' but she 'runs' for anything she can climb up on. You've been great -- any other suggestions? Do you still think she'll overcome her fear? Thanks for ANY input.
Charlie Roche - 2012-03-16
Hey you have Dublin 'stepping up' ... You may not realize it but you have him 'stepping up' When he flies down and then gets on your hand - he is 'stepping up'
Honest. Now every time he gets up on your hand say 'UP' and what a good bird etc make over him and be fun and funny. Let Dublin get used to that and used to being on your hand to get to your shoulder (which is way normal behavior). Birds always want to be on highest point. Now, after you believe he is pretty used to (accostumed) to you saying 'UP' and talking, dancing, being funny etc. when he gets on your hand, hold his foot with your thrumb to keep him from going up your arm and onto your shoulder. If you think he is going to bite just twist your arm slightly or just let your thumb up. But the idea is for you to have control viz holding his foot with your thumb. Not hard - just a light hold usually works and also makes them feel secure. You did it congratulations - now just keep on going. You are getting it. Parrots train their humans quite well - we just got to pay attention.
Donna - 2012-03-16
Hi! Dublin (our Hahns Macaw) is starting to come out of her cage. Still takes quite a bit of coaxing and she still doesn't 'trust' our hand/fingers. After she 'flies' down to the floor, she will climb up my arm to my shoulder (most of the time) and I think she is getting more and more comfortable. She is also starting to talk quite a bit. I still would love to have her come right out and 'step up' on my finger but I guess that will take a while longer. Took all of your suggestions and they worked more than anything else I tried. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Will keep you posted on Dublins progress. Donna

*Sally* - 2006-04-01
My Maui Sunset Macaw, Uno, is the sweetest bird in the world. He adores everyone, including my quaker parrot Quincy, my moluccan cockatoo Ray, and my two abyssinian cats, Abby and Annie. Uno especially adores my cats, even better than any of my birds. His favorite food would have to be corn-on-the-cob, green beans, and strawberries. He doesn't exactly have a cage; he instead has a million playstands around the house. I am so glad that Uno, as well as my other birds, are in my life.

Carlos Armand DuBoise - 2011-02-20
As of today I now have two Maui Sunset (2/20/2011) males. Both were given me as I must have a MaCaw sign on my head. But like Mir above he is a sweetie. It puzzles me I see none of the negative traits the former three owners warned me about. I just have to stand my ground as he is very Alpha. These are wonderful birds as are all my companions. No pictures yet but they will come soon.

Cheryl - 2005-05-06
I purchased the hyacinth/military hybrid from a Dr. Miller in Miami about 15 years ago. My first milicinth I named Samari and he was the most intelligent macaw I had and I had a bunch of them. He never ever used his beak, to climb up a person, on a shoulder even if a person he did not know squeezed him. His favorite trick was pretending he was dead - hanging from a light fixture and when someone would walk by he would jump on them. He turned the water on in the kitchen sink and showered. There is no end to how wonderfully gentle and smart this fella was.

Jo - 2008-09-18
I am extremely saddened at how far someone that calls themselves a breeder will go to make a hybrid. A Hyacinth is an endangered creature and should only be bred as a Hyacinth.

I realize (sadly) there is no governing of breeders and they have free will to breed however and whatever they want together and that includes mixing and matching. I would only hope their moral thinking will drive them to do the right thing.

Sheila in Upstate N.Y. - 2005-09-30
I have a year old blue and gold name Baloo. He is my baby. He has been mine since he was just over a month old and has bonded totally with me. He goes to my 2 boys and husband once in a while, especially if they are eating. He will follow me around the house saying "up, up" and when he really wants up he says "upupupupupup". He has learned a few other words like hello and peak-a-boo, but they don't quite come out clearly, he's getting there. He loves to give kisses to anyone that wants one. He will sit and watch TV with me and just lay in my arms. When he is really cuddly, he will lay on his back like a dog and want his belly rubbed. He also has his very playful moods and wants to wrestle. When we sit at the table to eat, I have to make him his own special plate or I won't be able to eat in peace, none of us will be able to eat without getting our toes pecked at. He has learned how to climb all the furniture, even the office chair at our computer. Baloo is a very jealous bird. We have a quaker, a blue front amazon, and 4 cockatiels and Baloo does not like it when any of us hold them instead of him. He wants to be the number 1 bird in our house. He does not have to worry though, he is my number 1 bird!!

Denise Carlin - 2010-10-02
Hello,
I have had my severe macaw, Mac for about 10 years. He is very clever and many times unscrews things I have attaching things in his cage, like his water bottle. I even tighten the bolts as tight as I can and he still can get them off. Does anyone else have an industrious severe macaw? I am often amazed at how smart he is!

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Charlie Roche - 2012-03-08
I use small padlocks to hold toys in my macaws cages. Actually had one that picked a padlock.
brenda samrow - 2012-03-08
I have a 4 yr old named Kid.He's always unscrewing his toys and getting out of his escape proof cage. Sometimes he can't get enough attention and other times its best to leave him alone. He's in a cage with a cockatoo and they have the darndest conversations. I just adore them.

chris Biro - 2009-11-27
I would avoid hiring someone to help me train freeflight unless they have many years experience doing so themselves. The womachs are internet marketers claiming to be bird trainers. I have been freeflying parrots since 1993 and do not consider womachs a reliable or credible resource. Be very careful if you rely on their information. Chris Biro
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks for your point of view Chris. Keeping pet birds safe is a first priority! Their bio states they have years of training experience, and they have a money-back offer on the bird training videos they offer on the internet. So the bottom line is: research, make your own informed decision, and only try the products you feel comfortable with.

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Animal Stories - People Talking About Macaws

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