Taming B&G

[SweetPea]

Hi Everyone!

I would like to ask your advice in taming a 5 year old B&G. I have been offered a free bird because the previous owners have had issues in taming her, and been told that she bites.

I must admit that I am a bit intimidated, and although I would love to have a "big" bird, I want to know how hard it is in making her more friendly before taking her home...

Thanks!

[ParrotletLover]

SweetPea,

Can you give us more information on this bird? Does he not want to be held, does he bite, etc.? Is it he is more cage defensive than untame? What type of diet is he on, and does he have an appropriate cage and accessories?

First off, he needs to be quarantined. Nextly, allow him time to get used to you and your family. No fast movements or loud noises at this time. Let him see everyone go about their day. Talk quietly and sit by him.

It will probably take a while to tame an untamed macaw, but he is still young, so I see a great chance of success. There is a great article about taming (it even has pictures, lol) in the Novemeber 2005 Bird Talk.

This is Nancy and Yehuda's area. Good luck, SweetPea!

[The Outlaw]

I'm gonna lay out the facts and you can decide whether or not you're up to the challenge.

BGs are not by nature mean. If they are aggressive its because they have either been teased, neglected or abused. I have 4 here and they are all just the sweetest birds imaginable. However, I'm a natural with BGs. Its just instinct, I suppose, but I NEVER have trouble with them. I've been brought BGs that owners couldn't even handle after years of ownership step right up and allow me to preen them on day one.

My point is this: birds are extremely sensitive creatures. They have built in instincts that alert them of danger. If you seem nervous or unsure, that will translate into a flat out danger signal to a bird.

MOST macaws will lunge when you first meet them. If you back off, you are done. They will just assume you aren't stable and won't want to come to you.

If you hold your ground and ignore the blustering, you can probably get in control pretty quickly.

If, however, this bird has trained humans to back off, it will take more preparation to make a safe transition. And, if you've NEVER handled a big bird, I think an unruly macaw is a bad first project. What is your back up plan if this doesn't work out? You can expect him to raise hell for days until he settles in and if you are in an apartment, that's a BIG problem.

Meet the bird and assess for yourself what you are getting into. A 5 year old macaw is capable of breeding and will likely be hormonal (a whole nuther bag of problems). Since I am comfortable with all of the above, that wouldn't bother me in the least, but its very hard to learn the rules on the fly. Why not give me a call and I'll be happy to make some practical recommendations? Just PM or email me.

THE OUTLAW

[kensbuns]

One more thing there is no such thing as a free bird. Seriously free birds usually in the long run cost you more money that one you buy from a breeder!!! Take Nancy's advise she is the best!!!

[SweetPea]

Thanks all for your advice!

So far, the owners and I have been communicating via emails.

They would like me to pick her up by the end of the weekend.

The only other info I know is that the bird is extremely spoiled, and that is why the owners want to give her up...because they don't think she's happy under her care. I asked about other issues, ad the owners says besides the biting, and being "untamed" there are no other issues.

She will come with her cage, which is 5ft, 3ft, 2ft, and her perch...

So I will definitely keep you guys posted!

And don't worry about quarratine! My other birds live in my room, Angel will be living in the dinning room (Unused room in the house, but has an open floor plan that allows him to see right through the kitchen, family room, living room, and foyer.

[spectre]

Just an afterthought, that cage is to small, I keep my RF in something bigger. if it has a 2 ft width in one direction it means the bird will be cramped along that dimension.

[Winged_Victory]

Take your time with your new bird, you will be rewarded if you do. Your main focus will be to gain the birds trust and respect. Teaching your bird to step up should be the first item on your list, this could take a few days to a few weeks to for both of you to feel comfortable. Keep asking questions and reading, that is the best way to learn about these creatures.

The cage the bird has now is small for the bird but I don't think that has anything to do with the issues it may have.

Gary