New to Birds

[shannonsizemore]

Hi,
My name is Shannon. I am an absolute ignoramous when it comes to birds. Recently though a birdhas come into my life. He is a Blue and Gold macaw coming out of an obviosly bad situation. I do not have much history , well actually none, and i have no clue as to bird behavior. He seems frustrated, angry and lonely. I have spent many days just being in his presence and talking to him. He even seems to want me around now, but that is it. No touching. My problem is this. i would like to improve his quality of life. i would like to be able to handle him so he does not have to be constantly in a cage. He spent his whole life(i don't know how long that was) with one family. how do i get him to trust me and stop biting. He is naked in front due to his stress. I would also like to address this issue as i believe that makes him cold at night. Where should i start? Any sane suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I say this because i got someadvice that just seems wrong. Basically iy is to force my self on the bird and wear protective gear. What i want is fir him to willingly be handled. like i said i know nothing. This may be great advise. But what i know of animals in general it is best to build trust. please i would really like to help this bird. Otherwise i do not know what his future will be.

[gbird]

Wow....A Macaw with issues is not a good starter bird. But all is not lost. First, he's naked due to plucking. That can be caused from being neglected, abused, bad diet, illness.

Do you know how old he is? Where did you get him from? The more information you can give us, the more we can help.

What are you feeding him? How big of a cage is he in? Does he have toys? How long have you had him?

Alot will have to do with knowing his history. The reason he won't let you touch him may be due to how he was treated in former homes. The advice you got about handling him is definetly wrong. Never force yourself on a parrot. Let them come to you at thier own pace. Depending on how long you've had him, he may need some time to adjust to his new surroundings & you. The best thing you can do, is sit with him, and just talk to him. Slowly introduce yourself to him with treats, nuts, fruit....let him come to you. In time you can start to leave his cage door open and let him come out at his own pace. Again don't force him.

But you must know that even birds that have been hand raised may just not like to be touched. It takes time, especially in your situation.....who knows what baggage he has. I would try really hard to find out as much about his history as you can.

As far as if he's cold or not....where is he in your home? Don't put him by a window where there may be a draft. You also may want to try covering him at night.

There are lots of people here that know more about Macaws than me.....and can probably help you more.

Hang in there, and be patient with him, don't force him to do anything.

Keep us updated.

[micki]

hi and welcome to the forum.

[catschair]

I agree -- you have taken on a challenge for a first bird, but it sounds like you are on the right path! Thanks for giving him a good home.

[my-africangrey-echo]

Hello and welcome to BB Glad to meet you! I have never had a macaw but would love to some day! You will find lots of info and support here on BB.