How do I deal with my Macaw who thinks she's a raptor?

[Shelly's Mom]

My Severe Macaw, Shelly, is about 6 years old. I bought her from a male breeder in Tucson who had hand raised her from the egg. For the past 4 years, she's been my sweetheart, but since Christmas, she has fallen in love with my husband. Now, when it is just the two of us, she's still my sweetheart, but when she's with my husband, she will fly across the room to attack me, biting me multiple times on the neck and hands hard enough to draw blood. Any suggestions on how to live in peace once again? I don't even care if I'm not her favorite, just as long as I don't have to have the holy snot bitten out of me on a regular basis. She flew off my husband's shoulder and attacked my daughter, biting her upper ear hard enough to pierce it--and my daughter was just sitting on the floor working on her laptop at the time. HELP!

[StellaBlue]

Oh, Shelley sounds *just* like a severe macaw (I have scars)!

How about starting with clipping her wings so that she won't be *flying* to attack anyone. Lots of times a wing clip can cause an attitude adjustiment as well.

[The Outlaw]

I also agree. Severes can be ornery little cusses and are devoted solely to one person at a time. I would be very surprised to see her revert to you as her favorite. Its not the nature of the beast. She's all grown up and has made her decision. Clipping will help keep her under control and make it safer for the humans in your house. You, at least know to beware, visitors may not.

Severes are amazing little creatures, but they can be difficult to live with. I have one charming little male who has been pretty easy to live with and he is approaching 8. He can be rotten however. You just have to realize that they are what they are.

You could try the old "only you can feed the treats" thing, but frankly, it probably won't make a huge difference.