Help with Scarlet Macaw

[pattit0]

We have just been given an older Scarlet by my boyfriend's mother about a month ago which she bought from some guy. I know nothing about his background and think he may have been a wild caught and a breeder.Well he has gotten very vocal as I expected but he runs across his cage and attacks my boyfriend. He also runs away in terror from any attempts at stick training. He has not bitten either of us although hehas gotten close, he always backs off so I'm guessing he is bluffing. He never attacks me and will get close to me. Anyway, I would really appreciate any advice, I want to work with him and have read as many books and articles as I can find.I would just like an opinion as to whether you think he is tameable as I'm not willing to give up. Thanks.

[Winged_Victory]

Many birds are terrified of sticks, only use one as the last resort to handling the bird. Start by offering almonds or small nuts while he is in the cage, watch your fingers! If he bites you the worst think you can do is show emotion or get mad! Go slow with him, baby steps. A scarlet that came from the humane society took a year before he came around and now he is the sweetest bird in the world. Once you gain his trust the pace of training will improve.

Please move slow and take you time.............

[pattit0]

Thanks, I am very patient, I think my boyfriend wanted him to be tame immediately but now he understands this is a process. I stopped using the stick method I only tried it because the man who had him told us he was using it but once I saw how scared he was I stopped. He takes treats from anyones hand so sweetly its adorable. Anyway, Thanks again and I will keep you posted.

[Oscars Mom]

Its a good sigh that hell take treatsfrom your hand.It takes time and patience to tame an older bird.Is their anyway you could hire someyone to work with you at training?A local avian vet could give you a referral.

[fluffy_stitch]

i have seen documentary programs about people catching wild birds and one of the methods they use is to cover a stick with glue so that the birds feet get stuck to it and it is caught,maybe if he was wild caught he was captured like that and thats why he is so scared of sticks??

[pattit0]

I think he may be wild caught, he has an open band on his leg. Anyway, I need advice as to how I can get him to the vets w/o stressing him out too much. I have an appt for next Wed for a check-up. Any ideas? Thanks so much for all your help.

[fluffy_stitch]

i had to take my bird to the vet recently and the only thing i had was a small dog carrier so i covered the open parts with newspaper so she wouldnt be scared by seeing anything new to her and managed to fix a perch in it for her to make her more comfortble,she is a ringneck not a MACAW but maybe this would work for you too :)

[Winged_Victory]

A dog carrier works very well! It helps if you attach a perch from side to side about 1/4 way back from the front and 2 inches above the bottom.