Question about the Green Wing Macaw

[jjones1719]

Hello Members, Just a quick question, I have a 1 year old GW named Neleno, I have a question about the GW when going through maturity, does the GW get louder? My Neleno is very quiet, My Eclectus makes more noise then my GW. Just wondering. Also, I am having a hard time getting my GW to go to other people for some reason. My Eclectus goes to everyone. Neleno will only be held my My Vet and myself. I take Neleno everywhere, when any one tries to pet him or to have him step up, He bluffs as if to bite. I know he would never bite any one but the bluff is there. Any advise? Thanks Joe

[chapala]

I would encourage him to step up to another person or two, not the general world necessarily. First, you say up and get him to step up to someone else. Then praise and treat, what a good bird!!! And take him back, right away. Keep practicing that - step up to another person, praise (and/or treat), and pick him up again. Then, you can leave him with the other person for 10 or 15 seconds, working up to more time, still while you're standing right there. Little steps in the right direction with rewards. But, I would use the same person or the same two people to start off with the training.

[ljhassell]

Our eclectus will go to anyone, green wing wont, and pushing this just causes bad behavior, We dont force what they dont want, why add more problems? Macaws are 1 person birds most birds are, they arent entertainment for anyone thats stops in. JMO sfter 27 years

[chapala]

The problem arises when someone needs to take care of the bird for the owner who must leave for vacation, family visit, etc., or who might have to go into the hospital, gets sick or worse yet, dies, leaving the bird looking for a new home. Birds in the wild bond with one mate, but they do relate to other birds in the flock. Our parrots can learn to accept being picked up by others, and it can help a LOT if someone else needs to look after them at some point.

I agree that the bird should not be forced or pushed into contact with others. Using positive reinforcement though can work wonders.

[jjones1719]

Hello, just an update from my original post, I am currently working with my neighbor and Neleno my GW. Over the past few days, Neleno has made much progress. He would never let anyone touch him besides myself or the Vet for some reason, but last night, I invited my Neighbor over to watch T.V, we sat on the couch next to eachother. I told my neighbor not to make eye contact with Neleno and after a hour or so, to slowly move his hand where I was already petting Neleno. After my Neighbor made contact and the petting started, I held up both hands to show Neleno that it was not me touching him while Neleno stood on my lap and that it was the Neighbor who was doing all the petting. This went on for another hour or so, while petting, neleno began to preen himself, put his foot in the air for my Neighbor to pick up. We both looked at eachother and cracked up. this was the first time Neleno would let anyone pick him up. Needless to say, Neleno got his share of Almonds for treats. lol, he was in hog heaven. I have Family members scheduled to come over my house this week to introduce him to others to learn that many strangers will not harm him and that it can be rewarding to let others hold him. Yippy, so happy now. Thanks to all who gave me advise. Joe