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chuckymom
Egg
Joined: 28 Apr 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Denver |
| Hi, new to board,,,have a few ???'s |
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First of all, what a great chat board...one of the best I have found on the net!! (that's why I joined). We have a B&G, 8yrs, just got him/her about 2 months ago. When we got Chucky, I had no fear, he did try to "pinch" bite, but we quickly got him to stop, he never tried anything more aggressive than that. Things have progressed very well, until a week ago. I took him to the local vet to get his nails and beak trimmed. FYI: He did have to be put to sleep, b/c his previous owner did not take care of his beak properly and it had over grown too many times, and needed to be corrected. Anyhow, every since taking him there he has had a pretty bad attitude towards me. We did tons of research online, and did notice that like humans, birds do go thru behavior changes and such...but he is going beyond the pinch biting and really biting me...I was NEVER scared of him until now. And another thing, he didn't particularly care for my kids when we first got him, now he DOES like them?? Do you suppose he is just "testing the waters" because he is more comfortable with his new home? I know not to leave him alone w/ the kids, and I have to be assertive, he still absolutely loves my husband, and last night he played with my hair for almost an hour and didn't want to leave me, but then tonite when I wouldn't let Chucky go to my son, he bit me! Thanks ahead of time for any advice, hope the above makes sense. Physically it does hurt, but it hurts my feelings more, if that makes sense. |
Saturday May 3, 2008 3:30 am |
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homebird
Flier
Joined: 09 Apr 2006
Posts: 455
Location: Toronto, Canada |
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So sorry to hear about the confusion around your house. I have no experience with Macaws. If you don't find any answers here try as many boards as you can. I am a member of a few boards where there are seasoned Macaw owners. [ie Parrotchatter]
8 years old - well they can be moody - Chucky is a male for sure?
Have you tried earlier bed times? - longer sleeps with the slow onset of dusk used to calm as well? Birds can have that honeymoon period when they first come to you & then their personality starts to unfold.
Is there anything else that may have set this on? Could the Vet visit have given him an imbalance in his chemistry? or Maybe now he's feeling better he's into 'mischief'?
If this was my bird I'd spend a lot of time in the same room but far enough away that he didn't attack me. When I was bird sitting a Grey recently I gave her lots of space but kept her company a lot. We'd chat back & forth & every once in a while I'd get up & wander near & chat - then get some food item to offer either as a toy or as a gift. I made toys out of food as well.
Macaws are known for their mechanical abilities. Mental stimulation is really important. Offer lots of stimulation & they will be too happy & busy to see you as a mark - maybe. I also am a firm believer in exercise. A warn out bird - not a tired & crabby bird - is a good bird.
You should check out this silly video that Shirin just posted a link to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsRKskm-FT4 See how they love to dance & have fun with music? Certain music can get them really going & other music is much calmer - try lots.
I hope that this will pass & you find some good Macaw help.
I know about the hurt feelings part - that can be pretty hard - just walk away & come back when you aren't projecting hurt. |
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Thursday May 8, 2008 5:01 pm |
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