Tricks For Getting Macaws To Stop Biting

My all time favorite species of parrot is the Macaw; more specifically the Blue and Gold Macaw. They're the most vibrant colored parrots, have an amazing ability to mimic joises with supreme clarity and if raised correctly, their temperament is right up there with the Cockatoo's. But unlike the Cockatoos, the Macaw doesn't become obsessed with human interaction and is MUCH more manageable.

On a quick side note, if you're interested in finding out more information about the quirky behaviors of Cockatoos, you might want to check out my newsletter on the topic at my website.

But that doesn't mean Macaws don't come without their problems… they do. And as long as you know how to handle a Macaw, they'll turn out to be one of the most affectionate breeds of parrot you could ever own.

So if your new to macaw ownership, or looking to purchase one, this one quick little tip could save you TONS of trouble in the future.

Without knowing what I'm about to tell you a Macaw will quickly be able to control you, and everyone in your home. Macaws have a very annoying ability to figure out how to get you to do what they want.

They are easily taught that if they scream you'll come over and give them attention, or maybe even feed them… because YOU think it's quieting them down… even though they think you're just playing.

They'll learn that if they're standing on your hand, and you go to put them back into their cage – where they don't want to go – that if they bite you, they won't go back in the cage as fast. Heck, they even learn that sometimes biting you will cause you to drop them, giving them a chance to escape for just a few more minutes of playtime OUTSIDE their cage.

These birds aren't stupid. And therefore, you can't afford to be either. Instead you need to constantly be thinking about ways your parrot might be trying to get his own way.

Here's another example...

Macaws are notorious lungers. They're famous for sitting quietly on top of their cage until you decide you want to walk by. If the Macaw isn't quite sure about how he feels about you, it is very common for him to flare out his wings, scream at the top of his longs, run across his cage, and aggressively lunge at you, getting as close as possible to your skin.

This is an incredibly intimidating, and requires nerves of steel to not be scared right into submission by your macaw. However, I think you'll find it extremely interesting to know that most macaws if you'd just stand there and let them lunge at you, actually WON'T bite you. It's all a big show to try to gain the upper hand and prove his dominance over you so he can get his way. As long as he has you scared, he wins.

So the next time you're confronted with a Macaw who's showing these types of behaviors, stand your ground. Let him attack and see what happens. He probably will grab hold of you, realize you aren't leaving, and back off. And even if he is a bit aggressive, just hold a wooden dowel in between you and your bird. The macaw will keep attacking the stick, and quickly realize that he can't use aggression to get his way with you.

For more tips and tricks on how to handle Macaws, go to http://www.birdtricks.com/macaws.html