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The Importance of Training Your Macaw
Macaws are huge birds and they do not always want to go back to their playground or cage after a cuddle or play session. They feel they could use another hour or two of one on one and they don’t seem to care that it’s not particularly in your schedule of plans for the day. Therefore they may do anything and everything to remain attached to some part of your body. They may try to climb up on your shoulder to take control of the situation and refuse to get off of you. They may end up hanging from your clothes in the middle of your back and you may be at your wits end trying to get this huge guy to get off your back. They may get halfway up your arm and grab a hold of your shirt and threaten to make a huge hole in it. They don’t seem to know the difference between your bird clothes that are already full of holes anyway and your nice new blouse. Nor do they care. Their main concern is staying attached to you and not going back to the playground or cage. Macaws are very strong willed and they need to learn just who is the boss. During the Terrible Two’s, as well as other times during their life, they will try to demand or convince you to turn over all authority to them. You cannot let them be successful in this struggle even once. You are the boss and they will learn that because you will not give in an allow them any control in decision making. Once the command to step down is given they will be forced to comply . They can change from a sweet cuddle bug to a biting monster in a matter of seconds through the actions of their temper tantrums. I will teach you how to handle these situations as they arise in the training sessions.
When Macaws become unruly their owners often loose interest in them. When they bite to gain control of a situation and it’s allowed to happen with no consequences they will do it over and over again. Soon they will be in full control of the household. Their owner has less and less to do with the bird because they can no longer handle it. The bird becomes cage bound and ignored. This situation can definitely be turned around at any given time but it requires a lot of work and a lot of owners feel the best solution is to just get rid of the bird. He is unmanageable to them. I feel you will have an upper hand working with this type of bird. He doesn’t know you so he’s not quite sure if you think you are in control. He would like to be the controller but he’s kind of scarred and has lost some of his nerve. His other owners were afraid of him but you appear to have no fear. He wonders why. Then he decides to let you have your way . He gives in to do as you command for a little while. After all …. you are bigger than him…... maybe you might hurt him. In a few months he can reassess his situation and then try to take control over the household when he feels more secure with himself. He’s in no hurry to make your life miserable yet.
Little does he know at this time that in your house rules are rules. They do not get broken. He will not gain control ever. The struggle for control will last only a short time. He may be quite aggressive at first but when none of his tactics work…. well….. he might as well just give in and comply. Your parrot will be happy, well adjusted, and loved. You will enjoy spending time with him because he behaves so nicely and plays so well. A tiny battle for control may arise from him here and there over the years but they will become fewer and far between. The parrot has at last found his place in a home he will most likely never have to leave. He will show you his appreciation daily. He has lots of love to give and you will have lots of fun together now and for years to come.