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I need something like a book with a title like "What does it mean when they ..."
There is a TV show called "The Dog Whisperer" and he knows dog behavior quite well. Who does that for birds? I am babysitting a Macaw and when he sits on my arm he does one of two things, maybe both. He either rubs his beak on my fist or he bounces his beak on my fist. It is a fist because I learned that he likes to bite my fingernails so I hide them.

His owner wasn’t sure but thought that it meant he considers me a mate or equal and that wasn’t a good idea. So should I allow it? And if I shouldn’t how do I stop it and what do we do instead?

Also I never learned how to deal with his pin feathers. I think that is what they are called, the ones he needs me to break the shell on. Half the time I try he bites me. What happens if I never do it? Previous visits were a week or two and mommy did it when she got back. This time will be two or three months.

Thanks
Lee

The beak rubbing could just be itchy or cleaning the beak. My hahns rubs his beak on me all the time. They also rub their beak to wear off outer layers. If he jerks his head and tries to bring up food, he loves you and is trying to feed you.
Wait until the pins turn whitish, then gently rub between your fingers to remove. They are tender so if he bites at you they might not be ready to remove. Lots of showers or misting when going throuhg a molt helps to soften the pins and relieve the itching.

Schreech does both of those behaviors for a variety of reasons, but he enjoys it and it doesn't hurt so I let him! lol