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I don't know what is happening to my blue and gold. He was very sweet when I got him. Now every time I hold him he only wants to bit me. He is 4 years old, I have had him for only a few months. When I got him he had never been in a cage. Now he does go in a cage but seems like he is really mad at me all the time. Does show signs of wanting to mate with me(CAN'T HAPPEN) But it's now to the point that I'm not holding him and spending time with him like I did because he is drawing blood every time I hold him. Does any one have advice they could give me?? THANKS,

You need a personal coach! And being in Pennsylvania, you're VERY lucky to have a great one in your neighborhood:

http://www3.upatsix.com/liz/consultation.html

For under $200, Liz will come to your home, see how you and "he" interact, and spend a few hours helping you improve your relationship. The information at the link details the follow-up Liz provides at no additional charge.

Her own B&G, Sam, has been with Liz almost 40 years. Macaws are surely Liz' favorite bird to work with, so you'll be in great shape in her hands. I called Liz soon after bringing my first bird home because I felt that, despite reading EVERYTHING I could find, I would benefit from hands-on coaching. SO RIGHT! A helpful hint -- I thought I was much smarter than I was and rejected some of the things Liz told me, only to learn through the years how very right she'd been. Had I listened, my lessons would not have come so hard.

Before Liz' arrival, read as much as you can at this site about Dr Susan Friedman's ABC's of parrot behavior:

http://www.mawebcenters.com/soaringspir ... icles.html

Please don't delay! Every day that you continue on your current path, your bird is learning the WRONG things, as are you. It will take much longer for both of you to UNLEARN "bad habits" before you can get onto a healthier path.

My best, Paca

valkrum35 wrote:But it's now to the point that I'm not holding him and spending time with him like I did because he is drawing blood every time I hold him. Does any one have advice they could give me?? THANKS,

I checked back on your posts and see that you breed other birds as well. This is a different case and make sure if you choose to have Liz come over or do a consult make her aware of how many "other birds" you have and exactly where everybody is located.

I'm going to take for granted; your B&G never was a breeder and has been your pet all this time, he probably is in a room all by himself like your bedroom or simular (and near or at a window for good sun), and nothing has changed in your life (partners coming or going) or job. And you have been regular in his diet.

For the last few weeks the sunlight has been at it's "least" or waining period (the least amount of sunshine- light.) This sparks a mating process in our birds that is recognized by everybody in the house. Your flock is at it's peak mating period. There has probably been enough bird talk (between them) to rouse up the whole flock. And belive me "they know" what the others are doing.

Here are a few tips:

Increase his nut intake (Almonds, Walnuts, etc..) especially when he is out with you. Break them up for him and play with the nuts. He needs this added fat intake now. Do not try to kiss him or let him near your lips. Be firm but playful. If he starts to nip, place him back in the cage. Don't scold him because he won't realize what that's for, but he will start to realize that if he behaves he gets YOU & Walnuts!!! Food is a good conditioner.

Give him more showers now. Check and see if he is rough molting. Check and make sure the humidity in your house is at least 40%. If not compensate.

Private message me with your address and glove size, I'll send you a free pair of "Kevlar Gloves" you might still get pinched, but at least he won't draw blood. Keep working with him, don't give up. It is better to have a pet that is a stinker then turn him into a breeder.

Dutch

4 yr old , In the wild is when the babies leave there parents, Young males can feel there wild oats. Its like a situation were he wants to be his own boss and not to be told what to do by you. He needs to be no higher than your eyes at any time . If his perch bar makes his head higher than yours lower it. You have to take control. Put on a coat and heavy leather gloves to protect you .Then each day take him out and give the comand step up from one arm to the other. Bump his feet and make him do it and dont do it slow. What you are trying is to make him mind you and you to be in control.Ten times or so. If he starts to bite tell him bad bird and no with a firm voise and put him back in his cage. After time If he acts right an follows your comand s praise him. I sould say always praise him when he is doing it right. When he is acting right at the end of the sesion give him a treat. If he starts acting right then start taking him for walks about the house or rides in the car , What ever he likes to do. Reenforse good behavior, back in the cage when bad.Walnuts are a big treat anytime in our bird room. Good luck Mark

marky wrote:... He needs to be no higher than your eyes at any time . If his perch bar makes his head higher than yours lower it. You have to take control. Put on a coat and heavy leather gloves to protect you .Then each day take him out and give the comand step up from one arm to the other. Bump his feet and make him do it and dont do it slow. What you are trying is to make him mind you and you to be in control.Ten times or so. If he starts to bite tell him bad bird and no with a firm voise and put him back in his cage. ...

Avian behaviorists have been working hard to put an end to this approach for the last dozen years. Take a look at Steve Martin's website:

http://www.naturalencounters.com/traini ... nFaqs.html

Please do it right -- keep it positive.

Paca

OK - you appear to be both a breeder and a dealer, so you are already aware than a second-hand adult bird might present a behavior problems.
The new macaw is already messed up enough with having been a pampered pet and an only bird, to being in a cage for the first time in his life, and he now appears to regard it as his own safe territory. I don't blame him, as there are so many other birds that are already giving him the message about their own personal space.
I had an African grey that used to nip me, until one day I refused to yell "OW!". He stopped, looked at me, and calmly said the "Ow" for me.
But your B&G is another story, and I don't believe in taking chances with a macaw. Frankly, I don't see a solution for your problem: the bird just doesn't belong with you.

to those of you with good advice I thank you . I want to let everyone know that I'm not a breeder. I rescued the 2 sets of breeder I have and they were already on eggs in the nest box. I have since took nest boxes out and these birds now get to be out of their cage and played with. So to call myself a breeder I am not. I don't like the idea of birds being used as breeders either. There are plenty of birds out there that need a good home now thank you