HAHNS MACAW HELP

Question
QUESTION: Hi Danielle,
I adopted a 6 yr old Hahn's macaw about 3 months ago. He seems to have bonded with me. He get's excited to see me and want to get on my shoulder. I have tried very hard to keep him on my hand but he insist on getting on my shoulder. The problem I am having is his biting. He bites me and it hurts. Lately it has not been bad enough to bleed. I am at a lost on what to do. I have a Quaker and a Cockatiel who are wonderful. Their beaks are not near as sharp as his but I have had them since they were babies.
Any suggestions. He talks really well and seems to be content. No one wants him around them though because he is a biter.
Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl!
Thank you for asking my advice!

A macaw should never be allowed on the shoulder.  You need to be very insistent that he stay on the hand.  The aggression he is showing is dominance aggression.  By giving in and allowing him on your shoulder you are giving him the power.

The first thing that you need to do is take him to neutral territory, nothing that he perceives as his can be in sight.  I recommend the bathroom or a bedroom, somewhere unfamiliar to him.  By doing this you are making yourself the only familiar "safe" thing.  Parrots being very smart will be less likely to bite the only friend they can rely on.

Make these training sessions short, 15-20 mins. at a time.  Morning or evening are best as these are the times that he will be most alert and calm.  Make them fun with singing, games and lots of praise and treats.  Find his favorite food and only offer it as a reward treat.  Teach him to ladder, stepping from one hand up to the other and repeating.  When he bites keeping your voice quiet but disapproving say no and ladder him 3-4 times.  This will settle him down enough to continue.
You must never reward the biting, if he bites to be put down, do not put him down, if he bite to be allowed up on your shoulder make him stay on your hand!  A very consistent routine is needed when dealing with an aggressive parrot.

The fact that he is bonding with you and has a good verbal relationship with you are great and will make things easier.  Remain firm but gentle and always consistent!  Do not bend to his will, otherwise the biting will get worse.

It is a very rewarding experience to adopt an older bird and be able to help them.  I can not even begin to describe the reward of having this wild animal thank you.  Best of Luck!  If I can help at all feel free to contact me!

Sincerely
Danielle

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for such a quick response. I do have another question though. How do I stop him from climbing up to my shoulder. Put my hand in front of him to stop? I have tried this before and he hisses and lounges at what ever he can bite. I don't want him to sense my fear, but I do fear his bites. Basically I know I need to make him realize that I am the boss.

Answer
Hi Cheryl!
I am happy to help!

In regards to his biting I would recommend that you pad your arms by wrapping a towel around it.  This will lesson the effects of his bites while affording you some security during training.  As you notice him learning you can then remove the towel.

When he tries to climb up put him back down on his perch or the floor.
If he bites tell him firmly "NO".
Then repeat by picking him up again, if he tries to climb up put him back on his perch,
if he bites repeat "NO" while walking away.  
After a few minutes return and try again.  
Repeat this process each and every time.  
Being a very intelligent animal he will eventually understand that if he wants attention he needs to behave himself.

With patience and persistence it will get better.  Treat him just as you would one of your children and he will respond to that firm but loving guidance.  Please do follow up and if I can help again feel free to ask me!

Sincerely Danielle