military macaw biting

Question
Hello,

We recently adopted a young male military macaw, he's about 2 yrs old. His original owner (female) went to a nursing home and her daughter sent him to our pet store due to biting.Where he stayed for about 9 mths, before we got him he had only one perch, one toy and was on a seed diet. Before we decided to get him, I went to visit and spend time with him everyday so he does know me( it took some time to talk my hubby into a bird.)
He's not agressive, doesn't screach loud or lunge at the cage like most, instead when I am holding him he bites my arm when anyone else is in the room. He doesnt draw blood but leaves bruises and he does the same when others try to hold him but he doesn't appear angry when he does it.
I know he likes my attention because when the door is open he comes to it even lingers around it and tries to climb to my arm. He is a good boy but I do not want him to become a biter or not be able to trust him when other people are around. How do I stop this behavior & why is he doing it?  

Answer
What you just described is very, very typical of a Military (and Severe macaws as well). In fact, most birds will bite the object they're on when the subject they want to bite is in eyesight.  I haven't yet found anything that stops this (it's hardwired, instinctive action) - other than to keep up with the 'no biting' command.

When our in-home Severe macaw (which is the largest of the mini-macaws; whereas the Military is the smallest of the large macaws - and they are both just about the same size) starts biting, I scoop her in close to me (cuddle) which stops her from biting, while telling her 'no biting'.  Still, she's like a little pit viper - I've bled more from this little macaw than from her much bigger counterparts (blue and golds, catalinas, scarlets, etc).

This type of macaw is pretty exclusive to one or two people, but can be socialized with effort.  If you hesitate or withdraw, you're going to make things worse - so long sleeves with an old sock (cut the toes out) underneath for extra padding/protection is helpful.  

 Have new people offer him a toy or treat - oh so carefully.  Make sure his out of cage time is extensive too, but not on perches or playtops that are higher than your eyelevel.

 Take a look at our set ups and let me know if there's anything else I can help with.  By the way - thank you for rescuing this really lucky bird!  

 www.geocities.com/animalrelief_info