Baby Behavior

jacksmom

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Apr 26, 2012
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Hello, I was hoping some experienced parrot owners could give me some insight into Jacks's baby behavior. Jack is a blue and gold Macaw, and is going on 3 years old. (about 2 and a half) He still acts like a baby, trying to regurgitate on me. (Yes, thanks, not hungry!) I take my hand away once I see him start to try and bring something up - but I let him grab my finger and bob his head up and down like a baby (he pretty much constantly plays with my fingers while I hold him) and I don't stop the "knocking" either, a sure sign he is thinking of bringing up some "food" because he has realized I don't like actually getting puked on and he rarely tries anymore. (I have had him a bit less than a year) I have read that some parrots beak knock when establishing ownership of something, but he pretty much does it as a prelude to trying to feed me. (or anyone else who is holding him that he deciedes he likes) Anyway, none of this would worry me much, except when we went to the vet yesterday he started doing this while they were clipping his wings. The vet tech immediately stopped, proclaimed that weird and a bad sign...when I asked why he said anything abnormal is a bad sign., Tell me, should I worry about my boy? Be more strict with trying to get him to stop these behaviors? What do you think? Is it bad he still acts like a baby? He has no other bad or weird behaviors at all..this is an abnormally well behaved bird also! :blue1:
 

JJones1719

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7 Year old SI Eclectus named Guapo, I have a 6 year old GW Macaw named Neleno
Jacksmom, Macaws and most Parrots like to feed the one they love.
It's in the nature of the bird to feed us. I would advise you that when your B&G starts the bobbing of his head, don't react and place them into their cage, playstand, or gym until they settle down. Once they settle down, pick them up, tell them what a good Macaw they are and you reward them with an almond. Always reward good behavior.
This action is not weird at all nor is it a bad sign. It's just nature.
As the owner of your Macaw, you must be the Alfa in your relationship and teach them what is exceptable behavior.
You may find that as your B&G matures, he may try to feed a toy in his cage, favorite perch. This is all normal behavior. Best of luck Joe
 

pamcor57

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JJones1719 is absolutely right. On top of it being mateing season. This is all natural for them to do. You are just not use to it or like it. But to them it is a must.
 
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jacksmom

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I am so sorry it took me so long to reply, I have been without internet and just installed tapatalk on my phone and realized I could come back on here. :)

I am so glad to hear you guys say that, I was actually hoping the vet tech was a bit full of it. ;) I think he did that while they were stressing him to try and get some pity. (see, I'm a baby, don't hurt me) He practically leapt into my arms afterward...it seems like they needlessly stressed him. For instance, he sure isn't used to someone turning out the lights suddenly and pouncing on him with a towel. They did that while he was still standing on the scale he was a good boy to step up on...I hope he forgets about it or I will never get him up on a scale again! :0

Again, sorry for the long delay...hopefully you guys will forgive me, I have a few more questions I will post in the appropriate sections...and to not be "that girl" I will post pics of Jack and his set up also!
 
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jacksmom

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Oh, and also, I do not really mind the behavior, as long as the vet tech was full of it and it doesn't mean there is something wrong with him. :) I won't concern myself further...in fact sometimes it cracks me up...he is sure to try to feed me when I have just given him something he is really fond of like spagetti...I think he wants to share how yummy it was with me so I will know he is grateful for it, lol!
 

MaraWentz

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Red Front Macaw, Elvis, 10,male RIP

Red Front Macaw, Erin, 1.5,female

Goffin Cockatoo, Blossom 2,female Rehomed

Blue & Gold Macaw, Oscar, Male, 21 years old, Rehomed

American Bulldog Mix,
Might I suggest a new vet? Lol They should not be turning off the lights to capture a well behaved bird, or see regurgitation as anything other than weird love lol
 

MacawGuy

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Yea my buddie has a scarlet like mine buy mine is only one in his is 13 he also does that when I hold him or someone else that he likes holds him. Mine has only.done it a few times which he is 1.
 
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jacksmom

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You certainly can suggest a new vet...unfortunately there are not many in my area that will even touch a macaw...a few rinky dink places and one big one. Unfortunately, the big one seems to have a few dumb kids working as techs...although the doctor himself is absolutely fabulous. There is one vet tech there who is great as well, she has had a macaw since the age of 11 (her father is very experienced) and can balance him upside down on her head he trusts her so much, lol. I got very unlucky last time, just to make sure this time (he needs a nail filing again) I will pay more to have the real doctor do it. (they offer that option)

Small addendum - I cannot get the forum up on tapatalk yet, and am having a lot of trouble navigating. Does this forum support tapatalk, does anyone know?
 

MaraWentz

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Red Front Macaw, Elvis, 10,male RIP

Red Front Macaw, Erin, 1.5,female

Goffin Cockatoo, Blossom 2,female Rehomed

Blue & Gold Macaw, Oscar, Male, 21 years old, Rehomed

American Bulldog Mix,
just ask for the good assistant next time lol
 

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