Green Wing Macaw Beaking

Supercinoman

New member
Jul 16, 2012
5
0
Parrots
2 Congo African Greys
1 Green Winged Macaw
My 6 month old GWM has recently began a beaking behavior where she grabs my fingers and pulls them to her mouth to tongue and lightly chew on them almost like she is preening them. she occasionally puts a little to much pressure down on my fingers and I tell her no and take my fingers out of her mouth.

My question is should I allow this behavior? Is she asking for something? I eat salted pistachios or cashews quite often and I notice this behavior increases after I've had these items is my bird tasting the salt on my fingers? I use Living Worlds Clay-Cal on her fruits and veggies so I would assume she would get her salt intake from that...:red:
 

WharfRat

New member
Jul 3, 2012
1,403
2
Central Tx
Parrots
2 Bolivian Green Wings-ReaRea & Miri,
2 Yellow Naped 'Zons- Shiloh & Halo,
Hahn's Macaw-Kalani
My breeder told me to watch the salt intake on mine, that is probably why they're grabbing.

Of course, they still grab my fingers anyway to play but I am always aware what I've last touched as well before handling any of the birds.
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
My 6 month old GWM has recently began a beaking behavior where she grabs my fingers and pulls them to her mouth to tongue and lightly chew on them almost like she is preening them. she occasionally puts a little to much pressure down on my fingers and I tell her no and take my fingers out of her mouth.

My question is should I allow this behavior? Is she asking for something? I eat salted pistachios or cashews quite often and I notice this behavior increases after I've had these items is my bird tasting the salt on my fingers? I use Living Worlds Clay-Cal on her fruits and veggies so I would assume she would get her salt intake from that...:red:

I do allow that behaviour, and Max uses it to the full extent, like taking my finger in his beak and pushing it away... and.. if I have something he wants, he'll pull it towards him...

When he was little and when he bit too hard, I would grab him around his neck (gently), kiss his beak and say gentle... (he's got such a lovely neck)... lol
 

KBEquine

Member
May 19, 2011
359
21
South-central PA
Parrots
From little to big - currently 6 Linnies; 2 Budgies; 1 BHP; 2 CAGs; 2 Zons; 1 GWM. Formerly in the flock: 1 LSC2 [fostered/rehomed] RIP: 1 budgie 1 WCP & 1 sweet Pan Am
I think the baby needs to know how much pressure is acceptable. My amazon beaks more than my greenwing, but the greenwing is a very gentle guy at 20 years & I attribute part of it to his original owner allowing him to beak to show interest/affection & by teaching him how much pressure is acceptable.
 

henpecked

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Dec 12, 2010
4,858
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18
NC/FLA
Parrots
Jake YNA 1970,Kia Panama amazon1975, both i removed from nest and left siblings, Forever Home to,Stacie (YN hen),Mickie (RLA male),Blinkie (YNA hen),Kong (Panama hen),Rescue Zons;Nitro,Echo,Rocky,Rub
I agree, at some point they need to learn what is acceptable. My zons also "beak" my finger when they want to be preened,petted or want to play.
 

MaraWentz

Banned
Banned
Mar 27, 2012
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8
2
St.Leonard, MD
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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,
When he was little and when he bit too hard, I would grab him around the neck[/QUOTE]

Haha that had me scared for a second lol I do tell same to Erin. It all8ws memo restrain her if I have to. I pet her neck all the time, butnwhen it's timemfor her nails or beak to bending I do that to restrain her, so she always stops and hinders what's next- a good scratch or a grooming so it definitely. Gets her attention and ends in a big fatbkiss lol
 

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