Odd behavior and sound

scubatiffy · Mar 30, 2010

Terry has adjusted well into the house during his first two months here. He is for sure part of the family!
My question is about a noise and action he makes- I swear, he sounds like a chicken and tries to 'nip' you. He was born with a scissorbeak, so he is quite capable of grabbing a small piece of skin and pinching you. The noise is quite comical, like a chicken/duck/pig grunting combination. He's done that since we've adopted him. Most of the time, the noise is his warning that he doesn't like something or want to do something (step up).
Recently, he's learned to say "Ouch" after he pinches you. It is sort of funny, but the pinch isn't!
Any help or suggestions? I've tried a few things- time outs, telling him sternly NO, etc.

PS- as I was typing that, he was singing with the Black Eyed Peas 'I've got a feeling". Didn't know he liked that song!

parrotqueen · Mar 30, 2010

May I ask, just what bird do you have?

scubatiffy · Mar 30, 2010

oops- Sorry! Terry is a B&G 5 year macaw.

parrotqueen · Mar 30, 2010

Thanks, but now I don't really know what to think.

My cockatiels grunt like pigs when they're enjoying something interesting, like a new food. I've never really heard of this though.

Does he pin his eyes, or flare his tail at you when he grunts? He could actually be attempting to signal to you that he doesn't want to be touched. He could be feeling grumpy.

willist · Mar 31, 2010

I'm sorry but i don't know what you're trying to teach your bird not to do. Macaws like to pinch and grab with their beaks, that's what they do. I taught my Greenwing how hard he can grab me with his beak. When he would grab me with his beak, if he applied too much pressure I would pry his beak open with my fingers and at the same time I'd say "gentle" after awhile he got the massage and now he doesn't grab too hard. On the rare times that he does. all I have to do is say "gentle" and he lets go. BTW, don't use the word no to teach your bird an action, always assign a special word to each action you want him to do. If you say "no" for everything you don't want him to do he won't know which thing you're saying no to. I hope that was of some help, good luck.

Spiritbird · Apr 1, 2010

Suggest lots of toys that can by bit and chewed to be available if not already. Watch the body language and you should know when a bite is coming. Keep fingers away at those times. Let him think he is the boss.

antoinette · Apr 1, 2010

Recently, he's learned to say "Ouch" after he pinches you. It is sort of funny, but the pinch isn't!

PS- as I was typing that, he was singing with the Black Eyed Peas 'I've got a feeling". Didn't know he liked that song![/QUOTE]

He is a clever bird .... did you not get the message

"Ouch" I've got a feeling

Odd behavior and sound

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