Possessive of one of my Kids

I have a question. I have 3 kids and my B&G Macaw is extremely possessive over just one of my kids. My kid doesnt give him much attention but my bird chases him around the house, breaths heavy, lowers his head, and flutters his wings or spreads them slowly every time he gets near him. The few times he has picked him up, he is nearly impossible to get off. I've read enough to figure that this is probably breeding behaviour but I can't figure out why he's showing it towards my one kid. The parrot doesnt do this qith anyone else. He doesn't pet him or hold him very much but is still acting like this after years of being with us. Does anyone have any suggestions?

robtag said:

I have a question. I have 3 kids and my B&G Macaw is extremely possessive over just one of my kids. My kid doesnt give him much attention but my bird chases him around the house, breaths heavy, lowers his head, and flutters his wings or spreads them slowly every time he gets near him. The few times he has picked him up, he is nearly impossible to get off. I've read enough to figure that this is probably breeding behaviour but I can't figure out why he's showing it towards my one kid. The parrot doesnt do this qith anyone else. He doesn't pet him or hold him very much but is still acting like this after years of being with us. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Your B&G has for whatever reason choose this child!

Go to the MAC Forum and Read everything from Birdman666.

Socialize, socialize, socialize your Parrot. This is a must with any Parrot and just as important with a MAC!!!

Hi and welcome.

It could be the amount of eye contact given when they do interact, maybe even your MAC likes this childs voice over the others. If everyone gives him some more attention it might help. This bird needs socialisation more than ever now. If the whole family are more interesting to him in general this could help?

If not breeding behaviour then it may be he is asking come play with me but, take care not to tip it over in the excitement stakes which can result in a bite. Attention to areas being stroked is also important, stay with head scritches for now.

These birds are very intelligent and loving in the right environment so read as much as possible and learn how to make his life more interesting/stimulating please? Have you a good sized play gym with loads of toys to interest him, climbing opportunities? Teach some tricks, shake hands, turn in a circle etc but remember encourage to do these things but never force it. If your kids do stuff like this then he will probably want to copy. Have you tried to teach him to fly to a person or a stand upon request and reward with a treat?

Have a go at harness training him which will allow him the opportunity to go out on an arm or shoulder to see the wider world which is good for them, you will see a difference I am sure? Have you seen YouTube videos of people going bike riding, hiking etc with their MAC?

If he is able to have different activities to his day so, a time to play on his own, climbing, foraging, MACs love to undo things don't they, a time to interact and play with others, a time for closeness and a cuddle?

Remember above all else that this is a living creature and needs a lot from us as we become their flock. They live in largish colonies in the wild, creating mayhem, searching for food all of which takes up lots of time and sitting in our homes on a perch is not the life they are meant for. Please improve things as maybe he will just get fed up asking and just bite all those that come near instead.

Here is a link http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html that Sailboat kindly mentions from our long standing MAC expert/member.

I hope that you can get something from this and that you enjoy your feathered child.