djfam

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Nov 24, 2015
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Goozoo the Illiger's Macaw
Hi guys, so this is my first post and I love to hear from you guys!

So about 2 months ago, I rescued a male Illiger's Macaw (Goozoo) who is 8 years old. I know just a little about the bird and am being patient with training the bird slowly. So he comes from a home where he was exposed to 3 other birds (African Grey, Blue and Gold, and an Umbrella). Long story short, the owner had all birds from the time they were babies and raised them all with a lot of care. Unfortunately, the owner is going through health problems and did not have any interaction with the bird for at least 8 months. So I decided to rescue the little guy (Goozoo) and have been working with him though he is very hostile. He is getting better slowly but I would like to know ways of gaining more of Goozoo's trust.

I know he is very smart and has many tricks up of his sleeve but he is very uncomfortable. He tries to be in his cage at ALL times and reaching to pet him is almost impossible without getting bit (when hes on the cage). Interestingly, He steps up and lets you slightly play with him when he is not around the cage.

I want to know what else I can do to separate him from the cage and get him comfortable and play more. I've tried all sorts of tricks to try to let him get on my hand when hes on the cage, but he does just budge and simply bites!

Something interesting I noticed today when he was next to me was that he regurgitated; he moved close to my face and did it twice. I read that Macaw's may only do that if they feel comfortable with their owner. Now, he has a pretty regular diet and have not seen him do that when he is by himself. Can anyone say what this may mean?

Thank you for reading and responding. I appreciate the help and look forward to hearing back from y'all!
 
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djfam

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Goozoo the Illiger's Macaw
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Thanks for the replies guys! But he's still biting. Is that normal?
 

chris-md

Well-known member
Feb 6, 2010
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Maryland - USA
Parrots
Parker - male Eclectus

Aphrodite - red throated conure (RIP)
Sounds like he's cage aggressive, which I'm not even close to qualified to advise you on. But that's not to be interpreted as disliking you. It's something unrelated to his feelings about you.

Best of luck with him! Pics please :)
 

2BadBadger

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Nov 23, 2015
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England
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"Mama,Papa" Green Cheek Conures,"Judge" a Black Capped Conure,Fudgie the Budgie,Charlie the Patagonian Conure,Titan and Pearl the Diamond Doves.
Hi I'm new here but a warm welcome all the same.

As for your bird I'd class his behaviour as normal for the changes he has had in the period since he came to you.

If the cage he's in now came with him or is a new one it is in a new space and he will try and declare both it and the space as his and defend it until he's happy to allow even a hand into or around it and he may well do it forever to some degree but he needs his own space to be mentally balanced so don't see it as a negative just let him show you when he's ready to allow you into his little world.

For a start as your doing your usual home routine put a few treats in your pocket and as your walking past offer a small treat if he happily accepts your hand and takes it then vocalise how happy you are and reward him with another but if he nips at you turn away and carry on doing chores for 10-15mins.It'll take time but he should soon learn acceptive behaviour has its rewards and defensive does not and that you are not a threat but a human with nice things!

Enjoy him anyway they are great birds.
 
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djfam

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Nov 24, 2015
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Goozoo the Illiger's Macaw
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Thank you so much guys. I just built him a play gym so hes gonna be on that through out the day where he has food, water and some toys! Thanks for all the help
 

Weezerj

New member
Mar 29, 2015
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Portland, Oregon
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Illiger's Macaw (Loki)
Welcome to the forum. I think the advise above is solid. It will take time but he will come around if you are patient and consistent.

I also am owned by an Illigers macaw and we'd love to see pics of your guy.
 

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