help with my 8 year old blue and gold macaw?

[alliah]

I need a little help with my 8 year old male blue and gold macaw.
He is VERY moody, he will bite anyone that even tries to touch him.
He is out of his cage every day, but does not like to play with anyone.
He use to be a little playfull. this seamed to have started in that last couple months.
He plays with his toys in his cage, but does not like to play with anyone when he is out of his cage.
He does not usually bite all the time, that has been recent.
We have had him since he was a baby. I thought maybe it is his age, or some hormone thing he is going through. I thought teaching him tricks would help a little? any answers ?
He eats well, and is at the vet when he should.


thanks anyone!

 

[JerseyWendy]

We need a bit more information. Has he EVER played with his toys? Has he ALWAYS bitten everyone, or is all this something he started recently?

Have there been any changes in his environment and/or diet?

When is the last time he has a well birdy check?

At 8 years, the behavior you describe could very well be hormonal, but the hormone rages don't last a long time, that is why I said we needed some more information.

 

[alliah]

He use to be very playfull, and this seamed to have started in the last couple months.
He plays with his in his cage toys, but does not like to play with anyone when he is out of his cage.
He eats well, and is at the vet when he should. He does not usually bite all the time, that has been recent.

 

[JerseyWendy]

So my guess would be that it is indeed hormonal then.

This, too, shall pass.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I want to add this:

IF in doubt, please have him checked out, to rule out ANY underlying issues. Birds are masters at hiding any ailments/diseases until it is often too late.

 

[Birdman666]

How many times have I said the "difficult years" for a macaw and hormones are the 7 to 12 years?!

I'd say this bird is right on schedule...

The moodiness are these raging hormones that the bird doesn't know how to control at the moment.

It's a bit like living with a pregnant lady. (Only the bird bites harder...)

It will calm down with time. And then be seasonal for a few years. The worst part will be the onset of breeding season each year til he's about 12, then it won't be as pronounced...

 

[Birdman666]

Handle him less when he is moody, and more when he is calm.

Avoid stimulating him when handling him.

Reinforce the no biting training when he is calm.

Reinforce the bite pressure training when he is calm.

Increase bathing.

Right now you are probably starting the first real hormonal period, and it's likely coinciding with a hard molt... LUCKY YOU!!! So, yeah, caution, grumpy bird.

 

[Jett424]

Birdman you always give the best advice!