Just Joined!!!!

[Sing1965]

Good evening,
My name is Chuck and I am the proud first time owner of a Scarlet Macaw.
I got him from an animal rescue.

I know I have a lot to learn but am very willing.

I have noticed some peculiar actions and hoped you could explain them.

He often bows his head when we are together, but when I try to pet or scratch his head he squawks loudly and tries to bite me.

He has choked up food twice since I got him 3 days ago.

Most curious about this habit..... He hangs on the bars of his cage by his beak and drops his legs then he very slightly flaps his wings repeatedly.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Allee]

He Chuck, Welcome to the forum and Congratulations on your new adoptee.

I don't have a macaw, but your questions aren't really species specific.

Since you've only had the bird three days, the head bow is probably an invitation to give him a wanted scratch and interaction, but since he doesn't know you so well yet, the squawk and the threat of a bite are a warning that he is still a little unsure of your intentions.

When your bird is choking up food, he is actually regurgitating for you, or trying to feed you. It's common for parrots to do that when they see a human as a potential mate. I know, it sounds a bit gross, but it makes perfect sense to the parrot.

Hanging by the beak and dangling his feet is more than likely a playful request for attention. Look what I can do. Are you impressed? A lot of large parrots do this. I've seen birds do it when they are waiting for someone to open the cage door for them or just because it's fun to do.

It sounds like you've adopted a friendly Big Mac. I would let him set the pace, you'll have a long lasting friendship. Good luck to you!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi Chuck, and welcome to the forums.

Many congrats on your Scarlet Macaw!! They are truly gorgeous big macs, aren't they? Do you have any history of your new family member, do you know how old he is, or how many homes he's lived in? And do you know his gender with certainty? What's his name? (Oh gees, this must sound like an interrogation, but I assure you - it's not :32

We'd love to see some photos, if you care to share some.
http://www.parrotforums.com/technical-support/6287-how-post-pictures.html

 

[Birdman666]

I know I have a lot to learn but am very willing.

SCARLETS ARE ONE OF THE SMARTEST, BUT ALSO ONE OF THE BEAKIEST MACAWS OUT THERE. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR BEAKS.

I have noticed some peculiar actions and hoped you could explain them.

He often bows his head when we are together, but when I try to pet or scratch his head he squawks loudly and tries to bite me.

COULD BE A TRUST ISSUE. I'D HAVE TO SEE THAT ONE. TWO FINGERS ON THE BEAK CONTROLS THE BEAK. CALMLY REACH AROUND WITH THE OTHER ONE AND SCRATCH HIS/HER HEAD.

He has choked up food twice since I got him 3 days ago.

THIS IS REGURITATING, AND IT'S NORMAL. IF HE/SHE IS REGURGING FOR YOU, IT'S GENERALLY A SIGN OF AFFECTION...

Most curious about this habit..... He hangs on the bars of his cage by his beak and drops his legs then he very slightly flaps his wings repeatedly.

GENERALLY MACAW CODE FOR PICK ME UP - RIGHT NOW!!! SWIPE YOUR ARM UNDER HIS FEET WHEN HE DOES THAT, AND I'M PRETTY SURE HE'LL HOP RIGHT ON..

Any help would be appreciated.

THERE ARE MACAW NEWBIE THREADS IN THE MACAW SECTION. SUGGEST A LITTLE LIGHT READING. LOTS OF EXPERIENCED MAC OWNERS ON THIS BOARD. WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MACAWS...