New Macaw - follows me out of his 'area'.

[Hydro]

I got a new Macaw and I'm relatively new to owning parrots/Macaws. My little buddy, 'Hydro' has been with me for a little over a week. I've been training him basic things - such as kiss on lips and hand shake, also have been massaging his head, and playing game of probability of guessing which treat hand is in. Hydro and I have begun to bond and I'm beginning to like this little fellow more and more.

He has his own area in which there is a cage, a wooden shaft linked to the external cage, this shaft connects to another area with a wooden shaft that has suspended toys he likes to mess with some times. His cage door has always been open, and in the past, he would never leave the radius of his "habitat".

This was convenient since I could play with him when I had the time to do so. Although lately he's been following me around, and not wanting to stay in his "habitat" area. I tried closing the cage on him one time and he went berserk, snipping and tearing the newspapers under the cage (that collects waste.)

How do I teach him to stop following me around all the time? Thanks!

Also, when he is bored, he plucks feathers which I know is a problem. How can this guy remain entertained when I'm out for work?

Thanks again.

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like you may need stationing and foraging.

Stationing « Lara Joseph

Parrot Enrichment
Foraging for Parrots
Parrot Enrichment

And in particular from the last website...
Parrot Enrichment


Birds are naturally flock creatures and like to stick together, so it's a natural behavior for him to stick with you. It may be difficult to get him to stay put, but not impossible. If you don't have a bedroom you could turn into a bird room, then you may need to teach him to remain in his cage while you are away.