New parrot owner, 8 month shy yellow collared macaw

[Fridaysmacaw]

I grew up around parrots and birds (doves that I raced and chickens), my partner and I just got a 8 month old yellow collared macaw a week ago. she is very shy. she is a big talker and is great in the cage. she has not left the cage on her own. I have taken her out and she will stay on our fingers for a bit and will fly around some. she will take treats when in the cage.
I am looking for tips for how to build her confidence and get her to leave the cage on her own. She is a big talker at times but after this last time out of the cage she got frightened and has been more skittish. I am not taking her out at this time until she is ready. I just want to do the best I can for her.

 

[zERo]

I grew up around parrots and birds (doves that I raced and chickens), my partner and I just got a 8 month old yellow collared macaw a week ago. she is very shy. she is a big talker and is great in the cage. she has not left the cage on her own. I have taken her out and she will stay on our fingers for a bit and will fly around some. she will take treats when in the cage.
I am looking for tips for how to build her confidence and get her to leave the cage on her own. She is a big talker at times but after this last time out of the cage she got frightened and has been more skittish. I am not taking her out at this time until she is ready. I just want to do the best I can for her.

Welcome to the forums! 😊

Sorry you’re having trouble! I think yellow collard macaws are so beautiful!

Are there perches for ease of exit?
Does she have a play stand or area where she can play outside tho cage?
If she has both of those things, I would advise to, if you can, move her cage to maybe a bedroom so she feels more confident in a small space.
Have you tried teaching her to target train? This can be a great way to get a bird to do something we want but make them think it’s their decision.

What’s your birds name?
And, on this forum, we love pictures! 😍

 

[Fridaysmacaw]

Welcome to the forums! 😊

Sorry you’re having trouble! I think yellow collard macaws are so beautiful!

Are there perches for ease of exit?
Does she have a play stand or area where she can play outside tho cage?
If she has both of those things, I would advise to, if you can, move her cage to maybe a bedroom so she feels more confident in a small space.
Have you tried teaching her to target train? This can be a great way to get a bird to do something we want but make them think it’s their decision.

What’s your birds name?
And, on this forum, we love pictures! 😍

My bird is named Ether. We are setting up a new play area by the cage and I will get another perch to put by the door. she has a huge cage. Pic added I just want to do right by her, she is our kid and I know it will take time and work. I just dont want to screw it up.

 

[zERo]

She’s so pretty!
I see a little bronzing on her back, nothing a good diet and molt can’t fix 🙂

I would think she’s just still getting used to you and her new home, since it’s only been a week.
Has she been to an avian vet?

 

[Fridaysmacaw]

She’s so pretty!
I see a little bronzing on her back, nothing a good diet and molt can’t fix 🙂

I would think she’s just still getting used to you and her new home, since it’s only been a week.
Has she been to an avian vet?

yes she has been to the vet and got a clean bill of health. she is molting right now so that should clear up

 

[zERo]

yes she has been to the vet and got a clean bill of health. she is molting right now so that should clear up

That’s wonderful!
I hope you have good progress with her as you get to know each other.

 

[wrench13]

Really a week is just a blink of the eye in a parrots timetable. She seems to be doing pretty good for just a week. Some parrots take weeks or months to get really comfortable and start relaxing and opening up. I will say this a million times - Parrots rate of acceptance of new things is GLACIAL when compared to our quick monkey brains.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

Whoaa! That's a beautiful macaw and great name.

at this point you just need to build a super loving and trustful bond with all household members.
Let Ether go at her own pace but involve her in everything you do.
like she arrived in the most engaging fun paradise a bird can imagine.
Singing, dancing, vacuuming its all about her.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Whoaa! That's a beautiful macaw and great name.

at this point you just need to build a super loving and trustful bond with all household members.
Let Ether go at her own pace but involve her in everything you do.
like she arrived in the most engaging fun paradise a bird can imagine.
Singing, dancing, vacuuming its all about her.

I couldn't agree more with PrimorandMoxi

 

[Cindylynn]

Eating a bird friendly treat, like popcorn or peanuts, right next to the cage with the door open is a good way to get her engaging with you also.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

She’s so pretty!
I see a little bronzing on her back, nothing a good diet and molt can’t fix 🙂

I would think she’s just still getting used to you and her new home, since it’s only been a week.
Has she been to an avian vet?

What is "bronzing" and what is its significance?

 

[zERo]

What is "bronzing" and what is its significance?

Bronzing can be caused by many things.
Poor diet, excess oil on the feathers, the bird rubbing on something too often, a lack of bathing, and even stress.
It also discolores a bird and indicates a health problem.

 

[Fridaysmacaw]

I put her food and a perch on the door and a toy just outside the cage. This has made a huge difference in just the day it has been there. She is spending time on the door and is talking and dancing a lot.