Our baby macaw is 6 months old, we've had it for about a week now. Waiting on gender DNA test for a name.
My husband is the primary fid parent. I have less time to work with the bird, so he's been feeding and working with baby bird. In the first few days baby bird would let me hold and pet the back of its head.
In the last 3-4 days it's grown progressively less inclined towards me. If I try to pet the back of its head, it squawks and lunges at my fingers. I've only had one or two painful bites. I've made a strong effort not to jerk away and just let it mouth my fingers. I feed it favored treats like mandarin slices and papaya. I make a point to talk to it multiple times a day and sing or whistle nearby.
Today I got it to step up on my arm and I pet the back of its head, but after a few moments it got quite testy and started thrashing around. I waited until it calmed down first and then placed it on the perch. My husband can walk it all around the house and cuddle with it.
I've tried to present an air of confidence, but to be honest, I'm not.
I've never been around birds before (other than chickens in high school, haha.) I do feel a bit nervous and I'm sure that doesn't help. I'd really like to build trust. Am I rushing it by trying to hold the bird?
Separate question...
I am a piano teacher. People are always staring at my hands, so I like to keep my nails painted and wear several rings. How much does that complicate things? Is there a way to desensitize the bird to the colors?
My husband is the primary fid parent. I have less time to work with the bird, so he's been feeding and working with baby bird. In the first few days baby bird would let me hold and pet the back of its head.
In the last 3-4 days it's grown progressively less inclined towards me. If I try to pet the back of its head, it squawks and lunges at my fingers. I've only had one or two painful bites. I've made a strong effort not to jerk away and just let it mouth my fingers. I feed it favored treats like mandarin slices and papaya. I make a point to talk to it multiple times a day and sing or whistle nearby.
Today I got it to step up on my arm and I pet the back of its head, but after a few moments it got quite testy and started thrashing around. I waited until it calmed down first and then placed it on the perch. My husband can walk it all around the house and cuddle with it.
I've tried to present an air of confidence, but to be honest, I'm not.
I've never been around birds before (other than chickens in high school, haha.) I do feel a bit nervous and I'm sure that doesn't help. I'd really like to build trust. Am I rushing it by trying to hold the bird? Separate question...
I am a piano teacher. People are always staring at my hands, so I like to keep my nails painted and wear several rings. How much does that complicate things? Is there a way to desensitize the bird to the colors?
