What a tease

[cjauito]

My 8yo military macaw won't say much when he knows someone is watching him. He will utter a very coarse "birdlike" repeat of "Hey, Rick!," which is how I usually greet him. But, when I'm out of sight, he speaks extremely clearly (and somewhat quietly). When I come back into view, he reverts back to "playing dumb" (literally, and figuratively). Is he messing with me? He isn't very shy, nor is he very agressive. He loves to show off, except vocally.

 

[Redballoon]

He speaks, and you come to see him.
While that works, he wont change.
Its a favourite trick of the bird world.

 

[TexDot33]

Sounds like "Rick" has you trained perfectly! :18: I am going to agree with Red on this one (I don't know why, but I always feel so dirty after I write that).

Rick is left alone (which for a Macaw is TORTURE - FYI) and he has now figured out a way to get you to come running ... luckily for you it is with vocalization and not screaming.