I just bought a 12 year old Blue & Gold Macaw....He will Step up, but I still can't pet him...any advice?

Question

I just bought a 12 year old Blue & Gold Macaw....He will Step up, but I still can't pet him...any advice?

Answer 1

Just wait till he trusts you. And don't let him bite you, that will hurt.

Answer 2

Just give him time to get to know you, talk to him and try feeding him treats. I had bought an Double yellow Head Amazon, his previous owners said he used to be tame but then he started biting when they came "back from vacation", I felt bad for the bird. I purchased him showed him a lot of attention talking to him and feeding him treats (but not too many). It took a few weeks, he got used to me(bonded), he got to where I could pick him up, pet him etc. He wouldn't let anyone else, you can't act like your scared of them either some how they can since that my friend would always jump back from him and he knew she was scared of him. But just give him time and I'm sure he should do the same to you. Their great birds. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Do you know his history?   He's got 12 years of life behind him... has he been handled a lot?  Was he friendly with his last owner?

Where did you get him from-  a private individual, or a rescue?

Rehomed birds often come with quite the "baggage"...

Well in the meantime, without knowing any details, I would just suggest taking your time, allowing him to gain trust in you...

sit by his cage and talk to him a lot. Feed him nuts and treats, pet him through the bars, touch his feet or beak (carefully!) until he feels safe with you.

Answer 4

You have to gain his trust, obvously he's been handled if when you extend your arm slowly towards him and he steps up thats a good sign. try holding some food in your hand and let him take it from you this will get him used to your hand. but your going to have to let him take it to the next level in his own time if you try to force it it will do more harm than good to building the relationship. also your going to have to make the effort to spend the time required with him even if its just him sitting with you perched on your arm or shoulder it all about trust.