BTT - Analyzing body language
Added 2023-04-12 02:00:01 +0000 UTCIf you want to submit a video for this series, send it to us at info@birdtricks.com!
Comments
Although it looks like we aren't listening to him in the video we actually are aware & i try to do things to make him the most comfortable with me being alive. Yes he is asking to go back to his perch. He also asks to step up then when I get close he tries to attack which is why I only use a perch. There is a VERY small difference between his 2 step up asks (nice vs attack). I don't mind using a towel or perch, #1 for now is my safety and even if that wasn't an issue his nails hurt my arm anyways. I really think it stems from the addition of the female (who tries to bite him & tries to regurgitate for me. I discourage this & stop interacting if she does & know some of her triggers). I wonder sometimes if he wants her, she wants me, this makes me the mate competition that needs to be removed. OR/& if the addition of her took focus off of him from me trying to be his BFF. I've always had challenges with him but it had gotten to a very good place before the female.
Janene Gscuba
2023-04-12 16:37:22 +0000 UTCSomething I have used and suggested to people before is how I got my budgie to sit on my hand nicely without feeling the need to bite. If he is biting you while on the perch he is most likely trying to communicate that he wants something, rather that is to be out of that situation (off the perch) or for you to put him down, or your attention/possibly your husband's? In my case however my budgie is quite bonded to me and does like me, but he never used to like hands or being on my hands that much. He would fly to my arm or clothing which I used a method I have seen in previous BirdTricks videos where Jamie and Dave explained having the bird climb down your arm to have to go over your hand before stepping down onto the place they want to be like a playstand or training stand. Once my budgie was more comfortable with my hand I also started talking advantage of times when he wanted to go somewhere or be somewhere else, I would introduce my hand as a way to get him where he wanted to go (although my budgie can fly perfectly well). He started to see my hand as a way to get out of situations if he had gotten spooked and I would take him to a perch somewhere he felt safe and preferred to be. He now does sit nicely on my hand though especially if I talk to him then his attention is up on my face as he loves listening/watching me talk. In your case though if it is just you getting close the macaw doesn't like this might not work but if he does step up on a perch for you maybe try using those opportunities to help him out of a situation where he doesn't want to be, if that makes sense? That may also work better in a different environment. Try to gage what it is that he wants or where he's looking to go, like when he's asking the husband to step up. I hope that makes some sense and is possibly useful 🙂
Laura
2023-04-12 15:55:52 +0000 UTCYes this was set up to show behavior. Yes started when we got female macaw. Prior he would step up (on my arm) & we could do some training with him. I'd shower with him & groom him. We do not "pet" the back, he tried to touch neck obviously not well received. When you see me go off camera to the right, the female macaw is over there. He'll calm some if I sit down (my chair is to the right as well). Although things have gotten somewhat better. When I walk around he sometimes does a lesser version. If I get near her or touch her he does this. Yet I can sit in my chair next to her & he'll calm, eat & seems to seek my attention & tries things to get my attention (looks under branches to see me, do various vocals as to want me to interact). He also does this if Roger goes to female. If we take female away he does this. If I take female (to porch aviary/night room/livingroom) when I come back for him he'll step up (on a stick) to go to her. Yes he has nailed me good & at one point would try to bite my face or hand while transporting. I don't force him to step up but in order for him to go to ABC I have to take him so if he wants to go to female I'm his only choice. I'm home all day vs hubby works away from home. The other day Roger took him to the garage & then we sat outside on the drive & he was walking around & ok with my existence. He even came to me & not to bite or be mean. He probably just wanted me to take him back to the female. I think your idea of interactions in a totally odd place is something we'll definition try more. I'll try other ideas if anyone has ideas. We are attending the MC in June.... I've tried & do power pause.
Janene Gscuba
2023-04-12 05:28:04 +0000 UTCAlways helpful and great reminders.
Christina
2023-04-12 03:49:41 +0000 UTC
