Macaw

New Member Joined: Jan 01, 2005 Posts: 1

My names Robin, I'm new to this, and I have a 39 year old macaw..The poor thing has been passed down from three people, his first owner died, and next didn't have enough time for him. I have a question about Jimmy (my macaw). At first when I got him and he got used to me, it was fine, he would rarely ever bite me and he would only go on my arm and let me aproach him. Now he will still let me hold him and pet him, but when he sees my sister when he's on my arm, he will bite me, and he won't let me touch him unless my sister is out of the room. It's like he thinks my sister is me sometimes, and I can't find any information to help me on this one, so someone PLEASE help me out

Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 10:56 pm

There are several reasons a Macaw will bite. What is his body language when he does bite? Is his head down? What are his eyes doing? Also has he bonded to you?

If his head is down, most likely he's playing. This is not a game you should let him continue, but since he so old it's probably his first owner taught him to be ok. He shouldn't hurt you when playing, but sometimes he might.

If his eyes are strobing (getting bigger then smaller really fast), then he's scared and is trying to defend himself.

If he's bonded to you then if he thinks your in danger then he'll bite you to make you flee from the danger.

What kind of Macaw is Jimmy?

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:39 am

Why not contact the Macaw Society of America
P.O. Box 90037
Burton, MI, 48509-0037