How do I train a macaw?

Question

I have this blue & gold macaw I've acquired. He seems very friendly-- talks a lot and takes food from me no problem. He'll even give me kisses! But he wasn't really handled much but his original owners. He's 18 years old and lived with them for 16 of his years. I want to be able to take him out of the cage and hold him on my arm. But he won't come out of the cage-- he snaps at me when I try to convince him to step up, even bribing him with peanuts. Anyone with bird experience-- is it possible to train him to "step up" after 16 years?

Update:

I have a lot of animals, including birds. He's a fantastic & friendly parrot. The ONLY thing he doesn't do is step up. He talks, he dances, he gives kisses, and he doesn't mind my presence. I spend a lot of time right next to the cage, "chatting with him."

? · Accepted Answer

It is possible to train the bird to step up on your hand/arm & I highly recommend you teach him to step up onto a hand-held perch as well.  Give him plenty of time to get used to his new surroundings, people & life.   He sounds like a great bird but there's no need to hurry him along since it could break the trust that is building, time is on your side.  For now read some books & web sites on taming/training techniques and choose what approach to try in a few months.

Anna Miller · Answer

If the bird is nipping it means it feels threatened. Don't force yourself on him you got to let the bird know when hes coming to you you have to let the bird know its going to be a positive experience for the bird. If you don't birds have very good memories and hold grudges and may never want to step up or get out for you again. Here are some steps that may help.

1.Try sitting by the cage so he can get used to you.

2.When he doesn't have a problem with you sitting by him try using a treat that is long and they can bite at say touch. This may take a while for the bird to get it. (don't poke the bird or force him to touch it.) Keep it still at a distance that doesn't threaten the bird) When the bird finally touches it you can give him a small treat and try doing it again. This shows that bird that being near you is a positive experience for it. (repeat process until the bird gets it.)

3. To make the bird step up is really easy. Say "step up" and make sure to say it in the same tone every time. Gently push on his chest so he gets off balance and has no choice but to step up onto you. (Warning birds do not like to be off balance) To make sure the bird will know where its going is positive give him a treat right after he steps up. That way the bird will remember you giving him the treat instead of remembering you getting him off balance.

(more tips)
1.NEVER punish the bird. ( spraying with water, covering cage ect.)

2.Try teaching it to do one thing a day instead of doing them all at once. If you do it all at once the bird could get frustrated or bored and might not want to train again.

3.Give small treats so that way the bird finishes faster and can try again with the trick.

4.Don't get frustrated when in the first training session doesn't make him learn a new trick.
Not all training sessions are going to teach the bird to do something but in almost all you learn what does and doesn't work to train the bird.

I would also not recommend giving him peanuts the shells could be toxic to the bird.

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How do I train a macaw?

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