I have two bay B&G Macaws...does anyone have any training advice?

Question

Babies....about 130 days old. Just wanted to start a trusting/training regime with them.

Any suggestions or places online that are helpful?

Thanks

Answer 1

There are many training tapes and Cd's out there on the web I would suggest that you go to birdtrick.com and just look at what they have available. Then go to E-bay and do a search for the seller parrotpals and see if she has any of those very same training programs available. These videos and Cd's will start you on the right track. They will also help with bad behaviors that you want to stop. Parrots behavior are all natural instinct and you have to be able to know how to reward the behaviors that you want them to continue and to stop the ones that you don't want. This program can even help you stop very aggressive behavior if it has already started, and not encourage it if it hasn't. Birds are flock natured, they will learn to see you as part of their flock and to treat you as such. Make sure you know what to do to be accepted as such. Remember DON"T scream at your bird. He/she does not understand. Instead learn what to do to reward for good behavior and what not to do when he/she does something bad. This video also has a great method to teach a very aggressive bird to be able to be socialized back into a family. Take you time and enjoy this new member of your family. The cost of this program is nothing compared to the cost of the bird itself and to the enjoyment that it will give you and you family.
The last source is Einstein The African Grey, This is the kind of things you can learn to do with your bird with a little time and patience. Einstein lives at the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.

Answer 2

Start with getting them used to your hand...do not let them climb up your arm...you might do this over a soft surface (in case of falls) like a bed or soft piece of furniture. Talk softly, and slowly work up to scritches on the head. Slowly let your birds adjust to your touches on all parts of their bodies...wings, backs, legs,feet and beaks. Remember to offer rewards to them for good behavior. There are some great books...The Happy Bappy Bird Book is one of our favorites. Also use The Companion Parrot by Sally Blanchard. Good luck!

Answer 3

paw-talk.net is a good place with a friendly community and I think there's another site called Parrot Times that is really good.

Answer 4

http://www.mytoos.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=15;t=000705
http://www.birdboard.com/forum/archive/index.php/f-30.html
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/macaws/military.php
Hope this helps! Good luck!