how do i train my new macaw its about a year old?

Question

i want to hand train him basicly
are there any websites

Answer 1

First and formost your Macaw will train you. Forget about "training" it... For the basics you can pick up a couple of books at your local pet store that will give you specific advice on certian problems you come into but the best training you will be able to do will come from trial and error and lots of repitition. Be patient and resolute. while your training your bird do not let him or her on your shoulder. They develop a superiority complex and become very hard to manage if allowed to be up there to often in the begining. I try to keep my birds below my eyes untill they are broken before I let them higher then my shoulder. Good luck.

Oh and as for websites... Sorry... I learned about birds before there were websites/or I had a computer so I couldn't tell you. wish I had access though it would have made life much easier.

Answer 2

LOL I'm not sure if you're aware of what a broad question this is. There are chapters that could be written to you on this topic.

As far as websites go, I'm going to give you several. But, in the meantime, you can check out the rest of my answers, (the ones pertaining to birds, some of the same principals apply for training with the smaller species, so discount those) and become acquainted with the two communities on LiveJournal I'm going to give you. I have two macaws. A military macaw and a greenwing macaw. Which species of macaw do you have? Knowing that will help with an species related problems you may or may not be facing.

This is the article you should read that will help you with this problem: http://home.att.net/~MacawMama/Lifetime.htm

The community you should join and become familiar with will help you with other problems as they arrise. Don't take it personally if some of them are bitchy. There ARE good people there. The bitchy ones like to think they know everything, and well...the fact is none of us do. So, if they're bitchy, ignore them and move on to the people who ARE actually helping you.

http://community.livejournal.com/parrot_lovers/

If you need help with something specific, like questions or just flat out help...email me at this screenname at yahoo. I'll help you.

Answer 3

I have a cockatiel so it might be slightly different but I can tell you how I trained mine.

If your bird doesn't let you pick him up without bitting then you might want to use a light towel to grab him with or mittens. Once you have have him go to a small room where he can't get away (it helps if his wings are clipped). Sit down on the floor and put your knees up, then put the bird on your knees. Start with your hand on your thigh then slowly move up about an inch or so every 30 seconds or minute. He might fly away if his wings aren't clipped but just retrieve him. Eventually you'll be able to get your hand close enough to him. Do this for a couple of days so he gets acquainted to you. Once he doesn't mind you having your hands by him you can then try holding your hand to his stomach. He should step up, if he doesn't put a tiny bit of pressure on his stomach and push slightly up. You can also say "step up" while your doing this so the bird associates the words with the action.

That's how I trained mine. Good luck!

Answer 4

My birds were already traind to step up as I got them from a breeder who handles all her birds. I couldn't tell you how to train but I did find this website for you. I hope it helps you out. Good luck with your new friend.