01 Oct TRAINERS CORNER – Addressing Aggression in a Green-Winged Macaw
This week in “Trainer’s Corner,” we’re focusing on a case that many parrot owners might find relatable: a Green-Winged Macaw that has become aggressive toward one family member. In this instance, the bird is targeting the husband and even launching attacks, despite being otherwise well-behaved with the rest of the family.
Understanding the Situation
The bird, a 9-year-old Green-Winged Macaw, had been rehomed multiple times due to behavioral issues. His aggression toward the husband became so severe that he would fly and attack, making it impossible for the husband to interact with him safely. Yet, oddly enough, the macaw would take treats from the husband but immediately jab or lunge afterward.
Key Behavioral Challenges
- Territorial aggression: The macaw is particularly aggressive when his environment is approached.
- Reinforced behavior: Past handling habits, like simply tossing treats, may have inadvertently reinforced aggressive behavior.
Our Approach
The first step in addressing this behavior was understanding that the macaw had likely been reinforced by his aggression—attacking to get the desired distance from the husband. To change this, we began focusing on protected contact and reinforcing calm behaviors while encouraging the bird to move away after receiving treats, so the husband could safely step back.
Training Strategies Used
- Short, Controlled Sessions: Keeping the training sessions short (3-5 minutes) and ensuring the macaw remained calm during interactions.
- Protected Contact & Target Training: We introduced target training, where the husband would offer a treat for calm behavior and then cue the bird to move away. This reduced the chances of aggressive lunging by gradually desensitizing the bird to the husband’s presence.
- Cueing Calm: We worked on putting “move away” on cue so that the bird associates stepping back with receiving food and gaining space.
Progress So Far
Within the first few sessions, we’ve already seen a reduction in lunging behaviors. By focusing on smaller, achievable goals and reinforcing calm, the bird is beginning to approach the husband without the immediate aggression. The next steps will include expanding the target training and reinforcing the bird for calmly staying on his perch.
Takeaway: Sometimes, addressing aggression isn’t about fixing everything all at once. Breaking down the behavior into smaller steps and focusing on creating positive interactions, even under challenging circumstances, can make all the difference.
For more insight into aggressive behavior, we have an entire section in our Learning Pathways program inside the Avian Behavior Lab! This Aggressive Behavior In Parrots section contains several of our top courses to help you manage aggressive behavior in your bird. You can dive into these courses by joining the Lab FREE for 2 weeks! Use the code: AVIAN at checkout.
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Happy training!