How To Treat and Prevent Macaw Bites

Macaws are not known to be aggressive in most cases.If they are scared or agitated, they have a painful beak that can leave a nasty bite.If you are bit, see a doctor because macaw saliva can cause infections.It is possible to prevent most bites by knowing the signs that your bird is upset and teaching it to feel safe around you.

Step 1: Right away wash the wound.

You should rinse the wound under warm water and then wash it with soap.Dirt or debris can be seen around the wound.First aid should be given if the wound is bleeding a lot.

Step 2: Your doctor can give you special antibiotics.

Antibiotics are prescribed by doctors to help prevent infections.There are germs in Macaws saliva that won't be killed by antibiotics.Special ones like doxycycline will be prescribed by your doctor instead of more common medicines.Make sure you take the antibiotics your doctor tells you to.macaws carry organisms that can cause infections and other issues.

Step 3: If you have pain or swelling, take an over-the-counter product.

An anti- inflammatory medicine or cream can provide some relief if the macaw bites you.Follow the directions of the product.If you don't know which products are safe for you to use, ask your doctor.

Step 4: Give lots of treats.

The bird is more likely to bite your hand when you interact with it.If you give your friend lots of treats by hand, it will come to expect good things when you reach toward it, reducing the chances of a bite.The Macaws love treats like almonds and banana.Treat the macaw with a wooden spoon if he bites often.When your pet takes the treat well, praise them.If your macaw can take the treat without hurting you, inch the end of the spoon closer to your hand.

Step 5: Hold your feathered friend.

Just for fun, take time every day to hold your macaw.Talk to it, and give it treats.It will make the bird less likely to bite or become agitated.It will see your hand as a threat if you only take the bird out of the cage and put it back in.Holding it will create positive associations with your hand.

Step 6: The bird should be kept below eye level.

macaws are less likely to become aggressive when they are low to the ground.It's best to keep your bird low if you don't have a specific reason to hold it high.The chance of a painful bite to the face will be reduced by this.

Step 7: If the macaw is afraid of something, figure it out.

If your Macaw has a biting problem, it might just be reacting out of fear.If you have a dog, the bird might become scared when it is out of its cage.Put distance between the two if you know the bird is afraid of something.You can try to get the bird closer to something it is afraid of by giving it lots of treats.The biting reaction can be prevented by creating more positive associations.

Step 8: You can learn the warning signs.

Macaws will usually give you a warning before they bite, and they aren't likely to bite at random.Pay attention to the bird.If you notice that your bird does things like narrow its pupils or flap its feathers before biting, take these as a sign that it is upset.Set the bird down immediately if you see the warning sign.

Step 9: Don't over-exciting your friend.

Macaws are more likely to bite if they are excited.Try to keep noise levels low, and move calmly around your bird.They will be able to stay calm.

Step 10: Don't let your macaw get sick.

Illness is one of the reasons a macaw bites.It might be a good idea to leave it alone if you don't feel well.They can use biting to convey this message.Call your vet if your bird has begun to bite, is eating less, or shows other unusual behavior.

Step 11: Don't yell or scream at your birdy.

When a pet dog bites you, your cry of pain will scare the animal and signal that you don't want to be bitten.A macaw will only bite again if it cries out in reaction to a bite.

Step 12: In a calm voice, say no to the macaw.

Look at the bird and say "no" or "stop" in a normal voice.If you pull yourself out of the macaw's beak, this will make the bite worse and encourage the behavior.Continue to say no until the bird releases you.If you blow in the bird's face, it may stop biting you.If you say no, try moving your hand closer to the bird.The bird will let go of your hand.

Step 13: Lower the bird.

If you want the macaw to let you go, lower it to the ground.The bird will let go of being moved downward.This will help send the message that you don't want to be bit.