How to Calm a Macaw Bird

Macaws are medium to large parrots with dark beaks. Often brightly colored, they are highly social, intelligent and trainable. Unfortunately for many macaw owners, they are also anxious and can become aggressive and loud when frightened. Macaws are easiest to train and socialize when they are calm, and with careful handling they can learn to be less anxious.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your macaw with plenty of attention and socialization. Macaws mate for life and become extremely lonely if forced to spend excessive periods of time alone. If you can't spend several hours a day with your bird, get it a mate.

    • 2

      Keep your macaw in a quiet area of your house, away from televisions, alarm clocks, radios and other loud objects. Macaws are extremely sensitive to loud noises and become very anxious if their living areas are not calm and quiet. If you have other animals in the house, keep your macaw in a room these animals do not have access to.

    • 3

      Play parrot sounds for your macaw and watch its reaction. Some macaws are soothed by the sounds of other birds, while others find it jarring. If your macaw seems interested in the sounds and does not puff up its feathers, leave the sounds playing for an hour or so every day.

    • 4

      Approach your macaw slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements. Feed it a treat through the bars of her cage. If it bites or squawks, cover the treat with your hand and wait until the bird has calmed down. Then try again. When macaws learn to associate their owners with food, they become calmer and less aggressive.

    • 5

      Socialize your macaw to several different people. Macaws who are closely bonded to their owners often think of the owner as their "mate." They might become aggressive and territorial when other people are around their owners. Prevent this by encouraging other members of your family and visiting friends to give your bird treats and speak sweetly to it.