Playing

t
I got a good nip on the hand from Alex last night. I wasn’t paying close enough attention when I stuck my hand out and asked him to step up. For the last week he’s been a little more excitable than usual – could be the hormones kicking in; it’s getting close to spring. I usually have a little more warning if he wants to play; he cocks his head, feathers standing and pupils pinpointing. He didn’t do that this time, but I should have noticed the look in his eyes; he was in play mode and that means he’s going to get me. He usually doesn’t break the skin, but it smarts like the devil. I told him no, and turned my back to him. That lets him know I’m upset with him. It’s what birds do and it sends the message loud and clear. He calmed down and let me take him to his tree stand without further incident.
t
Alex loves to play. He will play catch with a woven ball, but his favorite game is when I try to get his foot. The game is played both on the cage and when I’m holding him. When he plays on top of the cage his aim is to bite me. He gets on the top of the cage and I reach inside and try to grab his foot through the top bars. He moves away, all the while emitting loud macaw Braaak noises. Then he changes tactics and sticks his foot down through the bars, using it as bait. When I try to grab his foot, he tries to bite me. If I’m not quick enough he gets me. I only made that mistake once. For some reason when he plays on his cage he will draw blood if he can. To try to touch him when he’s in this state is foolish, in fact getting too close at all is not advisable. He has struck out at my face many times. I don't even want to think about what would happen if he connected.
t
The same game is played in the TV room when I’m holding him; he’s much more manageable there (thank God!). I tell him I’m gonna get his foot and slowly reach my hand toward it. Instead of the macaw braaak noise, he actually screams like a little girl while allowing me to get ahold his foot. If I stop he will put his foot out, inviting me to grab it, still screaming or exclaiming “Oh, oh.” If he does grab my hand, it is done so that he doesn’t hurt me. I will usually pull his face to mine when he has my hand in his mouth and give him a loud kiss on the beak. Sometimes he will pull away, still holding my hand, then move his head back for another kiss. This game is played at full vocal volume by both of us. The neighbors must be used to it by now, but I often wonder what people walking by the house must think.
t
Cathy