Advice for baby B&G

[lucy1]

Hi Guys

I've been watching this forum for a while and there seems to be some amazing knowledge and experience out there, so thought I'd take the plunge and ask for some advice.

I've had Amazons for several years, I'd had my boy 16 years when he passed away last year, and I am confident around birds of all sizes. I've finally got over the loss of my beloved Kevin (as much as I ever will) and have a baby B&G macaw coming next week. The 2 Amazons I have now are not really pets, they have had a rough time of it and are now happy together and really couldnt care less about pretending to be nice to their food and cleaning slave -a role I happily fill as they are now happy and wont be sold on ever again as pets.

I think I have everything set up and ready, just getting pre-baby nerves now! I have only ever really worked with and handled adult birds and would appreciate some advice about where to start with this little one. Should we start off with ground rules like I always have before to prevent raising a spoiled monster, or should I not worry while he's still young and just enjoy getting to be friends? Will he be OK in the same room as the Amazons? I've seen postings about Greys being very bad for macaws, but is that just because of the powder, or will he be sensitive to The Greens too? Any advice generally which will help get him settled and happy soon as possible will be much appreciated

Many Thanks

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there Lucy, and WELCOME to the forum.

First and foremost, I am SO very sorry for the loss of your beloved Kevin. That had to have been absolutely devastating.

How old is your new baby B&G when he arrives next week? You must be exstatic about his upcoming arrival. Don't let the nerves get the best of you. Remember, breathe in...breathe out...

Feel free to share pictures of how you prepared your baby's new setup, and perhaps "we" can help or advise from there?

Oh, and what's your new baby's name?

Yes, you can safely house a B&G with Amazons. My Niko's been around my "green one" (and then "oneS") ever since he came here...and I've never had a problem.

 

[JJones1719]

Lucy1, Welcome and congratulations on your new bay B&G.

I took off work for the first week my boys came home. The first thing I did with both my boys SI Male Eclectus (Guapo) and Green Wing Macaw (Neleno) was place them on a schedule. This means, they go to bed, wake up, eat, play time, baths, at the same time everyday. This is so important, if you leave your home for work, make sure it is the same time every morning, try to come home the same time as well. This really gets them used to your lifestyle and schedule and helps them to learn to adjust to your schedule.

Bonding times are extremely important for the new baby, your B&G needs to see you as their new flock leader, provider, care giver. You will have to earn their trust and sometimes this can take along time. Macaws are not like dogs and cats that sometimes warm up to their new owners overnight. Depending on the Macaw, this could be a fast process or long process.

I can tell you that once the bonding starts, you will have a relationship with this Macaw like no other relationship you have ever had with anyother Parrot. Get ready to have your heart stolen.

I would also advise you to have everything you need, Vet appointment, their cage put together, clean bowls, pellets, fresh veggies, fruit. seed and nut mix. hanging and foot toys.

As far as keeping your Amazons in the same room as the Macaw, they say that you should keep your new Macaw or any new Parrot coming into the home in a seperate room with their own air flow. They should be kept seperate for 30 days and once you have all Vet test back, then they can be introduced and kept in the same room, provided that your Amazons do not give off powder or if they are very loud screamers, your baby will need calm for the first couple of days to use to their new surrounding and have the time to adjust.

Please post pictures or videos of your new baby. Best of luck Joe

 

[lucy1]

Thankyou for your replies, please dont think me rude not responding earlier but my computer didnt take kindly to the glass of wine my cat split over it! I read the replies on my phone but coudn't log on to respond.

Well, I called the breeder last week to check everything was still OK and we had a slight change of plan and I got my little baby on Saturday! Not my first choice of dates but it actually worked out well as I had to work but I took a few hours off to get him settled before leaving him to sleep for the night. I am now off until next Saturday so plenty of time to bond and settle.

He's 18 weeks old, fully weaned and a complete cuddle bug! He doesn't seem interested in toys yet but I've given him plenty of choice if he changes his mind.

I've still got a few new-baby nerves but we seem to be doing OK so far

 

[lucy1]

I can tell you that once the bonding starts, you will have a relationship with this Macaw like no other relationship you have ever had with anyother Parrot. Get ready to have your heart stolen.

You were so right - we've only just strated bonding and he's well and truly stolen my heart already!

 

[Karlos]

He is sooo cute I like how he is lying on you, thats so sweet I also have a baby B&G, now she is 5 months old, but she has never been so cuddly to anyone, well she is a lady :-D

Wish you the best with Milo

 

[Birdlover11]

He's a looker ,Very beautiful, hope your cat doesn't jealous! He's going to be your companion for a long time .