Another Bird?????

[MaraWentz]

So my hubby and I went into Bird Paradise to get a toy for Erin and came across a new red front macaw. Apparently it is the 3rd RF from Erin's clutch (so it was Erin's sibling) an was kept as a pet for about a year and then returned 2 days ago. We placed with it for a while and although he was a little nippy, it was only out of fear and settled down quite quickly and was comfortable enough for kisses, shoulder rides,and petting. Well, we decided it'd be nice for my hubby to have a bird to bond to him and Erin to have a friend for when the baby is born (we had the same idea with Erin's sister, but she'd be aLOT of work, too much to handle at the moment because her aggression is only worse and she is now bonded with another bird anyway).

Well, we brought Erin over this morning to meet it and they were on the stand together for about 2-3 hours, but the RF kept randomly attacking Erin and Erin being so well trained didn't defend herself- she wouldnt hurt a fly. That bird would eat Erin and she'd probably just stand there squawking, so my hubby is heart broken.

So we're toying with the idea of getting a baby RF. And it wouldn't be till late spring or mid summer, but I' like to hand feed it, since I'm planning on being a SAHM. So, my concern is, if we get a young bird, that is still being hand fed, what would the possibility of it being bird aggressive form birth? My theory is it has no experience or reason to be aggressive with birds. We just want a bird, preferably a RF to be Erin's companion and my hubby's best buddy.

I know Erin would be fine with it as she is very welcoming of all pets we have had- dogs, rodents, cats, ferrets, birds- she even let a cat on her stand to share her water and our hamsters eat her food with her. She is very well rounded and after today I can say she would never hurt anything- even in defense. But would a newborn birdy or even a freshly weaned one take to her?

 

[triordan]

Did you move to NJ? I really want to visit bird paradise. I'm not sure how a baby would interact with Erin, I would think it would be okay especially since it would be so young. My only concern is if you are having a baby, that will be a lot of work~ when are you due?

 

[MaraWentz]

We live 20 mins from Bird Paradise, but in PA. I'm due in the beginning of April, but the birds don't normally hatch to late April- July. If it's a late bloomer, I'd love to handfeed it if I can get some advice and hand on from any local parrot stores first, but if it's born at the end of April I'm going to wait until it's weaned. I have taken care of newborns before (from the moment they wake to the moment they sleep), so I know what to expect and that headaches will be rolling and some days the moment hubby walks in the door I will be forcing our son to into his arms for a break, but I find that being able to to have a distraction, like Erin, or another pet gives me a way to relax.