Fears going into eventually owning a TAG

[Vampiric_Conure]

I'm super nervous about owning a bird bigger than a Pionus, especially SMART birds like an AG. Will I be a good owner? Will I treat them right? Will they like me?... And what about screaming? My neighbors can handle a dog (I'm in an apartment), but will they tolerate a TAG?

What were some of your fears and worries about getting a larger bird? Were your fears vanquished or did they come to life? How did you handle problems? What did you learn?

I guess I just need a pat on my back and an 'everything will be okay' vibe, LOL!

 

[texsize]

I started out with amazon’s so I can only theorize how it would be getting a Too or a Mac monster.

Do everything you can to learn the species specific body language.

Amazon’s don’t bluff when it comes to body language.

My CAG does bluff. She fluffs out like a feather duster but I know how much I can push before she really gets annoyed.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

I have owned my B&G macaw for 50 years, so my memories of the early days are hazy. I do remember he ate banana out of the palm of my hand the very first day he came home. For a wild-caught bird straight out of quarantine that was very impressive! I have never had any issues with screaming, destructiveness, aggression or territoriality. Got a good bird, I suppose. I have never been bitten—and I do mean never. Hormonal rage is something I only read about. Have never experienced it. I could not tell you when hormonal season is. Every day is consistent and caring for him is easy. We have got our routine down!

We understand each other. Maybe that is the key. I speak macaw fluently. Well, maybe I speak my macaw’s language fluently. I have never owned another macaw to test out my language skills.

Don’t stress. Don’t worry. It will be okay.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

My CAG does bluff. She fluffs out like a feather duster but I know how much I can push before she really gets annoyed.

Yeah, that's the "I'm angry" body language, but Scooter does it to show she's interested and would like to learn more. It's been 5 years and it still freaks me out to get my hand near her when she's puffed out like that, but all she does is beak my finger (gently) and climb up.
I don't know when or how she learned to use that to show excitement, but that's what it means in her.

In any other bird, I'd give a feather duster space and respect. And no direct eye contact.

 

[Armsth]

My TAG was my best buddy for 26 years, no bites, no hormonal rages, but he would draw blood any time he got close to my husband, loved my sister too. Greys can be one person birds depending on how they are raised. DYA was a sweetheart most of the time but look out for the pinpoint eyes, she could have a nasty bite.