Finally back with birds

[natalie]

Hi everyone,
Just joined and wanted to say hi. I'm in upstate NY

I just brought home my first blue and gold macaw last night. Though she's my first macaw, I'm not new to birds. I've had a few, grew up keeping budgies, and cockatiels, and for a few years owned a lovely female moluccan cockatoo named Hannah, who I adored. Sadly, my pregnancy for my youngest son had turned rough and I was put on bedrest and had to go to the hospital often, and I was afraid of hannah being neglect for 5 months...and into the time of having a new baby, so I faced the reality of how it would effect her, and rehomed her. That was 8 years ago. I also worked for a bird vet for a while, and for a zoo, where I got to work with some awesome parrots.
I'm finally ready for a parrot again, and brought home my beautiful girl.

She is not perfect, and likes to bite, so some training needs to begin. Apparently her last owners, of 16 years, did not fully understand her, and never knew how to train her, so it appears that she trained them. She is friendly, but seems to know how to get her own way....When I was there to pick her up, the old lady there kept poking her and hitting her facew with a napkin over and over and over....so ...no wonder she likes to bite.

She is letting me pet her, but refuses to step up and only bites really hard and yells at me ... so....step up is the first thing to work on.
I'll get her there... and I plan on having her forever. We have a nice big home in the country, where she will be happy.

Now, I just need to find a name.

I look forward to getting to know you all, get some good advice, and also share some good advice along the way.

 

[antoinette]

Hi Natalie, great to have you joining us, welcome back to birdie life !!!
I think your bird looks like a "Rainbow" absolutely gorgeous.
Poking the bird continuously, how dreadful. The previous owner DID train her TO BITE
Imagine that cruel treatment for 16 years OMG
Thank goodness she is out of that environment, you did us all proud.
Wonderful that she lets you pet her, carry on and enjoy her.
I would give the bird time to settle down, before attempting to teach step up.
Having been with the previous "owner" for so long, the bird needs time to adjust.
Sit near the cage with the door open, interacting with her. Talking to her, giving her lots of attention. Let her come out, in her own time, when she is ready.
What did her previous "owner" call the bird? It could be confusing for the bird, changing the name she has had for 16 years.
Along the way, you will meet many great members, who love sharing pic's, giving advise and sharing info.
Sure you will feel right at home.
Keep us updated with her progress
TAKE CARE

 

[natalie]

Thank you Antoinette

her name was coco, but she doesn't seem to be aware of it. She knows a few words, but I haven't heard her speak yet. I think they talked with her a little, but not enough to make a name change too weird for her. I think she'll be ok if I just start calling her something else. Hannah had caught on quickly when I changed her name.
I decided to call her Holly.
She has been sweet all day, letting me pet her, making small noises... so today was a good day.

 

[Stacye and Tiki]

Congratulations on you new baby!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the forums... this is a wonderful resource for you!

 

[antoinette]

Thank you Antoinette

her name was coco, but she doesn't seem to be aware of it. She knows a few words, but I haven't heard her speak yet. I think they talked with her a little, but not enough to make a name change too weird for her. I think she'll be ok if I just start calling her something else. Hannah had caught on quickly when I changed her name.
I decided to call her Holly.
She has been sweet all day, letting me pet her, making small noises... so today was a good day.

Holly sounds good to me.
Keep talking to her, making small noises is a great sign, sure she will start saying a word or two shortly.:63:
You are going to have many many good days.
Take care

 

[natalie]

Thank you to you both!