First Macaw!

[Wingnut]

Hi everyone! My name is Jonathan and I Live in South Florida. Recently I have learned the news I am about to inherit a 6 month old Severe Macaw. I am so excited and happy to hear this since my family cockatiel passed away when I was 16 years old...That little bird would go everywhere with me. I have worked as an Aviculturist for a small "zoo-like" establishment called Butterfly World for roughly 3 years. However due to family illness I had to leave and am now working for the county as a Natural Resource Conservation Specialist. (It sounds fancy but really I just go in the woods and I count tortoises...). Anyways! I have had some experience with Catalinas and Military macaws. However, I have never taken care of a Severe. I was just curious as to what I might expect with this somewhat smaller Macaw, and if they are a good lifelong feathered friend to keep?

Thank You!

 

[psychocircus91]

Congrats!
Your job history sounds pretty interesting; I'm a little envious.
I have worked with a few severes and also read a bit about them. Out of all the macaws I have met, these guys need the most first boundaries EARLY. They are a bit more prone to develop "one-person" tendencies than most of the big guys. They also need a lot of daily interaction to remain tame.
All that being said, they are still macaws and can make great companions with proper training!

 

[Birdman666]

Severe macaws CAN be good birds, HOWEVER, they are the most prone to overbonding issues of the bunch...

Macaws are pair bond birds.

They need extra socialization. If they don't get it, they tend to overbond with one person, and everyone who is NOT their person tends to get bit.

They must, must, must be socialized around strangers, or they will tend to bite.

 

[Tiredmama2015]

Congrats on your new macaw! Your job sounds pretty great! I sure do miss the beautiful weather in South FL. Have fun counting those tortoises and enjoying the sun.

 

[Abu Colo]

I'm in SFL too; PM me if you want to connect and we can exchange numbers.