First time B and G

[RescueMe]

I have been fostering a pair of bonded BFA for 6 months now, and they are going back to their summer aviary tomorrow. I have always had cockatoos for foster, but am going to meet a B and G next week. I am very familiar with caging, diet, ect.. but am not as familiar with the character and specific behaviors of macaws. know that they are considered clowns and while they can be cuddly they are not nearly as much as a too. Iwould love to know what I should expect. :10:

 

[rsaskey]

Everyone is a lil diffefent. I met a Blue & Gold that was not cuddly at all but Echo the female I have is very cuddly. She will climb down her cage and walk over to you for attention.

 

[Safira]

I think if you've handled Cockatoo's, you'll probably really enjoy a macaw!

The one thing I notice, is most adult Macaw's like to try to intimidate people. It's a game to them, and the second they know you're scared of them they'll start lunging, etc. So it's really important not to let them get away with that. They can play "Big Bird" a lot, which just means they'll stretch their wings out and try to be bigger than you.

They can also be very beaky. They like to taste and touch and grab on to things with their beaks.

Since you know about cages and diet and noise (since you've had Too's) that's probably about it. Yes they can be clowns, and some can be quite sweet and cuddly. Mine loves to cuddle up and be scratched on (But she is still a baby.)

 

[RescueMe]

Thanks, the intimidation factor is what I will work on. It will be something that I will have to be conscious of when I work with her.

 

[Safira]

She may not even do it. If she does though, a good way to prevent it is to not let her climb around on top of her cage or where you cannot reach her. A lot of the birds that I've seen do that, do it when they're on the top of the cage and you go to try to reach for them. They scream and flap around and go to try to bite, cause they don't want to come down or just to get a reaction. Sometimes it's bluffing, sometimes its not. Depends on the bird.

Show pictures!

 

[mandolynn]

A macaw will be a breeze after toos, but they can definitely have a bigger ego than toos, and while they can be cuddly and sweet, I wouldn't expect to be instant friends with one. But all birds are different. I love macaws, and B and Gs are the most common here. I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about as long as you don't show fear and keep him below your eye level. General macaw behavior analysis isn't going to help much. You obviously know what you are doing with large birds so id apply that knowledge with the B &G and as you learn his personality you can know better how to behave with him. Obviously many birds that are given up have behavior problems, but im sure you are familiar with that and all that goes along with rehabilitating one. Good luck! I admire you and wish there were more people out there to help homeless pets. Thank you for what you do!

 

[RescueMe]

mandolynn,
Thanks for the confidence. I am excited about the prospect of working with a macaw. I think that I can handle her, but since I am new to them I will be careful. Of course any new bird bears watching and care when handling. I haven't met her yet but I fell for her picture on the adoption site. I hope that we click, she sounds like such a great girl. She is at least in her 20s so she has had a few owners so far. I hope to be her last.

 

[pamcor57]

I have two B&G's, since they were hatchlings. The two Macaws I have are totally different from each other. B&G's are loving, friendly, "bossy" sometimes and very curious. They want what you have. They have their not -so-good days but dont we all? B&G's are willing to do everything you want them to do...until they are done doing it. They do need alone time to rest and play by themselves. They are pickey with their toys and food. MIne like to listen as I talk to them non-stop while they are on my lap...it puts them to sleep....lolol....You'll love your new B&G....you'll see!

 

[RescueMe]

So Sparky and I just got home, she was carsick for the trip, but seems happy now and is chowing down! Wish me luck!!!

 

[MikeyTN]

Good luck!!! They're really wonderful birds to have around. I wouldn't give mine up for nothing!!!! Let us know how Sparky do.

 

[MelanieAnn]

I just got my first bird, a bg macaw a few weeks ago and let me tell you theyre all different! Mine is very much a clown, and lovves attention like im sure most do. One thing i would like to say is that they (or mine atleast) is very in touch with your emotions, and how you feel. I have been having problems with tk screeching, for no reason, and last night he screamed so loud when he was on my shoulder it was right in my ear it scared me and hurt my ears so bad i started to cry, he was so "sorry" when i started crying he was quiet the rest of the night, only speaking verrry verrry softly almost whispering, this morning when i woke up he said hello? So softly i could hardly hear him! They very much love to be included in whatever you do, tk likes to sit on the chair while i watch tv or do homework, or perch on the counter while i do dishes. They are a joy!

 

[RescueMe]

So it's been 3 hours......and I'm in love. I must remember to take it slow.

 

[RescueMe]

So Sparky and I have become good friends. She was hesitant to step up at first, but we have been working on it and she is now consistently stepping up. We are working on building trust and I am trying to decide what other behaviors to train. I can get her to quietly go into a carrier and can pet her. She is a good eater, and I plan on getting a harness for her. I am considering things like teaching her to flick her head when I say "shake it off" will probably do wings up. What do you all think?

 

[DannyA93]

I think PICTURES!!! why are there no new pics yet?!?! haha

 

[RescueMe]

She is a bit scruffy at this point. She was housed with another bird that plucked her, she is growing them back. I will load some soon.

 

[RescueMe]

So i gotta say I am so in love. Sparky has been the best so far. I got my first kisses yesterday, she is such a sweetie. I am really happy that she is with us.

 

[RescueMe]

Time for an update, Sparky and I are happy happy happy. Today she took her first shower with me which she seemed to like more than her spray baths, I have gotten a few wacks learning her body language but nothing serious. Feathers are coming in great, and soon enough she will be a brand new bird!

 

[Safira]

Aww

Pictures!

 

[Sulphiria]

How amazing! Sounds like she needed you