Hello from IL

[thekarens]

This has probably already been said, but with big macs you absolutely must desk with them with confidence. They know when you're not and will take full advantage of that. Sounds to me like you're doing great.

 

[Anansi]

I'm glad things are looking up. And visiting the breeder was a good move. There's nothing like a live demonstration with your own bird. Maxie sounds like a sweetheart, so I'm sure everything will be just fine.

 

[MissSissy]

Here is a clip of Miss Maxie.. she is very entertaining! I had to hide my iPhone to capture the videos of her. Her vocabulary is quite amazing... hopefully I can "sneak" more videos of her.... camera shy I guess.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXD2ll3bimk&feature=youtu.be"]Maxie the Green-Winged Macaw - YouTube[/ame]

 

[MissSissy]

Things are looking up. We had a few sessions of "cuddle time" today and all went well. She tried to climb up on my shoulder, but I stopped her immediately. I'll get the hang of it. The more I do it, the more confident I will become.

 

[thekarens]

She's beautiful and quite the talker too!

 

[kendrafitz]

Congrats on your addition of Maxie and welcome! She is beautiful and an awesome talker!

It sounds like you are both doing wonderfully!!! I have a GW and I know that beak can certainly intimidate. I think you are smart to keep Maxie off your shoulder. Rosie uses me as a play gym (head to toe) and I know it is a risk. I trust her and have had her since she was weaning. However, that big beak can do lots of damage and there are lots of stories to prove it. Maxie will get used to the rules in no time.

Congrats again, you are both very lucky girls!! Having a GW as my owner/boss is an experience I could never have imagined. They are among sweetest, most loving birds out there!! Of course, I am a bit biased.

 

[strudel]

She's quite the "chatty cathy". I liked the "hello" with the wave. Hello to you, too, Maxie !

 

[Zumaria]

Welcome and what a beautiful flock! I too am in IL - Chicago. Turns out another member here lives down the street from me! If you're ever in the city lets get lunch!

 

[MissSissy]

Welcome and what a beautiful flock! I too am in IL - Chicago. Turns out another member here lives down the street from me! If you're ever in the city lets get lunch!

That would be nice! I'll definitely let you know.

 

[MissSissy]

Something else I forgot to mention...

My husband noticed (as I did) that Maxie was hesitant to get on my arm, and when she did as mentioned before she would immediately go to my shoulder. Well, she didn't/doesn't do this to him. The only difference between us (besides the obvious LOL) is his arm was bare and I always had a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt on. He told me to pull up my sleeve and try it again... I did that and she stayed put. We think she was insecure because my sleeve would twist/turn which didn't give her a good grasp.

The downside... Maxie isn't going to the vet until the 7th and her nails look like they haven't been trimmed in 2 years! By the time I put her back on her perch, I look like I have taken a razor blade and cut the heck out of my arm. I am sure she can sense that I am uncomfortable with her on my arm.

I can't wait until we get home from the vet! I am so looking forward to a nice calm interaction with Maxie... one where I am not in pain from her nails when my sleeve is up, or if my sleeve is down, I don't have to put my hand in front of her face so she can't climb up me. After her nails are trimmed and between what Brian (Kiwi's breeder) taught me, and the sleeve issue, I think we will be off to some great bonding!

Another question (sorry if I drive you all nuts!)...

When I go to scratch the back of Maxie's head, she warns me with her beak that she doesn't want scratches. She doesn't like my hand coming from the back, from the front, or the top. How do I get her to let me give her scratches??? I know she would like it if she would just get used to my hand approaching her to do this. Are there any "tricks" to this?

I get so frustrated with myself because it's so very easy to love my little "finger" bird Kiwi (WBC). I want that same interaction/bonding with Maxie in the worst way!! I won't give up on Maxie; I just hope she doesn't give up on me!

 

[Terry57]

I just had to jump in to say how gorgeous Maxie and Kiwi are! I really enjoyed all your pics and the video

 

[MissSissy]

Thank you Terry.

 

[kendrafitz]

Does she let you scratch her face feathers? If you get her going with that she may relax and let you move to her head/neck. Also, is she molting? She may have some pin feathers that are irritating her on her head.

 

[MissSissy]

Does she let you scratch her face feathers? If you get her going with that she may relax and let you move to her head/neck. Also, is she molting? She may have some pin feathers that are irritating her on her head.

I have never tried scratching her face feathers. Yes, she has a bunch of pin feathers that I can see. Suppose the fin feathers are the problem even though I am not getting close enough to bother them? As much as she wants to be "held" I can't imagine her not wanting her neck scratched....

 

[kendrafitz]

See if she is ok with you rubbing her cheeks. You may be able to preen some of the pin feathers near her face as well. Once she sees how enjoyable that is she may let you help her with her head/neck.

Those pin feathers can really hurt. I know Rosie molts ALL YEAR LONG and we are constantly preening. However, I am the only person she lets scratch/preen her head. I don't think she trusts anyone else not to hurt her pins. Maybe Maxie needs to go slow before she trusts that you will be gentle enough.

Was reading about her nails. Do you have a sand perch for her? That may help, it works well for us.