I got a Blue and Gold Macaw recently, and I don't know it's age. The previous owner had it for about 3 years, but he also doesn't know the age. He wasn't very well taken care of, his feathers are a little patchy in areas, especially under the wings, its hands are grey and smooth, he has a longish-black beak with, what seems like, chips on the upper part of the beak. His eyes are white, with a light brown iris. I don't know its gender either. (I do know I put he a bit.) Also, with my cousin, it lets him pet it and he gets on his arm, but with me, when I try and pet him, he acts like he's going to bite me, and he only steps onto my arm if he was already on my cousins arm. Does he not like me? Someone please help. Thank you!
I don't know my Blue-Gold Macaw's age.
- Thread starter Chipples
- Start date
Featheredsamurai
New member
Welcome to the forum chipples!
Unfortuantly their is no way to tell a parrots age, other than scientific guessing. You macaw could be 5, 20, maybe even 50 years old.
Are you feaful of your macaw at all? They are masters of bluffing and once they know you are afraid they love to show you who is in control.
How long have you had your macaw? (Also what's his name?) most birds like a particular type of person, but if you work with them you can win them over. Trick training is a fantastic way to bond. also remember that this amazing macaw is a intelligent creature, try not to force him to do things or repeadly do things he dislikes(or is afraid of).
I'll let experienced macaw parronts give you first hand advice from here
Unfortuantly their is no way to tell a parrots age, other than scientific guessing. You macaw could be 5, 20, maybe even 50 years old.
Are you feaful of your macaw at all? They are masters of bluffing and once they know you are afraid they love to show you who is in control.
How long have you had your macaw? (Also what's his name?) most birds like a particular type of person, but if you work with them you can win them over. Trick training is a fantastic way to bond. also remember that this amazing macaw is a intelligent creature, try not to force him to do things or repeadly do things he dislikes(or is afraid of).
I'll let experienced macaw parronts give you first hand advice from here
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- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #3
I named it Gusher, for its vibrant colors. Haha. But, I do fear being bitten. Should I just pet him anyways, even if he opens his mouth and acts like he is going to bite me? Also, I've had him for about a day. It kind of concerns me that I don't know his age. The previous owner said he was young, but I still don't know for sure.
Featheredsamurai
New member
Did he already have a name? Even if you want to call him gusher try using that as a term of endearment rather than his name. Use the name he came with, names are important to birds and even in he wild they give themselves names. By using gusher in a endearing way he will think of the name as a good thing, and one day you may be able to use it all the time.
Don't worry to much about age, you'd be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you. I myself am included, I can only guess that my galah is at least 20 because she had open bands but I really don't know.
If I was in your place I would just talk to him and hang out with him for the first week so he can get to know you. You can take him out and try petting him, be confident but also temember he doesn't know you yet. And unless your causin is going to be one of the main daily care takers don't let him interact with gusher much until he has established a better bond/relationship with you. And the most important thing, if you are ever bitten always remember it is YOUR own fault and never the birds. They are not domesticated and deserve our complete respect.
As a side note, don't feed your macaw seeds. He will need a high quality pellet, Roudybush or zupreem NATURAL(not the colored fruits blend) at pet stores, but even better is Harrison's pellets that you can order online or buy at avian vets.he will also need lots of fresh veggies daily, chop mixes are fantastic too and great for picky waters. Be prepared to watch a lot of produce be wasted, but continue to offer it because it's important and one day they will eventually eat it. I wasted 6 months of pellets and produce, but now my galah eats both and she is 300% healthier and full of life!
Don't worry to much about age, you'd be surprised how many people are in the same boat as you. I myself am included, I can only guess that my galah is at least 20 because she had open bands but I really don't know.
If I was in your place I would just talk to him and hang out with him for the first week so he can get to know you. You can take him out and try petting him, be confident but also temember he doesn't know you yet. And unless your causin is going to be one of the main daily care takers don't let him interact with gusher much until he has established a better bond/relationship with you. And the most important thing, if you are ever bitten always remember it is YOUR own fault and never the birds. They are not domesticated and deserve our complete respect.
As a side note, don't feed your macaw seeds. He will need a high quality pellet, Roudybush or zupreem NATURAL(not the colored fruits blend) at pet stores, but even better is Harrison's pellets that you can order online or buy at avian vets.he will also need lots of fresh veggies daily, chop mixes are fantastic too and great for picky waters. Be prepared to watch a lot of produce be wasted, but continue to offer it because it's important and one day they will eventually eat it. I wasted 6 months of pellets and produce, but now my galah eats both and she is 300% healthier and full of life!
- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #5
I don't want to just tell my cousin he can't interact with Gusher, because that seems rude. By the way, the previous owner just called him Bird. He didn't pay him attention, he would just give him a bowl of uncracked peanuts and some water and leave. Gusher will kind of be a family pet. In a home with me, my mother, and my cousin. Should I tell my cousin not to play with Gusher as much?
JerseyWendy
New member
- Jul 20, 2012
- 20,995
- 26
Hi Chipples and welcome to the forum.
PLEASE don't call your new Macaw "it". He/she is a VERY intelligent living creature, who deserves to be treated with nothing but love and respect.
Does Gusher have a leg band? If so, what does it say on there? You "might" be able to find out how old he is, depending on what's on his leg band.
He's only been with you for 1 day, so everything is new to him. Please give him some time to settle in and relax a bit. Don't force him to do anything he seems uncomfortable with. Sit next to him and talk to him softly, and you can try and offer him HEALTHY treats from your hand (perhaps a slice of apple or banana).
And yes, if you show him fear, he will definitely take advantage of you.
Just take it slow, read as much as you can about proper care and maintenance of a large Macaw, AND, if at all possible, take him to an AVIAN vet for a health checkup. It doesn't sound like his previous owner took good care of the poor guy at all, and you want to make sure he's not sick or deficient in any way.
PLEASE don't call your new Macaw "it". He/she is a VERY intelligent living creature, who deserves to be treated with nothing but love and respect.
Does Gusher have a leg band? If so, what does it say on there? You "might" be able to find out how old he is, depending on what's on his leg band.
He's only been with you for 1 day, so everything is new to him. Please give him some time to settle in and relax a bit. Don't force him to do anything he seems uncomfortable with. Sit next to him and talk to him softly, and you can try and offer him HEALTHY treats from your hand (perhaps a slice of apple or banana).
And yes, if you show him fear, he will definitely take advantage of you.
Just take it slow, read as much as you can about proper care and maintenance of a large Macaw, AND, if at all possible, take him to an AVIAN vet for a health checkup. It doesn't sound like his previous owner took good care of the poor guy at all, and you want to make sure he's not sick or deficient in any way.
Birds naturally gravitate to certain people and become aggressive toward others. That is because the bird has chose him/her as its favorite person and feels it's protecting that person. Chips or flaking of a beak happens. If it's really long, a vet may have to trim it a bit and will smooth out the beak. Nails should be looked at as well.
Have you had any type of bird before? If not, I highly recommend your getting some books on parrot behavior. I own Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior and Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot which are both written by Mattie Sue Athan. The books are inexpensive and explain many things that you will encounter and help you understand what's happening with your bird.
Have you had any type of bird before? If not, I highly recommend your getting some books on parrot behavior. I own Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior and Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot which are both written by Mattie Sue Athan. The books are inexpensive and explain many things that you will encounter and help you understand what's happening with your bird.
One day is nothing for an animal that can live up to 80 years. I too wouldn't worry about age, sit near him, talk, read, sing to him. Feed him treats praise everything good, tell him he is good. I kept Remington in his cage the first week, then opened his door and let him out, his wings are clipped so he stayed on his cage, next problem was getting him back in, quickly discovered lights out and back he went. It had taken me almost three years to get him to the point where now he will step up from his cage. (He is a little cage aggressive) Before that I had to use the clicker to get him to step onto his play stand. Yes I took my time, I don't force him to step up but he is doing it more than 75% of the time now and soon it will be 100%. Have fun and enjoy your new friend, yes those beaks are intimidating but respect works both ways
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