Info on Military please?

[Vasariki]

Can anyone point me in the direction of an article or care sheet for a Military that doesn't lie and say they're cuddly and not nippy? I'm having a hard time finding one that doesn't state that. I know they're one of the beakier species and less cuddly than GW and B&G Macs. They're my absolute favourite species of Macaw and want to when I'm older have one to share my life with. (Can't atm due to school, even though I only go 4 hours a week, it wouldn't be fair) Also, if any Millie owners could share what it's been like living with these cute birdies, that would be awesome! Thanks in advance!

 

[JerseyWendy]

I'm not sure I'm understanding your dilemma correctly. Are you looking for a 'care sheet' for a Military Macaw that states they ARE cuddly instead of nippy, or the other way around?

I'm not a big fan of 'generalized' care sheets for ANY kind of animal when it comes to behavioral traits, as everything depends on how the animal was raised and socialized.

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/49555-military-macaw-questions.html

 

[Selph85]

I wouldn't worry so much about a generalized care sheet. Get some time with a local aviary in your area and spend some time with them. Be a sponge to people who have experience with them. There a plenty of threads on the forums about nippy birds and how to work with them. It usually comes down to proper pressure training and bond-trust building with the bird. Militaries are indeed more mippy than the cuddly giants, but they can be socialized to be well behaved. Don't think you have to be home 24/7 with a macaw either. Plenty work a full time job and do great jobs with the macaw's they keep. It gives the Macaw time to be self sufficient and learn to entertain themselves as opposed to being attached at your hip all day, which will make for a very unpleasant-contastly-loud macaw whenever you can't be around them. Do your own research. Focus on:
1) healthy diet - appropriate foods, variety, foods to avoid
2) socialization and quality time spending - Games, training, playtime, cuddle
3) adequate homing - Cage, play stand, travel cage
4) Toy cost - variety
5) Signs of sickness or unwellness

The number one best thing you can do is spend time with the birds. Learn them. Direct exposure is the best teacher. Good luck! feel free to PM me if you have questions