It's happened :)

[Jumpingtadpoles]

I know the salt is bad. I will be switching his diet, big time.
I got a nice sized cement perch for him, and lots of other goodies from the local pet store. I can't wait for tomorrow, when I'm home most of the day!!

 

[Birdman666]

Macaws are hardy eaters. Put good food in front of them, they will probably throw some of it, and eat some of it... switching a big macs diet usually isn't hard.

AMAZONS on the other hand...

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

He is AMAZING. This is like a dream come true. He's stepping up, letting me give him scritches under his wings and on his head, came and watched me shower, is preferring to eat from his "fresh bowl" which has veggies, and birdy mash, talking up a storm, and is currently dancing at the dinner table while I'm cooking.
He's amazing.
He is quiet when I put him in his cage (no screaming) and is starting to play with some of the stuff I've given him.

 

[Terry57]

So happy to hear that all is going great Thank you for the update!

 

[cstambaugh]

Yep, the new macaw. haha! That was my world 6 months ago.
My macaw came from a smokers house who never cleaned his cage in the 10 years he had him, and would feed him cereal, ice cream, and dollar store TV dinners regularly, while perched on the same PVC pipe without toys. No joke.

Your macaw sounds seasoned and knows his normals. Just call him out on his bluffs, let him know you rule the home, and he will be mush in your hands in no time at all! Just be careful for the "I made you jump haha!" moments. GAH! those get me every time.

Dont worry about slow changes either, just change what you need immediately. Switch his diet, perches, etc. He'll love it more than anything. A healthy bird is a happy bird!

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

After a wonderful day, he is clinging to the cage bars to "sleep". He is still favouring a foot, so I think tomorrow I will go to my local pet store tomorrow and get a soft rope wired perch. I don't think he likes the board in his cage. I think he likes the holes drilled in it for treats, but he would rather be on top of his cage or on his swing. I will see tomorrow. It can always be changed back ;-)

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

I just gave him a bath with the mister, and he was reluctant at first but after he went into his cage he warmed up, and opened his wings he was sitting there wet, and looking cold. I turned the heat up, but then had a thought, I wonder if he would like to be blow dried? So I went and got my blow dryer, and he LOVED that. At took a fee steps back at first, then seemed to realize it was warm and came closer. He's all dry now and making his blue chicken sounds I think I will add aloe to his bath water next time. Is the stuff from the suntan area of walmart ok, or should I use the stuff from the health food store only? He is moulting and I think it would be nice to have some added healing qualities. I use it on my face after I wash it, and the difference has been wonderful for my skin, it must be good for them.

 

[JerseyWendy]

What amazing and QUICK progress you are making! I bet you wake up every single morning and Ricco is the FIRST thing on your mind, right? And probably the last when you go to sleep, too.

I don't know the Aloe you are talking about from Walmart. Do you have a link for it perhaps? I'd be very cautious about using any kind of supplements for his feathers, unless it's absolutely necessary. Frequent mistings/baths should do the trick just fine in helping him through the molt.

I am truly so happy for you that this worked out for you all.

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

Ok. I will just stick to water. I'll try to give him a quick misting and a blow dry tomorrow before work.
This evening we made more progress. He really likes me. He came up on my shoulder. I filmed it and posted it on Facebook. I will try to upload it on here but I won't make promises it will work. I'm literally plugging the news feed up.
Rico is showing me how and where to let him.
And when he was in my shoulder he kept flapping his wings so I ran around the kitchen, he enjoyed it, until he flew off into the table lol. He came right back up. We don't have a stand for him yet, so I have a towel on the back of a chair for him. It was in the middle of the kitchen near me, but that wasn't good enough. He flew up onto me!!
He stepped up for my two oldest children. I won't let my youngest to pick him up yet. I don't want to explain to anyone why she needs stitches or worse that could happen. I'm taking chances as an adult with full knowing what could happen.
But I seen how the old owners (I wish there was a nicer way of saying that?) can "manhandle" him. When he didn't want to do something he protested with noise and threatened to bite. He rarely bites those he trusted. And normally it was a fear response.
I'm starting to trust him.
When the table was set and I was starting to serve the food he was running all over the table. So I got his dish ready and served him. But after a few bites with me standing there and I left to get my plate ready he ran across the table. So I just gently, but firmly pushed him back to his spot. He yelled at me with his beak open but didn't bite me. Lol. I was ready for the bite.
Right now I'm watching tv, and he is on the back of the couch grinding his beak, laying down.

I know this is the honeymoon period. I've read that over and over. But I don't know what will change.
What changes for everyone else? I've never read what to expect after the honeymoon?
I took the flat perch out today. He has his swing, a boing he won't go on yet, and a pumice perch on the door, hoping he might sleep on that instead of the bars.

It's really best watching him work his beak. My cockatiel had such a small beak I couldn't see what he was doing. It's really best though. Seeing how he's shaping it. Taking the tip down and carving it inside just right.
I think I'm in love....

 

[Birdbrain91]

Congrats on Riccoi!! My macaw stands on one foot as well. I was told as long as he's not favoring the left he should be fine. I would get him different size perches.

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

]

Is it love when they let you pick their pinnies??

 

[JerseyWendy]

NNAAW!!! GREAT photos!!! If Ricco is already letting you take care of his pinnies, you most definitely have gained his trust.

 

[Birdman666]

He is AMAZING. This is like a dream come true. He's stepping up, letting me give him scritches under his wings and on his head, came and watched me shower, is preferring to eat from his "fresh bowl" which has veggies, and birdy mash, talking up a storm, and is currently dancing at the dinner table while I'm cooking.
He's amazing.
He is quiet when I put him in his cage (no screaming) and is starting to play with some of the stuff I've given him.

It has been my experience that macaws taken from bad situations, especially the ones that are attention deprived respond very quickly when they suddenly find themselves in good situations.

You thought it was going to be a long hard road? Guess again!

My greenwing hadn't been handled in 8 years when I got her. She was my best buddy after DAY 4...

And these birds are the MOST toddler like of all of them...

Show them love and care and they respond to it.

Neglect them, and they get mad...

It's rocket science!

Welcome to the wonderful world of mush macs...

 

[Birdman666]

This has probably been posted a million times, but it's worth repeating.

This was inspired by a Red Fronted Mush Mac:

NOBODY EVER TOLD ME ...

A Poem

by Lori Zywiciel

I had hints, I had advice, I had cautions, but nobody told me how owning birds would completely take over my life.

Nobody told me I'd become a bird store junky, standing at the checkout counter in bliss until half way home and then wondering just how long it would be before the Visa came in or husband asked for the check book to balance the account.

Nobody told me my husband would say, "I think you ought to stay away from the bird store. You seem to have lost all control".

Hmmmm ... Me? How did this happen?

Nobody told me when I saw a particular cage for $595.00 I might think wow that IS a good deal. Or when someone mentioned a $4,000.00 cage I could see the reason some people might need a cage like that.

Nobody told me that I would be up at 7:00am on Sunday morning peeling yams and apples to cook so they would be added into a corn meal and wheat cereal mash.

Nobody told me I wouldn't mind when feeding that mash to my bird he would head shake his head with that mixture flying in every direction, on to my carpet, on to my clothes, on to my face.

Nobody told me how much money I would spend on food, how much of it I would buy and just how little my birds would like any of it.

Nobody mentioned that once you own birds you need an extra freezer in the garage.

Nobody told me that I would spend an hour standing with my hand on a tree branch watching for hawks so my bird could hang out in the sun and chew new buds.

Nobody told me I would be on the computer at all hours talking and reading about birds.

Nobody told me I would make friends I will never see and that I would worry about them and theirs as if family.

Nobody told me I would check my son's bed for old or damaged stuffed animals to give to the bird like that stuffed cat. He never really liked it and it is missing a leg anyway.

Nobody told me I would do two extra loads of laundry a week with bird towels and sheets. Nobody told me every morning I would put a sheet over my covers, litter my bed with weird wooden things, stuffed animals, leather pieces, apple slices and peanuts.

Nobody told me just how much he would squawk. Nobody told me I would come to hear differences in the tone and shrillness. Nobody told me I not only could tell the difference but would learn when to respond or that my husband would say it's okay, this is his good morning happy time he will settle down.

Nobody could have known that my husband would say, so he squawks it is less and less the kids will deal with it.

Nobody told me I could play with him like I do. That he would chase me and I would chase him. That he would be just as exuberant as a puppy.

Nobody told me my husband would rather snuggle with the bird in the morning than make his bagel.

Nobody told my husband would make an extra half a bagel to share with the birds.

Nobody could have convinced me that this same husband would agree to shower with the birds in the bathroom (for the steam) and then without urging, could be heard to play peek-a-boo while drying off.

Nobody told me how much I would sing out loud. Nobody could have guessed those songs would be golden oldies like You Are My Sunshine or songs from musicals.

Nobody told how excited I would get to come home after 6 hrs. and see seed thrown all over the place. Yea! He ate while I was gone.

Nobody told me that I would not resent vacuuming twice a day to clean up the mess he made while eating alone. Nobody told me how my heart would tighten when I got home today after being gone for six hours and took my squawking baby out.

Nobody told me how I would feel when sooo tired I put out a sheet on the floor, put toys all over, grabbed a pillow for me, lay down and my birdy only wanted to snuggle with me.

Nobody told me how it would feel to have a little bird body across your chest and neck, little head on your cheek. I was not told how soft his kisses would be or how warm his face was as he fell asleep on my cheek cooing softly.

Nobody told me how long I would lay there awake so he could sleep.

Everybody told me I would love him.

Nobody could tell me how much.

 

[Birdman666]

THAT is what macaw ownership is supposed to be.

Not birds locked away in filthy cages, angry at the world, with crappy food and green water...

And these folks wonder why "IT" bites!

:54:I'm just sayin'... :54:

Work with them and they are great birds!

 

[Birdman666]

Ok. I will just stick to water. I'll try to give
I know this is the honeymoon period. I've read that over and over. But I don't know what will change.
What changes for everyone else? I've never read what to expect after the honeymoon?

Well, let's see... Sweepea is 12 now, and I raised her from an egg. Apart from a couple of hormonal episodes, and a brief bout of bullying the smaller birds - it's pretty much been all honeymoon.

Maggie, we're working on about year six of honeymoon period, with no end in sight...

So, it doesn't necessarily go that route.

If you raised your kids with nurturing guidance, and enjoyed it, you'll do fine with a macaw.

 

[Birdman666]

He stepped up for my two oldest children. I won't let my youngest to pick him up yet. I don't want to explain to anyone why she needs stitches or worse that could happen. I'm taking chances as an adult with full knowing what could happen.

But I seen how the old owners (I wish there was a nicer way of saying that?) can "manhandle" him. When he didn't want to do something he protested with noise and threatened to bite. He rarely bites those he trusted. And normally it was a fear response.

I'm starting to trust him.

With your littlest one, set him down on your lap. Do the two fingers holding the beak thing, and let her scratch his head.

"Manhandling the macaw." That's kind of how they play...

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

He's sitting here grinding his beak while I read online and watch a movie before bed.
He's been a little more testy. Pushy even.
While I was eating he was trying his best to get on my back. I kept telling him no, and to get back. He would vocalize his displeasure and raise his beak at me.
He has gotten upset twice while on my back. His for got stuck while he was sliding backwards. He squawked loudly and kinda butted his beak against me when he got mad, but hasn't bitten yet. I'm so nervous for that first bite!!
I think his first bite will be to test if I will buckle to his whim.

He is letting me pick his pinnies, and he has beaked me twice. This morning he grabbed my hand, with intent in his eyes. I was giving him something to eat. I knew something was about to happen. A little nervous I decided to just let whatever was going to happen, happen. He took my fingers and put them in his mouth. His twisted my hand so my fingers twirled in his mouth, and then he let me go.
It was our first real breaking. He beaked a little the other morning too. But it was just a quick lick.
He is easy to read so far. Vocal and gives good body language.
So, for now I'm waiting for the bite. I expect it. That's going to suck donkey butt. But I guess it's worth it. It will set limits, and teach each of us about each other.

 

[Jumpingtadpoles]

Oh my gosh. There were replies my phone never loaded until now!
Ones that seriously just made me CRY!
That poem is lovely. I had to post it on my Facebook.
I love the idea of putting a sheet across my bed with toys and stuff!
In the morning I bring him in the bathroom while I brush my teeth and put my make up on.
While in brushing my teeth, he brushes his beak on the curtain rod. I kid you not. Yesterday I thought I might be crazy. Today I'm sure of it. He would stop to see if I was still brushing. If I was he would so more.
I like the idea if holding his beak for her. I don't know whether they held his beak, and I've done it a few times when he's being fussy, and then I pet his head while holding his beak. He's relaxed every time and lifted his feathers.
He's such a good boy.
Gareth was nervous about me bringing him out to the shop, because our biggest dog, a tall black lab, is black. Totally black. Our dogs aren't supposed to come in much. I came in this relationship with two dogs, Trinity, a border collie mix, and Chase, a husky mix.
I let them in all the time even though Gareth doesn't like it. I don't care. They are my dogs and want to be with me. I'm an inside person. I make them go back out when I'm tired of them at my feet or begging for food while I'm cooking.
But Woody is Gareths dog and doesn't come in often. And he actually shared the dog with his dad, who lives across the field on our farm, so Woody isn't here all the time. Lol
But the people said Rico is racist (haven't tested that one yet, but my best friend is part black lol) and I tested him with woody tonight. On my arm.
He did fine. Woody was super curious. I made woody keep his distance for Rico's comfort. And mine. But it went well.
We have 13 free run chickens so I know woody won't hurt him. I was more concerned for woodys safety and Rico's mental concern. Lol.
I could babble forever about my family.
People honesty look at me like im nuts.
I look 22. When they find out I have kids, that have grown and are in the process of being in their own they are floored. Now add that I have a cat (living teddy bear) 3 dogs, 13 chickens, and a huge (17 pound) indoor bunny, I'm certifiable by other peoples standard, insane.
Meh. If this is crazy, this is great! I can't imagine a better life then the one I share with my family. All of them. My house is FUN. Every door is a new adventure or a different area of comfort and love. Lol.

 

[Birdman666]

He is letting me pick his pinnies, and he has beaked me twice. This morning he grabbed my hand, with intent in his eyes. I was giving him something to eat. I knew something was about to happen. A little nervous I decided to just let whatever was going to happen, happen. He took my fingers and put them in his mouth. His twisted my hand so my fingers twirled in his mouth, and then he let me go.

You probably got a pin feather that hurt when you opened it.