Just got a handfed baby (fully weaned) GW Macaw!! Need some advice?

[KennyDolly]

Hello! This is my first post on this forum. So glad to have found such a lovely little community where I can, "talk birds!!" That being said, I need some advice. I have never owned a "baby" bird. All my other birds have been rescues. I am owned by 3 birds currently, an 8 year old Double Yellow Headed Amazon named Bomber (Wonderful bird! NO hormonal aggression or anything in 2 years of having) I have a 71 year old wild caught Scarlet Macaw named, creatively, Scarlet. She was a wedding gift to my grandparents back in the 40s... They have since passed and she is mine. She is very independent nowadays, still has her spunk but is definitely getting old. I just lost my 13 year old Timneh African Grey to cancer... I was heartbroken. He was MY bird, his name was Duckie.

Alas, let me not dwell on the negative! I just got a young (9 month old-ish?) Greenwing Macaw baby, female, and her name is Marigold. I had her shipped to me, because after looking for a year I could NOT find a local one, and I want my own macaw to have for the next 70 years, since I am 19 now.

However, as upsetting as this is, on my drive home from the airport I got into a car accident (I was rear ended, stopped at a stop light, I assure you I'm responsible!) I brought Marigold immediately to the vet for a check up, he assured me she was fine. He is avian certified. He did many tests and an x ray to check bones. Needless to say, a VERY stressful day for her! she stepped up nicely out of the crate, and into her cage, but definitely wanted to "Taste" me! She lunges a little at the bars and tried to nip/pinch, but has taken treats from me. I am not afraid of her lunges and if she grabs me, she pinches a little then lets go. I have not handled her, letting her take her time to adjust. she is in her own room, away from the other birds. Bomber (My amazon) was severely abused and doesn't do well around larger birds. Scarlet lives in the family room, and keeps to herself. I have only had Marigold about 6 hours now, and most of that was sleeping as it gets dark at 8 ish here in NY. I want her to rest.


Sorry for the lengthy post, but I am SO excited to have people to talk birds with! I LOVE parrots, and have had many. I love having a new baby GW, but I would like any and all advice on how to bond with her, get her to stop nipping, and develop a lifetime loving bond! I can't wait until she is like the loving young GW's I see on the websites! I got her from a very reputable parrot breeder, however unfortunately couldn't visit her as she was hours away. I have behaviorally rehabilitated many adult parrots, but would like advice on bonding with a young one the right way Thank you!

 

[EnglishMuffin]

How wonderful that you've inherited your grandparents' cherished fid! So nice to hear of such a veteran bird who's not been shipped from home to home dozens of times, and so rare. I'm not a Macaw owner so I can't really offer you any advice, just wanted to say it sounds like she has gone to a lovely, responsible and loving home. Also pics immediately of all your birdie babies

 

[MikeyTN]

You need to start with getting her used to you then you need to immediately start with beak pressure training. Just constant interaction and proper training. Allow them to learn how to play on their own without you. That'll save you from screaming none stop and such. Of course chew toys and learning to forage and such.

 

[RavensGryf]

Welcome to the forum wow, amazing story about your inherited 71 year old! That's an old Macaw for sure. Tons of good Macaw advice on here, and if you look up older threads on 'search' you'll find some pretty interesting threads too.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum, and many congrats on baby Marigold (what a lovely name!!!)

My deepest condolences to the loss of your Duckie. How sad and tragic to lose him to cancer at such a young age.

Both Bomber and Scarlet sound absolutely delightful! I do believe you owe the oldest bird on the forum with your Scarlet at 71 years.

Holy smokes about the car accident! I'm glad neither you nor Marigold were hurt in any way.

Since you literally JUST got her yesterday, she will need some time to adjust to her new home/surroundings. GW's are BIG bluffers, and I seriously don't think she's out to hurt you. I'm confident that once you've won her over with some treats and scritches, you will form that wonderful relationship with her you are looking for.

Ditto on the bite pressure training. Marigold will learn how much pressure to apply with that can opener that is firmly attached to her face.

I would LOVE to see some pictures of your flock.

Lastly, never hesitate to ask questions. We all LOVE to talk bird.

 

[Kiwibird]

Congrats on your newest addition! You have already been given good advice for your new baby, but I will add- just let Marigold go at her own pace while learning and bonding. Since you are already experienced with parrots (especially rescues), it should be fairly easy to bond with a sweet little baby I'm glad both of you are safe after the accident, thats a terrible thing to happen after picking her up after a long flight.

And I must say Scarlet's story is fantastic! A true testament to how long these birds can live when well cared for. 71 and still in the same family very much loved, that's even more wonderful to hear. Not too many birds get that opportunity. Though she must've been quite an "unusual" wedding gift:09: I wonder what your grandparents thought when they received a very large bird for their wedding? They must have liked her though to keep her all those years!

I hope you will share pics of all your birdies!