Keke The Scarlet Macaw

[StephenAndKyleigh]

Today was a fun day!

The guy hand raising my B&G macaw was very adamant on me spending time with his macaws prior to bringing home my baby. This afternoon, him and I met to do some handling, play, going over parrot body signs, and some basic training.

This fella here is named Keke. About 3 weeks ago he bit the heck out of me, because I did not read his body language and he reminded me about it. Over the last 3 weeks, about 2-3 times a week, I have been working with him. He has began to trust me a little more and we have worked up to hand feedings, stepping up, and today he gave me some kisses.

This pretty much just made me all the more excited for when my little one comes home.

Sorry that the second picture is so blurry!

 

[Kiwibird]

Great practice for when your baby comes home! Keke is a handsome and VERY big bird! I think scarlets are beautiful birds. They used to be much more popular, but now you see the green wings more. I think thats because they are known t be nippy (as you found out).

 

[Doublete]

Sounds like you have a very responsible breeder!
So I bet your baby is going to super awesome!

 

[RavensGryf]

I think that's great that you have this opportunity to 'practice'. Keke is gorgeous. I think Scarlet Macaws are eye candy!

 

[thekarens]

You look so happy! You'll love it when you get your own baby

 

[Newbsi]

Wow they are beautiful birds! All I see is BEAK

 

[GreatBlue320]

It is so great that you are able to practice with Keke - I'm sure you have learned so much by spending time with him over the last several weeks!

 

[Birdman666]

This breeder is actually doing you a tremendous service, whether you realize it or not... (and I think you do.)

Macaws are amazing birds, but there is a learned skill in handling them. Once you learn it, you can pretty much deal with them.

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

This breeder is actually doing you a tremendous service, whether you realize it or not... (and I think you do.)

Macaws are amazing birds, but there is a learned skill in handling them. Once you learn it, you can pretty much deal with them.

Oh yes. I don't think I would've gotten this much knowledge and experience anywhere else. He's a 72 year old man, no wife, no kide - just birds ha. He's been way too kind to me throughout this entire process. I wasn't expecting it in the least bit.


What would you say is the most important or necessary skill when handling a macaw?

 

[Birdman666]

1. You have to be able to interact with them without showing any fear.

2. You have to be able to handle them calmly and confidently, without over-reacting to things that could trigger a bite.

3. The bird has to be confident with you as well. He has to know what you are going to do, before you do it, in order to allow it. He has to be comfortable with you.

4. There is nothing wishy-washy about a macaw. You have to be decisive with them. None of that in and out with the hand/arm stuff. Make up your mind FIRST.

5. BOUNDARY SETTING is the critical factor with well behaved macaws. You raise them the same way you raise a human toddler. Set the guidlelines.

6. Parrots do best in a structured daily routine. It represents safety to them. In the wild, you can set your watch by a parrots foraging routine. Approximating that in captivity helps their comfort level, and behavior. (Without being overly rigid about it, which can trigger plucking disorders in some birds especially toos and CAGS. If they become so rigid that ANY change is bad, and causes emotional upset.)

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

1. You have to be able to interact with them without showing any fear.

2. You have to be able to handle them calmly and confidently, without over-reacting to things that could trigger a bite.

3. The bird has to be confident with you as well. He has to know what you are going to do, before you do it, in order to allow it. He has to be comfortable with you.

4. There is nothing wishy-washy about a macaw. You have to be decisive with them. None of that in and out with the hand/arm stuff. Make up your mind FIRST.

5. BOUNDARY SETTING is the critical factor with well behaved macaws. You raise them the same way you raise a human toddler. Set the guidlelines.

6. Parrots do best in a structured daily routine. It represents safety to them. In the wild, you can set your watch by a parrots foraging routine. Approximating that in captivity helps their comfort level, and behavior. (Without being overly rigid about it, which can trigger plucking disorders in some birds especially toos and CAGS. If they become so rigid that ANY change is bad, and causes emotional upset.)

That is wonderful advice! Thanks so much. Printed out..and saved!

 

[StephenAndKyleigh]

More pictures of Keke!:red::red::red: