Macaw proven pair training.

[Parker]

I bought a proven pair of military macaws, and I have a couple questions. Is a pair of mated macaws "quieter" (I dont care about the noise, just curious) since they arnt bonded to their owner who they always want attention from? Also I have been able to feed them in shell peanuts straight from my hand, but they get defensive if I try and touch them. What are some ways to get them more comfortable around me? I also know it takes lots of patience, I have done my research lol. I figured them eating peanuts from my hand is a good start though.

 

[LordTriggs]

don't feed them peanuts for starters, they can easily be contaminated with fungal spores that are poisonous to them.

Outside of that I'd say you have the right idea of time patience and treats. As for the noise I would assume quiet time would last longer but when the noise gets going it would ramp up

 

[Parker]

Oh wow I had no clue, thanks. What would you recommend as a treat?

 

[LordTriggs]

pistachio nuts seem to be an often used one, maybe walnuts? Just have an experiment and see what they go for

 

[Parker]

Alright ill give both a try, thanks for the help

 

[Parker]

Last question, and i should probably post a new thread about this but I am assuming it is probably not a good idea to house gouldian finches and these macaws in the same room, should I move my finches out of the room?

 

[Kiwibird]

Welcome. What are your intentions with the pair of macaws? To have them become pets or to continue to be breeder birds? If the latter, do you have experience hand raising parrots? In any case, the best "method" to earning a distrusting birds trust is to first get them used to you (this could take weeks or even months) and then to start training them at their pace (again, a venture that could take weeks or months more to get them stepping up consistently). Usually it is suggested you start with reading and/or just talking out loud to them every day. This helps them become used to you as a calm, non-threatening presence. It doesn't matter what you read or say to them, it's all about tone of voice. Use a calm, soothing tone of voice and if they voluntarily approach you in their cage, have treats ready. You can also snack on something healthy yourself, like grapes or carrot sticks and when they become interested in what you're eating, share with them. It's a positive they already accept treats from you, but from a pair of breeder birds, I'd expect months more before you're at a point to begin training stepping up and other basic training activities. It would also not be unusual if one takes to you more than the other.

After the appropriate quarantine period (generally accepted as 6 weeks for new birds) and an exam by an avian vet to ensure they are healthy and free from disease, there is no reason they cannot be in the same room with your finches, though for obvious reasons they should be housed separately in their own very large cage and not allowed to interact with the smaller birds.

 

[Parker]

I have successfully bred gouldian finches before, but never larger macaws. I dont intend to breed them, but I still havent decided (leaning towards not breeding them.) I have been talking to them and before I move or enter the room I say something as to not startle them. One of them has a metal leg band, but I havent been able to read it. The bird without the band loves eating from my hand, while the other does not. Should I take them to the vet asap, or after quarantine?

 

[Kiwibird]

You should take them to the vet within the next week or 2. If they aren't displaying signs of illness you don't need an emergency visit or anything, but it is always a good idea to keep new birds of unknown health status away from known healthy birds in the home and to get the new birds examined by an avian vet during the first few weeks you have them just to be safe. An avian vet may also have some good tips for helping acclimate your breeding pair to life as pets.

 

[Parker]

I agree, thanks for all the advice and help!

 

[itzjbean]

You say you have done lots of research, yet you seem to not have any idea that peanuts aren't good for them. What are you currently feeding them as their diet?

My suggestion is to continue with the research, sounds like you may need to do more. If you're wanting to eventually breed them you'll need TONS more experience. They are not like finches, like comparing a tricycle to a Lamborgini, lol. Here's just a few tips.

1. They should be getting fed a diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies, as well as pellets if they'll eat it. Nuts are great, too, but NOT peanuts. Think the nuts with the tougher shells.

2. Give them toys and wood to chew! Most macaws love destroying things.

3. With a bonded pair, it may take a long time to gain trust. Often times you won't be able to handle one without one trying to defend their mate. It does depend on how they were raised but yes patience is key, here.

4. Nothing wrong with keeping the finches and macaws in the same room, however never let them out of cages at the same time, and always make sure the finches are safe from curious macaw beaks/etc. But keeping them in the same room should be fine.