Opportunity to rehoma a B&G Macaw

[Grinder]

As the title states we have the opportunity to rehome a 6 1/2 year old Blue & Gold Macaw. The original owner is being very upfront about his issues. He is cage aggressive and can be nippy and can be a screamer for attention (who whoulda thunk it? . I believe we can lessen the screaming through proper training and by the miriad of pics she posted he also looks to be in a 'much too small' cage with not many toys. I dont think he is neglected, I just dont think the current owner understands this.

I would have him in his current cage with a new one next to it in hopes of a smooth transition over a few weeks. The timeframe would be up to him. She is only asking $300 for him, his cage, some toys and food/treats.

Any thoughts? I've never rehomed a parrot this big. It's best to be informed

 

[Narkissios]

Ive only had my baby for 2days but if it was me i would do it in a heart beat, the joy they offer is unparralled,

The biting and cage agression can be trained out of him. A larger cage always helps with big macaws, and lots of toys to keep them busy and thinking.

Hope it helps, if i lived closer i would be doing it.

 

[Jtbirds]

I think if you are prepared for this macaws behavioral issues then go for it. If you don't think you can deal with that possibility of getting bit by him because of cage aggression then I'd shy no. Any cage aggression I've dealt with can be solved easily but seems you get bit at least once.... If you can deal with the noise then yet again yes. You have the right mindset about the screaming I'm sure with some time out and toys he'd stop that quickly. As for the nippy behavior I think macaws are generally nippy just teach him his playful nips must be gentle in order for him to be handled. Plax has a great topic for this.

Any other questions I'd be more then glad to answer

Justin

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Grinder, sounds very cool. You already have macaw experience so you know the mannerisms. Rescues are a very rewarding experience. I have two ideas to offer. First put him on the same schedule as your other birds[ I dont see you posting problems about them] My rescue amazon was the hardest one.I learned to let him be curious about me with no pressure.After 3 months [and he decided he likes me] Now hes doing things I had wished for. I also had a screaming 2 [ ignoring screams is not the way to go] Useally birds screaming besides their calls theres a reason .My 2s problem was ,she was an insecure bird and was worried [I think] about her out time. We put her on a schedule and made a huge deal about pretty sounds she made .We acknowledge her, [no more screaming] birds are flock animals ,were part of their flock.Their just calling to us. Harlow my Macaw is normally quiet but is excited when I get home.Then you hear her call [Always reminds me of an elephant ,I dont know why LOL] I walk in the door yelling Hi Harlow and she switches to talking. PS I hate small cages

 

[Turquoise]

It sounds like this B&G needs someone who is willing to give him a good life. I'm betting you would be perfect for the job.

The cage aggression he may never quit completely. It is just a normal thing for some parrots to protect their home & possessions. My boys are not cage aggressive, but then I can walk into their cage. They are aggressive with their toys if I have to readjust one or hang a new one with them in there. My ekkie girl is very cage aggressive with everything in her cage.

I think you will be able to help this feathered darling a great deal & the screaming will hopefully diminish with lots of love & attention, which he obviously is craving in his present home. Poor baby.

 

[Grinder]

So I asked the seller a few questions about her Macaw. It turns out he is out of his cage all day long. I thought part of his screaming might be due to the fact that he was couped up all day long in that tiny cage with hardly any toys. I'm thinking the small cage and lack of toys still has a lot to do with the screaming, but I am also guessing that the owner answered far too many screams for attention. I'm wondering how difficult it will be for the Macaw to be on our schedule which is an hour to an hour and half out in the morning and about 3 to four hours out at night. I think we could be a negative impact on him although all other aspects of his new home would be more favorable.

Again, any thoughts? I meet him Wednesday morning.

 

[Jtbirds]

I believe the screaming is yes a lack of stimulation in the cage. So teaching him how to p,ay and keep himself busy will be the number one priority. I feel like your routine is just fine my birds are out about 6 hours a day and this works just fine with screaming as my house is not very loud until certain times of the day set in. You could be on the right tract some people cannot stand screaming s they go and reward it instead of dealing with it properly.

I think it is a go good luck and hope to hear about when you meet him.

Thanks, Justin

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Thats pretty much my schedule [ more on days off] It will be interesting to see if he likes you when you first meet him.Good Luck