Possibly adopting Blue and Gold Mc Caw..

[kimby1066]

I have the opportunity to adopt a BG McCaw. I currently have an OW Zon whom I love My questions are:
What is the minimal and optimal size cage for a McCaw? (He will be out when I am home except during the night)
What are the greatest qualities of McCAws? I love animals and love being a big-bird owner. My daughter has 2 Greys. We are loving them all!!
Any other advice or suggestions?
Thanks!!

 

[Birdman666]

With a B&G I wouldn't go anything smaller than 30 x 40, and I would go with a dometop.

Macaws are lap birds. They are the most toddler like of all of them.

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/46733-feathered-buzz-saws.html

I just did a Macaw 101 post the other day...

FOUND IT:

http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/48584-hi-i-am-here-learn.html

 

[kimby1066]

Thanks Birdman!! I dont have a dome-top for him..it is a huge cage with a playtop...my other cage is a bit smaller for my Amazon...again with an open top perch...But when I am home, which is a lot, my birds are out of cage and welcome to be on my lap!! My Zon is great on the shoulder...kind and loving, unless you try to touch him...then not so nice. Been bitten several times (last week was sure he pierced my nose) but I understand he is just adapting to me...not sure what he went through with previous owner. So I am just patient and loving!!

 

[MacawLoverOf3]

Zons and Greys are 'dusty' birds and that dust will affect the respiratory system on a Macaw, especially the B&G's.

Some people believe that having a HEPA filter will solve that issue but the problem is, the symptoms do not show up immediately and how do you explain to a bird why it is having a hard time breathing because you 'thought' it good enough you used the filter and/or kept them caged in different rooms and to find out later down the road the bird is suffering.

I hope you do no choose to have any Macaws, stick to other dusty birds such as the 'Toos

 

[Birdman666]

Some of this is overstated.

Zons aren't dander birds. CAGS and TOOS are, but the real issue there is ventilation, square footage and housecleaning.

I've had a CAG, multiple amazons and big macs housed in the same proximity for well over a decade with no ill effects. Mine bathe. Mine get cages washed down at least once per week. Mine have enough room so that they are not living on top of each other.

I volunteered at a rescue that had 350 birds, and a significant number of them were large toos, and large macaws - like 100+. With ventilation fans going 24/7, there wasn't a single instance of a respiratory problem caused by housing them together.

And even one dander bird, and one macaw in a 1000 square foot plus house? Really, there should be enough ventilation that it wouldn't be a problem...

Which makes that more a housekeeping issue than anything.

 

[kimby1066]

Thanks for your responses...very educating for me My home is clean and well vented. My Zon, Gus, bathes almost daily. (BTW...the 2 AG live at my daughters) In summer I have a cage outside so he can go out and watch me garden and play. (I live in Minnesota so pleanty of months that we are al inside)

 

[kimby1066]

Birdman666....I know this is a McCAw thread...but you seem so very experienced. I must ask...I have an OWA, male, 10 yo. I love him tons. Have had him for about 3 months. Do not know much about his background. He does so great stepping up on his stick, never says no, and then onto my shoulder. He loves to hang out and we waych parrot videos on Utube which he seems to enjoy. My problem is, anytime I ask or command to step-up straight to the hand he bites and retreats. If I place him on the floor he will step up to my hand, but not from his cage or from his playtop. ANy suggestions???

 

[Christinenc2000]

With a B&G I wouldn't go anything smaller than 30 x 40, and I would go with a dometop.

Macaws are lap birds. They are the most toddler like of all of them.

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/46733-feathered-buzz-saws.html

I just did a Macaw 101 post the other day...

FOUND IT:

http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/48584-hi-i-am-here-learn.html

And it helped me a GREAT deal

 

[Birdman666]

Birdman666....I know this is a McCAw thread...but you seem so very experienced. I must ask...I have an OWA, male, 10 yo. I love him tons. Have had him for about 3 months. Do not know much about his background. He does so great stepping up on his stick, never says no, and then onto my shoulder. He loves to hang out and we waych parrot videos on Utube which he seems to enjoy. My problem is, anytime I ask or command to step-up straight to the hand he bites and retreats. If I place him on the floor he will step up to my hand, but not from his cage or from his playtop. ANy suggestions???

Between fosters and my own I've had 8 amazons not counting the five zons and two big macs my parents had as a kid (two currently...) So, yeah. I know a tiny bit about zons...

Three suggestions:

1. My RLA was more comfortable stepping down (backwards) than stepping up. Try putting your hand behind the bird's foot rather than in front of it.

2. Put both hands down. One on either side of him. If his avenue of retreat is cut off, they usually give up, "I guess I have to." (But be prepared for a possible chomp. If he tries it, immediately distract him with the other hand, and firmly give the command step up with the hand he just tried to bite. "I'm not afraid. I'm not putting up with this. I'm not going to hurt you. Step up nice.")

3. Let him come out and perch on the door. Then place your body between the door and the playtop. Now he either steps up, or ends up on the floor. (And once on the floor he WANTS to step up, so... win, win.)

 

[Birdman666]

Thanks for your responses...very educating for me My home is clean and well vented. My Zon, Gus, bathes almost daily. (BTW...the 2 AG live at my daughters) In summer I have a cage outside so he can go out and watch me garden and play. (I live in Minnesota so pleanty of months that we are al inside)

Probably more inside than out I would guess... YIKES THAT'S COLD!

Here we have the opposite problem. There are certain times of the year we just don't go outside until it cools down a little. (Give it about 2 months!)

 

[kimby1066]

Thank you Birdman666...I will try these tips I just want to pet the little guy!! Being comfy on my hand is the first step, I am guessing. Loves being with me but doesn't like being touched.