Rehoming a gorgeous new macaw

[laurakybrid]

Hi there I'm new to this but I just thought that I would jump in and ask a few questions that have been bugging me...

I'm preparing my home for the arrival of my first macaw...
Its a believed female blue and gold 2 years old.
I have alot of prior experience with amazons, senegals, ringknecks and pionus parrots that I have had in the past but I know that a macaw is a totally different kettle of fish so to speak... was just wondering if anybody knows the best way tointroduce mercedez to my home,Ihave been going to visit her about 3-4 times a week since Ihave met herbringing herfoods that she doesnt often get from hermum and dad,and I am in the process of buying and making her toys..
So here are the questions...
Am i introducing her in the correct way by visiting her in her old home, I thought this would make the bond stronger as I would become one of the most familar things in her new home?
Toy wise I want ot make toys out of natural ropes wicker and coconut shells, is that a good idea?
Her cage is 6ft by 5ft. and the reason that she is being rehomed to me is that she has been picking up on the 5 children she lives withs bad behavior, she and isnt really getting enough attention, and is getting alittle bit agressive and plucking her legs... I'm just looking for any advice you can give me really, i made her some bananna bread yesterday and have been treating her with plently of walnuts and brazil nuts and chicke strips and shes bonding to me nicely as dshe has stopped biting me already and has started licking my fingers..
any more advice?
Thankyou!
Laura

 

[HRH Di]

Sounds like you're doing the right things. I firmly believe in visiting your new bird often before bringing it home. I makes for a much easier transition.

I also think that the way to a parrot's heart is through the stomach so bribing with food isn't a bad idea. Just be sure that she gets a balanced diet and the treats are just that...treats. I'm sure you know that moderation is the key for treats.

I don't have a B&G but our RFM is a handful - well, 2 handfuls - but we wouldn't trader her for anything. Our Jade doesn't flock call which is apparently unusual for a macaw.

Enjoy her!

 

[mele]

It sounds like your on the right track. Keep visiting her and talking to her. Im sure she will adjust fine. Sounds like a lucky bird, Congrats.

 

[Mayden]

Sounds like you're doing everything right! When she gets to your home just let her settle and all before you let her out and stuff. Unless she seems more than willing to come play, which some birds are.

Congrats on your new b&g, they really are beautiful!

 

[mtdoramike]

That is personal preference. I prefer to have the potential adoptee to be brought to my house so that I cab see how it will act in the home that it will be staying. Some folks believe it's better to visit the bird in it's current environment, but I'm not one of them. The few re-homings that I have been a part of whethere it be my own or friends, I always suggest this. To me it throws the pet off balance and they seem to be more manageable and easy to connect with. If your on their turf, they seem to be more on the offensive. But whe they are on unfamiliar ground, they are more on the defensive.

But this is just my opinion.

 

[TonyCagg]

I actually did a mix of both when adopting Nic Nic and I think it worked out beautifully.

I visited him 3 times at his former home (A Helping Wing Rescue) and there was a noticeable difference in him each time as he grew more and more accustomed to me.

Then his caregiver brought him to my home for a visit, to see how he would react to us.
I think the nice thing was, since he knew me, he readily stepped up onto my hand and seemed comfortable from the beginning, as opposed to feeling he had been abandoned by his former owner.

It has been a month now and he has certainly fit in and is part of the family.

Good luck with the new family member.

 

[little1al]

I adopted a B&G Macaw and only got chance to see it once before 2 days later it was brought to my house. This is because the old owners were moving and needed to get him re-homed. He was fine at my house. It takes them a little while to settle in but she will be fine. I just put mine in its cage in the front room and sat on the sofa watching tv for a while. When the parrot spoke to me I replied but I didn't crowd him for a while. I didn't let him out of his cage for a few days after having him so that he could properly get used to my house and me a bit more. It was hard when I first let him out as well because he got scared by something and flew to the window sill but because we didn't yet have a good enough relationship he wouldn't let me near him to get him off.

Like with everything it just takes time. I'm not sure if all parrots are the same but my B&G Macaw seems to be quite cautious of most things. Once he has seen me play with it or eat it or whatever he is better but he doesn't like new things until he has had a chance to get used to them.

If yours has been in a house with children then you may need to watch out for the screaming. Mine can scream like a 6 year old girl and will if he feels he is not getting enough attention. He is slowly learning that he doesn't get attention that way but I think it will take a long time to stop that kind of scream. I'm sure my neighbours love us!!