Rescuing a Macaw...

[Vfwwiener]

A few months back my red lored passed away. He was with us for 39 years. So after some thought, my wife and I found a rescue and went through a very lengthy background check.
We are visiting a 30 yr old B&G, a 20 yr old Catalina, and a 10 yr old Military. Were very excited to be rescuing and are even more nervous to see which one will match with us. Looking forward to sharing our experience and bringing home a new permanent feathered family member.

 

[noodles123]

It is great that you are adopting! I am also glad to hear you have a lot of past bird experience. I am excited for you and I am sorry for your loss. That must have been very hard
Welcome to the forum- we are happy to learn more about your upcoming adventure!!!

Side-Note: just make sure that, if there was any chance your last bird died of contagious and/or asymptomatic illness, you disinfect things very, very thoroughly (and make sure you allow the house time to air out)- also, vacuum/steam clean/change air filters etc.

 

[Vfwwiener]

It's been several months and we've got a new cage, much larger, for him. All heating filters replaced and house thoroughly cleaned. His passing was due to a stroke, so his vet believes. He was 43 yrs old. Never thought to steam clean the entire area where the cage will go. Will do that tomorrow, thank you.

 

[noodles123]

It's been several months and we've got a new cage, much larger, for him. All heating filters replaced and house thoroughly cleaned. His passing was due to a stroke, so his vet believes. He was 43 yrs old. Never thought to steam clean the entire area where the cage will go. Will do that tomorrow, thank you.

It is awesome that you were such devoted "parronts" (he was a lucky bird!)-Again, so sorry for your loss.

Glad to have you with us---sorry to make more work for you at home lol!

 

[Jen5200]

So sorry for the loss of your amazon. I believe that he’d be glad that you are adopting a bird in need . I have smaller birds - but all 5 of mine came to me as adults who were given up for one reason or another. I love the bond that you can develop with an adult bird - looking forward to hearing about your journey!

 

[Vfwwiener]

Looking forward to see who fits best with us.

 

[Scott]

My deepest condolences for the loss of your Red Lored. May you be comforted by the warm memories of decades long companionship.

Kudos for considering rescue parrots. Will be interesting to see if you are "chosen" by a specific candidate. Good luck, looking forward to learning of your decision!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome! I know how you must miss the little one!

 

[EllenD]

Welcome to the community!

So sorry for your loss after 39 years...But I'm glad you've made the decision to add another family member, and that you're planning on rescuing!

And I absolutely LOVE Military Macaws!!! They are one of the Macaw species that is often overlooked and that can be such great companions...

 

[Vfwwiener]

Ok, so the 3 macaws we were interested in had several character flaws and the rescue didnt think it would work out. However, a day later a Severe became available. Not very familiar with them, but they seem to loaded with personality. We also like the smaller size as we dont have a very large br e home.

 

[ChristaNL]

I love the fact you are out there to "rehome/ recycle"... it *the* birds comes along you will both know it.
After being in the company of a wonderfull bird before...


No-one is without flaws, it all about finding the ones you can live with

 

[Vfwwiener]

Visiting our potential Severe this thursday. Any suggestions for a first visit?

 

[noodles123]

Just be you and see how he does. IF you pick him up, I would try to keep him on your hands/arms (but picking up a bird that isn't super used to being held on day 1 is a pretty huge leap)----that having been said, if he/she is comfortable enough with a certain staff member, he/she may be willing to step onto you if they are around..ask lots of questions about his habits etc, whether he has always lived with other birds...after you see if you notice any preferences, you might ask if they have noticed that he tends to like certain people more than others (male vs. female etc etc).
You will know if he likes you probably, but rescues are a bit harder depending on whether they come with trauma. GOOD LUCK!

Remember, birds move in SLOW MOTION
I would ask about disease testing/ medical history as well and check out his poop etc.

 

[Laurasea]

Visiting our potential Severe this thursday. Any suggestions for a first visit?

No loud color clothing, no jewelry.
Soft eyes, no none stop staring, slow blinks. ( I swear , slow blinks calm my Birds down and make them feel safe. )
Good luck!!!

 

[Vfwwiener]

Thank you for your advice. We will maintain very low tones. I'm not planning on having any physical contact with him on the first visit unless he initiates it. Will make as many visits as necessary to be sure the bird is happy whether with us or not

 

[Vfwwiener]

Thursday is quickly coming upon us and we're pretty excited to meet Maxi, our potential severe macaw adoptee. Wish us luck as we meet for the first time. Thank you all for your suggestions on our visit. We have several visits planned and the first of which will only be my wife and myself. If we move onto a second visit we'll bring our 10 yr old daughter. Its strange considering a new bird after having our red lored for so long. We are excited as its a new species and new behaviors, but our amazon that passed was our family. Here's to hoping maxi digs a family of Veterans!

 

[Ekkyparrotlet125]

So exciting!! Let us know how everything goes!

 

[Jen5200]

We’ll be waiting to hear how it goes!

 

[Laurasea]

And pictures! Good luck

 

[Vfwwiener]

Visit went very well. One more visit, then we'll hopefully bring Maxi home.https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nn8PSD7QA3vwNXUE7