The waiting game....

[schristensen13]

I will be fostering/adopting my sister's 9 year old B&G soon...he will be making the trip up to Northern CA in 5-6 weeks. I have completely exhausted the internet looking for information on macaws. I currently have a Meyers and a CAG but I feel like a macaw is an entirely different league. Especially since he hasn't been in the best conditions the last few years...I want to make this transition as smooth as possible. Hoping that lots of interaction, good food, and just plain old love and attention will be the best remedy.
This transition has been in the works for a few months, when I offered to take care of him since my sister was just not doing her job and he was the one paying the price. I just wish he was here already....I am going stir crazy waiting. Of course, I go from "I can't wait for him to get here" to "Oh god, I really hope I'm not getting in over my head". Either way, I know it will be a better situation for him.....
If anyone has any advice or tips on adopting an adult bird, I welcome any thoughts, tips, or warnings!

 

[suebee]

give him space to settle in and i am glad you have got him to look after now i think i remember your original post

on the whole as you have other birds, he'll take the que from them how to behave an when his in your routine, the it'll be omg why didnt i do this sooner

 

[schristensen13]

Thanks Sue....I'm glad he's coming to stay with us as well. I obviously have too much time on my hands though and am starting to feel like a kid counting down for Christmas. I can't wait to see how things go with Wylie and I developing a bond....I will most definitely get pics up as soon as I can.

When I first joined this forum I would see other user's profiles that had 3, 4, 5, or more birds listed and thought, "Oh my god, how do they take care of multiple birds like that". Guess I know now!! :30:

 

[mtdoramike]

The great thing about that warm fuzzy feeling, is that it will stay with you right up until the time that he bites you or the macaw screaming begins. As long as you are aware of these things and willing to deal with them I say enjoy the experience and I'm quite envyous of you.

But all kidding aside, I would rather be biten by a macaw than my little Senegal, who can pierce the skin right down to the bone with that needle beak she has and has done it a few times eventhough she is hand tame. So just remember, all birds bite whether it be intentional or not. Most if not all birds have noisy times during the day or if they are spoiled like I have done to my Sennie, who also squawks when she is left alone and still wants attention.

ALL OF THESE THING MENTIONED CAN BE WORKED THROUGH, as long as you have the time and energy & above all patience. Like stated above, proceed slowly and work on the birds terms and it will set the pace. I would just set at the cage for the first few days and just read or sing to the bird and let it get accustomed to seeing you and becoming familiar with you. Then open the cage while you do this and the bird will probably step out to get a closer look at you and what your doing. If not then place a treat right at the door to draw him out of the cage.

 

[mtdoramike]

Also, check out You Tube, they have a wealth of videos of folks training their birds.

 

[schristensen13]

I know the power of a Sennie beak all too well....I had one and their bite paired with that wonderful Jekel and Hyde personality is really something to be in awe of!
Definitely aware of the potential for some pretty hefty bites as well as the screaming (although I haven't experienced it first hand for more than a day or two).
The good thing is that socially, he isn't too far gone...just needs a tune up. I've held him before and a few months ago was able to talk to him and give him treats through his cage...he was just super interested in attention (and of course the treat) but wasn't lunging at the bars, which was encouraging.