Tips and tricks for a first-time Macaw Owner

[Lexahoff]

In about a week I will be bringing home a Shamrock Macaw to join the family, which consists of two dogs (A German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu), two cats (front paws declawed), and three humans (ages 45, 50, and 17). The shamrock is about 16 weeks old, and is extremely friendly. Her name is Quinn previous experience with birds includes a not-so-personable Budgie and a very personable, family-oriented Quaker Parrot.

Any tips for a first time Macaw owner?

 

[getwozzy]

Congrats on your new fid!

Even though macaws are larger birds, I would still caution you to not allow unsupervised interactions with your other pets, and be very very careful even when you are supervising.

No matter how much training we put into our animals, their natural instincts can trump their training. And even though your cats are declawed, their teeth can do just as much damage.

 

[Birdman666]

We got lots of them, but they're already posted:

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/49099-what-your-tips-first-time-macaw-owner.html

 

[Lexahoff]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks!

And oh, I must be blind, didn't see that thread, thanks!

Here's a picture of her, I'm really excited to bring her home.

 

[Birdman666]

Beautiful bird!

The big thing with macs is boundary setting, bite pressure training, and just handling them enough... most people don't handle them enough. Macaws need lap time!

 

[Lexahoff]

Haha, well she's been here since Wednesday and so far she's been great. No stress to be seen when she first arrived except when she's left in her cage alone (she's a snuggle muffin). She's fallen asleep in my lap multiple times, and is getting really good at letting me know when she has to go so it doesn't end up all over me haha. Do you clip your macaws wings?