Untamed Macaw

[nonapjoe]

Hi there. I was looking for a little expertise and perhaps some advice.

We have found a 12 year old Macaw being kept in a shed outside by itself. The bird is being advertised as "untamed", and have been told that its not possible to have him as a pet as we could a hand fed bird. This is coming from the people who have him locked up alone and outside. We feel a moral obligation to save this poor fellow from where he is. Its not the issue of the money- but I'm wondering if it is possible to "tame" him? Or are we better off buying him and sending him to an exotic bird sanctuary?

Is it possible with a lot of work and patience we could end up with a companion? I don't want to believe that hes a write off because he's been neglected- but i will rely on your advice on how to handle this.

Thank you in advance for your time.. We appreciate it.

 

[MikeyTN]

It is possible to tame a neglected macaw or any bird. It takes time and patience! Plus it needs someone with experience, macaw's beak can be dangerous if your not careful! They're social animals, it shouldn't be too hard to tame once you can get him to trust you.

 

[darkling]

Don't get your hours up?

 

[MikeyTN]

I think he meant don't get your hopes up.

 

[HRH Di]

It is very possible, but as said above, it takes LOTS of patience and time. And most probably some blood, sweat and tears. However, the rewards are worth it.

Is there a rescue group in your area that could give you advice and support? Trust is the biggest issue. If a bird or any animal trusts that you will care for him with loving patience, he will respond in kind.

The sancutary is a good fall back if the taming doesn't work out.

 

[mtdoramike]

I agree with all suggestions. I see no down side here for either you or the bird. At the very least, you will get the bird out of the bad situation that it's in right now. If in time it doesn't work out, you can always refer the bird to a rescue center, who would be more apt to know what to do with it.

I say do it. But be prepared to get bit, that's all part of owning a bird. My Senegal is tame, but she still can get beaky when she wants to. Just go SLLLLLOOOOOWWWWW.

 

[JJones1719]

I also agree, I see this with the Members in my club who work with breeder birds who will not breed for some reason or an other. Most have never been handled before and seem to adjust pretty well. The down side is, they sometimes are very unpredictable and sometimes cause nasty bites. Knowing how to handle these birds is key. I would never let them near you face, shoulder, and make a tight fist when handling them until you can read their body language.
I would also use the leather gloves they make for eagle handlers or owls. Please remember to protect yourself first and then think about the Macaw. Best of luck and let us know on what you decide. Joe

 

[pittiepride]

My dad has a pair of breeder cockatoos that are not tame and were not hand raised, they are in their teens. They are not 'pets' per se, but they live in a 15x15' outdoor chainlink aviery with a 4x8 inside space. They have lots of room and stuff to do. They are very social and come to the bars for tickles and talking and he can go in the cage and do what he needs. They are not pets but are social, and they are happy.
Would you be able to provide a space for the macaw to live if you couldn't make it a 'pet'?

kara

 

[nonapjoe]

Thank you all for your comments and advice- they are greatly appreciated.

I went to see him today, and spent about an hour alone with him in the shed after getting the key from the owner. I just sat by the edge of his cage and talked softly to him. He immediately came over, and stood next to where I was. When the owner came out- the bird moved to the back to the cage right away. When he left, he came back over to where i was and put his foot out on my sleeve, and I rubbed his leg. I whistled at him a few times, and he whistled back. I put my hand slowly up in a ball, and he put his head down and pushed it towards the bars- It seemed to me that hes not mean, but simply horribly neglected and in need of some understanding and affection and companionship. Also noticed that he's missing all his toes on one foot, but moves quite nimbly considering.

The owner offered him a peanut which he refused- but I offered the same peanut 2 minutes later and he gently took it and munched away.


We have decided we are going to take him and work hard to give him the understanding and patience that he sorely needs. I felt like I was visiting someone in jail that had done nothing wrong..

Thank you again for your advice and comments- I look forward to sharing our journey together with you all.

Cheers!

Joe.

 

[Rio Mom]

That's wonderful of you to give this bird a home! We love pictures!

 

[MikeyTN]

It sounds like to me the owner wasn't very nice to the bird....Do let us know if you decide to take him, he sounds like a sweet bird that's just misunderstood. It sounds like he likes you since he approached you and took a treat from you which that is a good sign!

 

[Mike]

Thank you all for your comments and advice- they are greatly appreciated.

I went to see him today, and spent about an hour alone with him in the shed after getting the key from the owner. I just sat by the edge of his cage and talked softly to him. He immediately came over, and stood next to where I was. When the owner came out- the bird moved to the back to the cage right away. When he left, he came back over to where i was and put his foot out on my sleeve, and I rubbed his leg. I whistled at him a few times, and he whistled back. I put my hand slowly up in a ball, and he put his head down and pushed it towards the bars- It seemed to me that hes not mean, but simply horribly neglected and in need of some understanding and affection and companionship. Also noticed that he's missing all his toes on one foot, but moves quite nimbly considering.

The owner offered him a peanut which he refused- but I offered the same peanut 2 minutes later and he gently took it and munched away.


We have decided we are going to take him and work hard to give him the understanding and patience that he sorely needs. I felt like I was visiting someone in jail that had done nothing wrong..

Thank you again for your advice and comments- I look forward to sharing our journey together with you all.

Cheers!

Joe.

Wow! What a meeting. Sounds perfect. Be aware that the bird's behavior may become less gentle after a honeymoon period (2-3 weeks), but you now know what he's capable of. Keep your patience and show him that the gentle behavior garners your attention. Violent behavior makes you turn away and ignore him.

 

[Abzeez]

Good luck with him. Sounds like he needs love and kindness. I am happy to hear you are going to take him from his "jail cell."

 

[JJones1719]

Hey, great job, best of luck and please post pictures and give us an update. We all are hear and willing to help however possible. Cheers. Joe

 

[nonapjoe]

He's home! Arrived safe and sound, and it took a good hour with the pressure washer to get the cage back to metal. He's eating great- is LOVING fruits and nuts and other treats, and has gone from no toys to playing with everything he can get his beak on. Hard to explain, but he just seems to appreciate having company now. He's picked up saying "hello" when the phone rings, and does so after each ring without fail.

I know we have a long road ahead with him- but he seems so much more relaxed each day, and the shaking he did while locked in the shed is completely gone. Heres a few pics of the day we brought him home in the car carrier. He's doing great, and he seems to enjoy mocking my daughters laugh. lol.

 

[merlinsmom13]

Poor boy, I hope everything goes well w/him. Thank you for saving him.

 

[rlchic93]

Congratulations on your new little baby. It sounds like he know has the home he deserved all along.

 

[xreinx]

Sounds like a bird I know as lary, came from a hording case here in the city, hes regrowing his feathers and though he still has a foul mouth on him, he dosent say it as much as he useto anymore. He did bite once, but that was because there was a dog in the room and we had to get him off the floor in a hurry.

he loves his toys but they still cant get him to take baths on his own. (something I found out when I set a bowl down for him, then took him to the shower when he didnt touch it)

Good luck! Im Glad you rescued him, Hope he turns out as sweet with you as lary did with us.

 

[Rio Mom]

Thank you for giving him the wonderful home and love he deserves!

 

[MikeyTN]

That's wonderful you guys adopted him!!!!!!!