What should I do?

[MikeyTN]

Keiko is way to young to be looking for a mate. I suspect she is just lonely and missing her family. In the wild she would have her flock 24 hours a day. They would eat together, fly together, sleep together and she would mate for life. It is hard for the average home to replicate any of this. We got our Sunny when she was 2 1/2 and we were her fourth home. She was heartbroken to lose her family and hated us For it. It was weeks before she quit lunging and biting. As time went on she accepted us. I guess she didn't have a choice. As the months went by she grew to love us but it was probably a year before we didn't notice changes from month to month. She still looks for dark haired women and little girls and we have had her for over two years. She seems to be a very happy and well adjusted bird. We are with her most of every day and take her with us when we can. She eats with us every meal when we are home. It's a lot of time but we all love it and she is well worth it. It takes time. You wouldn't expect a child ripped from its family and given to a new one to not suffer some trauma.

I have actually said the same thing in the conversation today that she was missing her family. BUT from what I was told, for her to be terrified of everything, it makes me wonder that's why abuse was brought up. Cause that's what it sounded like to me. Someone or something have scared her bad enough to make her afraid of things. Now that takes a long long time to over come, I've gone through that with several of my birds. One was confirmed why she was doing what she was doing when I asked the previous owner IF someone did something to her at one point and I was correct when they told me what had happened to her. Dixie was the one I was asking the previous owner about. She was absolutely terrified of hands and doesn't like her feet being touched. She would start to bite and act terrified if you try to get her to step up or touch her feet. The previous owner told me when they went to pick her up, the lady that had her would yank her off her cage by her feet rather she likes it or not. The previous owner couldn't get her to do much but I had to retrain her and get her to over come that fear of hands. That took years to do!!!! She's one of my sweetest babies right now as we by pass with stepping up to hands, she steps up to a perch then to our hands. We NEVER force her to do something she doesn't want to. It's from lack of experience with Dixie's first owner that had brought the issue of being terrified of hands. I've seen people do that before and I highly disagree with that method.

Parkersmom obviously cared for Keiko to take on such a task as I know how macaws can be and yes they can be a hand full. She's trying to have the best for Keiko but I do understand when your frustrated some times words doesn't come out right but that's not what she meant. Once I get to meet Keiko in person to observe her then we can go from there and see what needs to be done. I know this is eating her up cause I can tell from talking to her how much she want Keiko to have a good life and doesn't want to cause more harm then good. Heck, I have a evil bird that I want a good life for and yes I do get frustrated with him at times cause he's just unpredictable. He's the only one that test me to my limits....lol....And I'm a very patient person.... We'll see what happens on Friday folks!

 

[Mayden]

Keiko is way to young to be looking for a mate. I suspect she is just lonely and missing her family. In the wild she would have her flock 24 hours a day. They would eat together, fly together, sleep together and she would mate for life. It is hard for the average home to replicate any of this. We got our Sunny when she was 2 1/2 and we were her fourth home. She was heartbroken to lose her family and hated us For it. It was weeks before she quit lunging and biting. As time went on she accepted us. I guess she didn't have a choice. As the months went by she grew to love us but it was probably a year before we didn't notice changes from month to month. She still looks for dark haired women and little girls and we have had her for over two years. She seems to be a very happy and well adjusted bird. We are with her most of every day and take her with us when we can. She eats with us every meal when we are home. It's a lot of time but we all love it and she is well worth it. It takes time. You wouldn't expect a child ripped from its family and given to a new one to not suffer some trauma.

I have actually said the same thing in the conversation today that she was missing her family. BUT from what I was told, for her to be terrified of everything, it makes me wonder that's why abuse was brought up. Cause that's what it sounded like to me. Someone or something have scared her bad enough to make her afraid of things. Now that takes a long long time to over come, I've gone through that with several of my birds. One was confirmed why she was doing what she was doing when I asked the previous owner IF someone did something to her at one point and I was correct when they told me what had happened to her. Dixie was the one I was asking the previous owner about. She was absolutely terrified of hands and doesn't like her feet being touched. She would start to bite and act terrified if you try to get her to step up or touch her feet. The previous owner told me when they went to pick her up, the lady that had her would yank her off her cage by her feet rather she likes it or not. The previous owner couldn't get her to do much but I had to retrain her and get her to over come that fear of hands. That took years to do!!!! She's one of my sweetest babies right now as we by pass with stepping up to hands, she steps up to a perch then to our hands. We NEVER force her to do something she doesn't want to. It's from lack of experience with Dixie's first owner that had brought the issue of being terrified of hands. I've seen people do that before and I highly disagree with that method.

Parkersmom obviously cared for Keiko to take on such a task as I know how macaws can be and yes they can be a hand full. She's trying to have the best for Keiko but I do understand when your frustrated some times words doesn't come out right but that's not what she meant. Once I get to meet Keiko in person to observe her then we can go from there and see what needs to be done. I know this is eating her up cause I can tell from talking to her how much she want Keiko to have a good life and doesn't want to cause more harm then good. Heck, I have a evil bird that I want a good life for and yes I do get frustrated with him at times cause he's just unpredictable. He's the only one that test me to my limits....lol....And I'm a very patient person.... We'll see what happens on Friday folks!

Good luck to you both, hope you keep us updated.

 

[horsesculpter]

Mikey, I was in no way suggesting that this bird had not been abused and I think it is great that you are willing to help with this. I was just relaying our experience. These birds as you well know are very sensitive and I think sometimes we expect too much from them as to their understanding of what has happened to them. Rehoming is a huge trauma for them and I believe it can take months or even years for them to feel secure again. Insecurity breeds fear and distrust of new things, experiences, and people. This bird has no way of knowing what is coming next. Like you said, lots of patience and time are required and some things may always be with her.

 

[noblemacaw]

I hope everything turns out for the best. I am sure with Mikey's help decisions regarding Keiko will be easier. Sometimes just talking with another bird person who understands where you are coming from helps a great deal. Parkersmom may just need some outside support and someone to talk "bird" with. I know sometimes I feel the same way. Not many people understand Valentino's needs and what it takes to take care of him. Most people I know don't get it so I pretty much am on my own when it comes with decisions about Valentino.

I know no matter what decisions are made for Keiko they will be made with HER best interest in mind. Parkersmom just want what is best for Keiko and I totally respect that. I am looking forward to the outcome of Mikey's visit. If anything just being able to talk to another bird lover will be of help.

 

[MikeyTN]

Mikey, I was in no way suggesting that this bird had not been abused and I think it is great that you are willing to help with this. I was just relaying our experience. These birds as you well know are very sensitive and I think sometimes we expect too much from them as to their understanding of what has happened to them. Rehoming is a huge trauma for them and I believe it can take months or even years for them to feel secure again. Insecurity breeds fear and distrust of new things, experiences, and people. This bird has no way of knowing what is coming next. Like you said, lots of patience and time are required and some things may always be with her.

I think you misread my post. I actually said the same exact thing you posted. Part of my post was directed to other posters above.