Macaw advice?

Korvia · Feb 18, 2013

I hope this is the right spot. I got offered a 77 year old male Ruby macaw. Now I'm wondering what's the best way to make the move less stressful for him? I think he may be un tame due to some neglect, would it be possible to hand tame him again? or is there no point? He does step up onto a perch, talks a lot, hardly screams. What are good treats and toys for him? Anything else you can think of to make life for him as easy as I can. He also only likes females, is there a way to make him like males again or no? Not overly worried about that one as I am female.

MikeyTN · Feb 19, 2013

They like who they like, I've been trying for years to get Willie to like my partner, but that's never gonna happen. Willie only likes me and no one else....

What will help to make the move a lot easier if he comes with his existing cage and try to keep everything the same, even if it's a crappy cage. You can always change it later. After he's used to you and his surroundings then you can offer new toys and such. They LOVE nuts, walnuts, almonds, etc etc. That's the perfect treat for you to use. It's good he will step onto a perch, get him away from the cage to a stand where you can work with him. It just takes time! Macaws are super smart birds, they will re-learn to be friendly again with people. You just can't expect him to like someone he's never going to like.

Korvia · Feb 19, 2013

MikeyTN said:
They like who they like, I've been trying for years to get Willie to like my partner, but that's never gonna happen. Willie only likes me and no one else....

What will help to make the move a lot easier if he comes with his existing cage and try to keep everything the same, even if it's a crappy cage. You can always change it later. After he's used to you and his surroundings then you can offer new toys and such. They LOVE nuts, walnuts, almonds, etc etc. That's the perfect treat for you to use. It's good he will step onto a perch, get him away from the cage to a stand where you can work with him. It just takes time! Macaws are super smart birds, they will re-learn to be friendly again with people. You just can't expect him to like someone he's never going to like.

I understand he likes who he likes. He's coming with a lovely 7 foot cage. good to know, I'll have to stock up on some nuts. I'm happy to hear he'll be people friendly again. I am his 3rd owner, he outlived one and his current can't keep him anymore, she's getting too old to care for him.

MikeyTN · Feb 20, 2013

I am Willie's second owner, his previous owner weaned him and had him until he was about 2 years old before I brought him home with me. He's been with us for 9 years going on 10 and he's turning 12 in May. I know I will be forced to re-home him one day so hopefully he'll fall in love with someone from day one like he did with me. The day I would never forget when he came to me right away when I went inside their house.

Macaw advice?

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