Future Parrot

I went to interact with some parrots yesterday. A place called Wholesale Bird and Cage (they also have a website, if you would like to check it out).

There were two Blue & Gold Macaws, two Moluccan Cockatoos, a Goffin Cockatoo, an Amazon, an Umbrella Cockatoo, and a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.
My favorite, by far, was the Moluccan. But I know that is out of the question. No large Too for me! I also liked the Macaws. It enjoyed playing with my fingers and my hair. Very sweet, playful bird. Sadly, they don't have the Rose Breasted Cockatoo, which is the number one bird on my list.
I am going again on Sunday. This time, I'm going to interact mostly with the macaws. That's the number two bird on my list.

Could you Macaw people give me some pointers and tips on how to interact with one of these magnificent creatures? I know not to fear them already, so that's done.

Their main website says they just got a Galah in! I have nothing add about Macaws, but there you are....

Bribery! Pine nuts are always a big hit but can be expensive, especially for this purpose. Buy a bag of shelled walnuts and take a good amount with you. Never feed peanuts, especially what with having another recall on peanut butter again.

Talk in a soothing voice. Play little games like peek-a-boo. Expect them to do the lung/bite moves. Be prepared for that and when they do, tell them in a low, calm voice 'noooo' like you would say that to a 6 month old baby who is trying to get into something they should not be.

Bribery, bribery and more bribery.

Phlox said:

Their main website says they just got a Galah in! I have nothing add about Macaws, but there you are....

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I know! I was SO excited when I saw that! But I called and they said that it's from last week. They haven't changed it yet. I also left my name and number so that they could let me know when they do get a Galah.

Be careful. I would never buy a bird from a place with "wholesale" in the name. The way a bird is weaned, how it is socialized, and how it is fledged all during that weaning and pre-weaning time has a HUGE impact on the pet they become. You can get a nice pet from anywhere, but when PAYING for a baby bird, it is important to be careful you are not already looking developmental damage control.

MacawLoverOf3 said:

Bribery! Pine nuts are always a big hit but can be expensive, especially for this purpose. Buy a bag of shelled walnuts and take a good amount with you. Never feed peanuts, especially what with having another recall on peanut butter again.

Talk in a soothing voice. Play little games like peek-a-boo. Expect them to do the lung/bite moves. Be prepared for that and when they do, tell them in a low, calm voice 'noooo' like you would say that to a 6 month old baby who is trying to get into something they should not be.

Bribery, bribery and more bribery.

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Thank you so much! I'll try this.
If one does bite me, what should I do afterwards? The last time I went, it was playing with my finger (at least, I think it was playing ) and it bit me sort of hard. It didn't lunge or hiss or seem scared or upset. It simply bent down slowly and nibbled at the tip of my finger. I think it was just curious. I didn't freak out, I just removed my finger. What should I do the next time it happens? I know that if it really wanted to, it could have done much worse. But I'm very excited to see them again.

SilverSage said:

Be careful. I would never buy a bird from a place with "wholesale" in the name. The way a bird is weaned, how it is socialized, and how it is fledged all during that weaning and pre-weaning time has a HUGE impact on the pet they become. You can get a nice pet from anywhere, but when PAYING for a baby bird, it is important to be careful you are not already looking developmental damage control.

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Oh, I'm not going to buy a bird from them. I just want to interact with their birds. The only way I can really get to know a species, is if I actually handle it. That's the whole reason I'm doing it.
I'm learning and gaining some experience. I want to know everything about a bird before I even decide that it's the bird I want to raise for the rest of my life/ the majority of my life.

Let them mouth your fingers if they being gentle. Rico has my fingers in his mouth a lot. If they get hard, pull out and say "nooo" or whatever comes naturally. I always say "hey! Be gentle, no hurting/biting"
Treats are good, but I'm going to have to say my guy isn't food orientated for the most part. He loves attention and praise.
Wing lifting and head bobbing are the way my guy displays. I get nervous for other people when he does that. And I received my worst bite from him when I didn't listen to his displaying.

Good for you! I am glad you have a place you can go and interact with them! BTW I can't wait to hear about whatever bird does finally come home with you, and I am SO GLAD to hear someone researching before bringing home a 'too and knowing which ones are not for them A breath of fresh air!

Jumpingtadpoles said:

Let them mouth your fingers if they being gentle. Rico has my fingers in his mouth a lot. If they get hard, pull out and say "nooo" or whatever comes naturally. I always say "hey! Be gentle, no hurting/biting"
Treats are good, but I'm going to have to say my guy isn't food orientated for the most part. He loves attention and praise.
Wing lifting and head bobbing are the way my guy displays. I get nervous for other people when he does that. And I received my worst bite from him when I didn't listen to his displaying.

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They were all fairly gentle, for the most part. I'm really looking forward to going back.

SilverSage said:

Good for you! I am glad you have a place you can go and interact with them! BTW I can't wait to hear about whatever bird does finally come home with you, and I am SO GLAD to hear someone researching before bringing home a 'too and knowing which ones are not for them A breath of fresh air!

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Thank you, that's what I like to hear!
Well, I FINALLY got to interact with some Rose Breasted Toos!!!
I went to the All American Hookbill Fair in Bridgeton, MO on Sunday. It was great! I saw Eclectus, Quakers, Lovebirds, Macaws, Parakeets, Cockatiels, African Greys (a lot of these), Pionus, Amazons, etc.
I found the bird for me!! Definitely the Rose Breasted Cockatoo. I handled three. All had different personalities, but they all were just as cuddly and affectionate. I love their size. Not small, like my Cockatiel, but not as large as a Macaw. They are the same size as the African Greys. I am in love with this species already!

They're so beautiful! And aren't they just the softest thing you've ever touched?!

I can't have any more birds, but I swear I'd love one just to rub my face on him/her.

Selestine said:

They're so beautiful! And aren't they just the softest thing you've ever touched?!

I can't have any more birds, but I swear I'd love one just to rub my face on him/her.

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Definitely!!