Hi Fellow Mac Owners

ThePiranha123

New member
Feb 25, 2016
3
0
UK
Parrots
Harlequin Macaw
Hi I am a new Mac owner and I know some people see these hybrids as not being real Macs but this was a bird in need and I couldn’t leave that need unfilled.
I had spent the last 6 weeks looking for a Scarlet Mac. I went out shopping for a Scarlet which had always been the Mac I had wanted all my life and ended up with a Harlequin.

As I said in the New Members Welcome page he is 2 ½ years old and in major need of good care. He had a bad start in life passed around and left to go wild and mistrusting of people. I have spent every waking moment of his with him the last 3 days to gain a little trust doing things on his terms when he wants and each of the 3 days I have had minor successes as an example from each day

Day 1 = Allowing him his own time to come out of his carrier when he wanted. Left alone though in our company till he wanted to look around and be social, fed a few treats to reinforce a positive environment.
Day 2= After spending part of the night talking softly to him due to him suffering night terrors as he was trying to sleep we had a better day and he didn’t walk away from me when I came near and gently taking a treat before retreating to eat. Trying to reinforce his space is his space and waiting to be allowed to enter it.
Day 3 He allowed me to put my hand in his cage ( floor level ) without freaking out and getting stressed to rescue a large chunk of toy he had just killed. Still the odd treat here there to keep a positive position and finally allowing me to stroke his upper bill for a couple of seconds before retreating. The Bill to me was a great break through and the first time he had let me touch him.

My next stops will be to continue to earn his trust, early stages of point and clicker training in an effort to get him to step up. Though I am used to large powerful birds this is my first Mac and I am sure I will be asking some stupid questions over time.

I will keep you updated on my progress with him and I am always open to suggestions tricks or tips

As for a name once we find out his sex it looks like it will be down to either Male = Picasso or Ralph ( Wreak it Ralph )

Female = Poppy or Elsa



thepiranha123-albums-new-rescue-picture16172t-2016-02-25-16-57-51.jpg
 
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ThePiranha123

New member
Feb 25, 2016
3
0
UK
Parrots
Harlequin Macaw
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Update

His colours are brightening and his attitude is changing he is far calmer but still a little flighty at times. He enjoys a healthy mixed diet of fresh fruits, greens as well as good seed and nuts mix.

Still building up more and more trust with him. Every day I see something new. He allows me to hold and stroke his hook. Takes treats from my fingers from inside his cage now and then without trying to take my fingers off ( most of the time ). lol Though sometimes he will fain I am coming for a treat but try to grab your finger but sometimes not with the intensity it's more a play and test, then others you can see that look and you know he would.

I have also started some point and clicker training and we seam to be doing ok but still early days.

Right now my goals are still the same, it is still about trust building and a calm attitude showing him he has nothing to fear. But I have seen big changes in just a short period of time for a bird who was abused who mistrusts. He is beginning to find his own voice and talks and squawks along with the night terrors he suffers have calmed down a little bit.
 
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JerseyWendy

New member
Jul 20, 2012
20,995
24
Hybrids not real big macs? :11: They are JUST as real as all the others, no doubt about it! Your new buddy is gorgeous!! :heart: Thank you for the update!! :)
 

Zirstonas

New member
Feb 10, 2014
75
0
The Netherlands
Parrots
Congo African grey, Illiger's macaw
Welcome! I love harlequin macaws, I have a friend who has one too, there absolutely beautiful! There's nothing more rewarding then training a parrot and learn him new things :)
 

Solo

New member
Feb 24, 2015
294
0
Wichita,KS
Parrots
Shamrock Macaw
Sounds like you're putting a lot of work into him, keep up the good work and don't give up. Keep us posted [emoji4] and don't let anyone fool you, hybrids are just as rewarding and just as mischievous as pure blood macs (trust me, I own one).
 

1500

New member
May 23, 2015
72
0
Idaho
Parrots
Bonny-Shamrock Macaw, Pan-Quaker Parrot, Hermes-Cockatiel
I also have a hybrid and I would not trade her for anything.
 

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