Advice please on accepting rehome of macaw

[Biancafal]

Hi, new here but not new to parenting parrots, although it's been a while. Had 2 conures and a goffins cockatoo, but unfortunately had to rehome them after a house fire displaced me for almost a year. Since then I've had a baby, been divorced, been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I'm on longterm chemo, had to quit my job and go on disability and now I'm at home every day, just me and my little girl. She's a 1 1/2 old. My neighbor is wanting to rehome her 20 year old+ yellow collared mini macaw and I'm considering it. I moved my cats litter box outside and have an extra bedroom with a window facing my patio ready for him. He will have a very large cage besides free time with me and in his own room. My only concern about this choice is how young my daughter is and if he will be a danger to her. I know she should not be left unattended with him or be allowed to handle him or play with cage because of the risk of him biting her and seriously injuring her. But if I'm aware of those risks and take appropriate cautions, do any of you have an opinion if this is a bad fit because I have a young child? Thank you for your help and time.

 

[HEEDLESS]

I am no good with advice regarding birds...

BUT.. I don't believe in the term of "bad fit because of a young child" or any other "bad fit" when you want to bring home a bird since you already have had birds; plus, you are home and have put on good thoughts about this. You just need to think of how you are going to do when you have to go to your doctors' visits, Chemo, and in case you have to stay few nights at the hospital!


Stay strong to take care of yourself, and your little beloved baby princess. ^_^


**Hugs** **CHUUUUUUUUU**





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[munami]

Welcome the forums Bianca. It's really noble of you to consider rehoming this macaw. While I think it depends on a case to case basis, often times I feel like 1 and 1/2 is way too young to reason with the child. If she was a little older, maybe you could talk to her and explain that the bird needs respect too.

I don't think it's impossible to make it work all things said. If you keep them separate most of the time and only allowed carefully supervised interaction with one another. In a place where you can read his body language but also help guide her hands. Children tend to be a little spastic so I worry about her movements spooking him.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, I wish you much success in a quest for wellness.

Having a macaw will introduce another young "child" in the realm of 2 to 3 years. Some excellent intro into macaw personality: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

I honestly don't see it being a problem just because you have a young child. I have larger birds, an Amazon and African grey, and live with my 2 year old nephew. As soon as he was old enough to start walking, he was taught to give the birds their own space, that they could give him owies. It was really no different than teaching him not to touch the stove.

I also will say that keeping her in a separate room is probably not the best idea. You really want her in the main area of your house where you spend most of your time. It makes her feel like she's part of your flock, even if she's just playing with her toys inside her cage.

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