Baby B&G macaw behavior

[Karmabird]

Hello,
I would like to ask how should hand-reared baby b&g macaws behave, when visiting the breeder? I went to look at some available babies (found them online -
tested for everything, known sex and there were photos where they were teaching them on leash and also cuddle photos) and had a great feeling. They were beautiful and all seemed very healthy. The breeder did not let some major handling happen. But it seemed good at that moment. We looked at them for a moment through cage door and then I asked whether I can pet one, so he took one out of the big cage and perched him on his hand. Parrot did let me pet him. Though he was not at all happy about it and it seemed (I am not the most experienced parrot owner, so it is basically guessing; I have to add that on person I kind of can not for sure tell body language even though I understand it in the written form) like it did not want to be on the breeder's hand either. The breeder secured me that they were a bit nervous because I was a stranger. Which is totally reasonable and really, I was NOT expecting them to cuddle or something like that. So I reserved one boy (I did not choose one, though - he will choose one when they are weaned) and left with great feeling. I have never bought a parrot from a breeder, just from pet centers. And I always chose one by looks, because all were very skittish.

Now, I started following a parrot group on facebook few weeks ago (even before
finally deciding which parrot to buy). Few days ago some people posted how they were at the breeder's house (for the same species that I want) and put there few photos. My jaw went literally down. They were on the ground with those baby macaws on their hands and on the ground with some toys. They also said they chose one themselves there. And I am ... I don't even know. Mad? Angry at myself for not asking the question I put in the begining of this topic earlier BEFORE I went looking at them? I now do not know whether it is ok, how they behaved or not? Should I buy one from him? And this happens after I think how well I prepared myself before I went there... Thanks for answers

 

[LordTriggs]

it could just be that macaw was scared of you or in general was a skittish bird. Each have their own temperament. If possible I would ask about going back to pick one of them and just go through seeing which one opens up to you the most out of the ones there. It is possible to get a bird who is initially frightened tame and cuddly but it takes longer than the one that picks you out

 

[wrench13]

It will always go easier if the bird picks you, but that is t to say this is the ONLy way to start a long longing relationship.

 

[MonicaMc]

It's also possible that these people who went to the breeders house and played with their baby macaws will take those same birds home and all of a sudden they can't handle their new baby! They might for 1-3 days, but then can't! This is actually rather normal. A new home is scary for birds, and if they are an only bird, it can be even scarier because there is safety in a flock. If a bird is the only one, there is no flock, thus no safety, and they feel vulnerable.


Someone on this forum was intent on purchasing a *MALE* blue and gold macaw. However, all the breeders only had females! She finally had found a male, but the breeder had no interest in selling her the male. Two people had already bought him and returned him, so the breeder decided to turn him into another breeder. He was stand-offish and afraid. Wanted nothing to do with people. All the females were friendly and wanted to interact, so the breeder kept trying to push one of them onto this member.

She wasn't having it and went home with the male macaw. And today? He's now famous! So famous in fact that some people do not believe the owner when she says that Fargo belongs to her!



It's unfortunate that she's now busy with her adult life (she was a teen when she bought Fargo!) that she doesn't post much about him anymore, but to see everything he has learned? Amazing!



In other words, it's hard to judge a book by it's cover. All birds and all breeders will be different. How you handle what you get will also depend on how that animal will grow up.


If you aren't comfortable with this breeder, then look elsewhere. If you are, then see if the breeder would allow you to pick a bird, but know that the bird's behavior could do a 180 in your home. In short, do what you feel most comfortable with. Are they a good breeder? Do their birds have large cages? Do they feed a varied diet? Do their birds have toys? How do they interact with their birds? All things to consider.

 

[LordTriggs]

agreed with Monica. Think of all the stories of someone walking up to the "problem bird" who is violent, never steps up and screams non-stop. Then the bird steps up and asks for a cuddle and starts making sweet kissy noises

They have more of a personality than people realize and will decide to like or not like someone immediately