I was wondering what would be a good first parrot. Maybe one that won't bite me!!

[Abigal7]

Birdman knows a lot about macaws and his post are educational. Have you seen pictures of Fargo's setup? He has a big cage and wonderful setup. My mini macaw can destroy wood on large bird toys so it does not surprise to me that a large macaw can chew a hole in a wall, door ect. Most people that have a bird room let their bird sit in there when they can supervise them. I keep Captain Jack's cage open unless I am at work or leave the house. I have heard good things about Greenwing macaws and have been told if I ever got a large macaw a Blue and Gold or a Greenwing macaw would be the best bet.

 

[Abigal7]

I'm not afraid I'd just rather not get bitten. I understand now that's part an parcel of having any bird. I've learned so much since i posted that question. I watched one documentary were some of these birds are bilingual which amazed me

They are such smart animals and I have to say my mini macaw has to be (the smartest bird when compared to the birds I had in the past). I understand you do not want to be bitten. From my experience a tame bird usually does not bite. The rare bites I had was from a scared budgie and green cheek conure but they no longer did any biting when they got tame and got to know me. The only non frightful bite I got was when Captain Jack (getting too much into rough play put too much pressure). As I said before the worst bite I ever received was from a hamster. I also never had a bird that liked to nail people with a bite either (though one of my green cheeks as a baby gave my dad a couple of good bleeding bites)

 

[Kakapo]

Yep birdman certainly knows his stuff about macaws. I like reading what he posts it's always good information. An nope i don't really want to get bitten.... But it might happen an il just have to get on with it. I wonder why they want to chew everything but not eat it???

 

[Birdman666]

Yep birdman certainly knows his stuff about macaws. I like reading what he posts it's always good information. An nope i don't really want to get bitten.... But it might happen an il just have to get on with it. I wonder why they want to chew everything but not eat it???

They chew their toys. Only a macaw doesn't distinguish between the wood blocks you give him to play with, and, say the fine wooden antique furniture in the living room...

Mine have THEIR room. With lots, and lots of THEIR toys. They know the stuff outside of their room is off limits. They are discouraged from wandering off, unless they are waddling over to you for a little more lap time... They know better... BIG BIRD will get upset if you do that! Again, that's part of boundary setting in my opinion.

It is an inexact science...

But remember when placing the cage, if it is within reach of the beak, consider it a chew toy (because your bird probably will.) That is YOUR responsibility. Just assume they will! And react accordingly... Don't have it flush against walls, or close to windowsills or other such things that would be tempting...

 

[CDavis]

This is an amazing but OLD thread and I want people to read this it really puts parrot ownership into perspective

 

[Scott]

This is an amazing but OLD thread and I want people to read this it really puts parrot ownership into perspective

An old but very wise thread! Good reading for someone contemplating life with a parrot!!

 

[KelMichelle]

Hi welcome! I'm new here too and I think it's pretty awesome that your looking for info before bringing a new family member home. I wish I had researched more but it was kind of a love at first sight with my Ringneck Lemon. I can tell you do to the breeders suggestion we visited her for a month before finally bringing her home. I think this made the adjustment easier, she knew us but just not the environment vs not knowing us in a new environment. The breeder warned me of bluffing and I think we're in full on bluff mode as in I'm gonna see what you will let me get away with but for the most part she isn't biting to hurt, some nips seem playful, and then I get one that is a hey I'm warning you I'm not in the mood. I've definitely enjoyed seeing her adjust the past few days have been like a toddler with a RedBull. She is exploring everything and been quite vocal. Good Luck on your endeavor to find a new family member


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[GW.Joe]

This is an amazing but OLD thread and I want people to read this it really puts parrot ownership into perspective

I think the most important thing people considering a parrot companion is the TIME your parrot will need with you

Our baby is now about 2.5 years old and he is VERY demanding, They are so smart that they know everything going on around them

So be prepared, if you allow something to become "routine" don't think that you will easily stop that routine later

And PLEASE spend time with your parrot everyday
(with some parrots this might mean hours)

Sometimes it is a bit easier if you have other family members to help out, That's what we do, And if the bird "doesn't like" one family member as much all the more reason to socialize the bird with that person

The bird will learn that its either that or "back in the cage"

My baby loves me as a "mommy" (I hand fed him) and my daughter as his mate, but with my two sons he gets nippy with (like a sibling) When my son says "ok, back in the cage" the bird stops the "bad" behavior

Have a GREAT Day

Joe