New B&G Macaw

[Msl]

Hello
After about 2 years of waiting I've finally purchased a B&G macaw,
I live in Australia and they're not cheap here at all.

He's just turned 6 months and very friendly, I picked him up yesterday and sat through a 10 hour car drive very well, already very playful, trusts us, loves his harness I don't think I could of asked for better.

I'm a uni student and currently don't work so I'm excited to have a lot of free time to train him very well, any tips with DIY toys and stand would be great, I might make a thread somewhere with weekly updates to see how he goes , he is currently nameless so that is TBA haha.

If anyone has any tips about raising around dogs please let me know, I have to young beautiful border collies thanks!

 

[witchbaby]

Oh my, he's gorgeous! Have you thought of a name yet?

Welcome to the forum, btw. You'll love it here.

 

[Doublete]

Congrats! And welcome!

 

[itchyfeet]

Stunning! They're super expensive in NZ too....insane. Anywhere between 6-10k for a juvenile usually.
Congratulations

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

OMG! He's adorable. I LOVE B&Gs. IF I had my own house (instead of a small apt) I would DEFINITELY get one! I've always wanted one of them, but my apartment is too small for it to be fair to the bird so I have a small parrot instead, a sunny. You are SOOOOOO lucky!

I especially like the fourth pic. You can definitely tell he's still a baby!

Welcome aboard!

PS, did I say your B&G is adorable? haha

 

[Msl]

Oh my, he's gorgeous! Have you thought of a name yet?

Welcome to the forum, btw. You'll love it here.

No not yet, thinking something similar to our dogs which are named after Pokemon but shortened, Geo(geodude) & Lux (Luxray)
Something like Dos or Tres maybe.

Stunning! They're super expensive in NZ too....insane. Anywhere between 6-10k for a juvenile usually.

I thought it was expensive in aus, I paid 4.5k for him, no regrets!

OMG! He's adorable. I LOVE B&Gs. IF I had my own house (instead of a small apt) I would DEFINITELY get one! I've always wanted one of them, but my apartment is too small for it to be fair to the bird so I have a small parrot instead, a sunny. You are SOOOOOO lucky!

I especially like the fourth pic. You can definitely tell he's still a baby!

Yeah my partner and I moved recently now we have a big 4 bedroom house with a long hallway for him to get some good flying done

Thanks for the kind words everyone

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there, and welcome to the forums.

BEAUTIFUL baby!!!! :smile015:

Here are some links for you regarding DIY toys and playstands:
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/51070-monster-playstand-tutorial.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/47799-coqui-s-birthday-present-done-hanging-play-gym.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/45734-coqui-s-new-jungle-gym.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/37154-new-diy-perches-coqui-savannah.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/31839-my-diy-playgyms-i-just-made.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/27017-diy-shower-perch-very-easy.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/38768-when-weather-outside-frightful.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/27060-natural-toy-macaw-amazon.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/24431-macaw-toy-whopper.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/23756-diy-foraging-tube.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/do-yourself/23829-quick-easy-toy.html

 

[Zirstonas]

Wow! beautiful macaw, and welcome to the forums of course I didn't know they were that expensive there, but two years waiting gives you something you'll love your entire life. Welcome!

 

[Christinenc2000]

Such a pretty baby.
I love the dog's peeking in at you lol.

 

[thekarens]

He's a sweetie!

 

[GreatBlue320]

Congrats on your new baby! He's gorgeous!

 

[Birdman666]

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of "mush macs." If you think he's friendly now, give it a few months, when he really becomes bonded! Then you'll see what it's really all about... They are just amazing.

Socializing them around dogs? Usually requires supervised interaction. I essentially have the bird on one hand, and the other on the dog's collar... let them sniff nose to beak... let them get comfortable around each other.

You can usually tell if the dog is getting too excited or aggressive, or the bird is becoming defensive. At that point you gently discipline the offender to let them know this isn't going to be tolerated.

In terms of letting them play together? I really wouldn't. Bad things can happen to your bird in a hurry, and the dog just thinks it's rough play. So keep them separated.

Another thing that frequently happens with macaws, and dogs, is the dog will end up being entertainment for the macaw, so the macaw will call the dog, drop food to the dog, and occasionally, even order the dog around...

If the bird is feeding the dog, they're going to make friends on their own...

It happens that way, more frequently than not.... And it's actually kinda fun to watch that interaction develop.

 

[Birdman666]

Stunning! They're super expensive in NZ too....insane. Anywhere between 6-10k for a juvenile usually.

I thought it was expensive in aus, I paid 4.5k for him, no regrets!

Well, the one good thing about that is there is less "impulse purchases." Here in the States, where they are cheaper and easier to come by, we have a very real neglect problem with these birds...

And let's face it they're high maintenance...

When you pay that much for a bird, you really want it, and will presumably put more effort into the care and training of it...

Hard to come by sometimes = less "throw aways."

Macaws are the most toddler-like of parrots.

 

[Weezerj]

I thought it was expensive in aus, I paid 4.5k for him, no regrets!

Well, the one good thing about that is there is less "impulse purchases." Here in the States, where they are cheaper and easier to come by, we have a very real neglect problem with these birds...

And let's face it they're high maintenance...

When you pay that much for a bird, you really want it, and will presumably put more effort into the care and training of it...

Hard to come by sometimes = less "throw aways."

Macaws are the most toddler-like of parrots.

B&Gs are by far the most common Macaw I see on Craigslist for "re-homing"....

 

[Msl]

Hi there, and welcome to the forums.

BEAUTIFUL baby!!!! :smile015:

Here are some links for you regarding DIY toys and playstands

Thanks for the links, exactly what I'm looking to do thanks!

Such a pretty baby.
I love the dog's peeking in at you lol.

Haha I feel bad they're usually inside dogs, you can really see the jealousy.

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of "mush macs." If you think he's friendly now, give it a few months, when he really becomes bonded! Then you'll see what it's really all about... They are just amazing.

Socializing them around dogs? Usually requires supervised interaction. I essentially have the bird on one hand, and the other on the dog's collar... let them sniff nose to beak... let them get comfortable around each other.

You can usually tell if the dog is getting too excited or aggressive, or the bird is becoming defensive. At that point you gently discipline the offender to let them know this isn't going to be tolerated.

In terms of letting them play together? I really wouldn't. Bad things can happen to your bird in a hurry, and the dog just thinks it's rough play. So keep them separated.

Another thing that frequently happens with macaws, and dogs, is the dog will end up being entertainment for the macaw, so the macaw will call the dog, drop food to the dog, and occasionally, even order the dog around...

If the bird is feeding the dog, they're going to make friends on their own...

It happens that way, more frequently than not.... And it's actually kinda fun to watch that interaction develop.

I'm quite surprised how friendly he already is, I was able to take him down to the pet store and he would happily sit on my arm and let strangers give him a big head rub, he absolutely loved it.

I'm slowly introducing them together usually through the screen door, he doesn't seem bothered by them anymore, we all went for a walk yesterday around the block and he just looked at them and neither took much notice.
Excited to see what happens, obviously with supervision

I thought it was expensive in aus, I paid 4.5k for him, no regrets!

Well, the one good thing about that is there is less "impulse purchases." Here in the States, where they are cheaper and easier to come by, we have a very real neglect problem with these birds...

And let's face it they're high maintenance...

When you pay that much for a bird, you really want it, and will presumably put more effort into the care and training of it...

Hard to come by sometimes = less "throw aways."

Macaws are the most toddler-like of parrots.

I see a lot about posts about re-homed birds, I'm honestly surprised how much of a problem it is, I've been "begging" my partner for 2 years and she finally gave in, obviously loves it too.
I'm at uni and not working so I have a lot of time and have a lot of plans to train him, I'm very excited.

Just a question about socializing, is it a good thing to do a lot? like taking them for a walk around the neighborhood and pet stores and let stranges touch and pet?
I would really like him to be a great social bird which is friendly towards most people, is this the best way? thanks!

 

[Msl]

Thought I'd add some pictures of him in his harness
He loves it.

 

[Birdman666]

I'm quite surprised how friendly he already is, I was able to take him down to the pet store and he would happily sit on my arm and let strangers give him a big head rub, he absolutely loved it.


Just a question about socializing, is it a good thing to do a lot? like taking them for a walk around the neighborhood and pet stores and let stranges touch and pet?
I would really like him to be a great social bird which is friendly towards most people, is this the best way? thanks!

I actually have found this is the best way to do it. Birds that get introduced to strangers and socialized around strangers, generally become accepting of strangers, and allow this stuff.

Birds that only get handled by one or two people at most, end up not allowing anyone other than their people to handle them.

Birds that get locked in cages and don't get handled? Don't stay tame, get mad, and bite.

Like I say, you are just scratching the surface of what life with a bonded macaw can be like. They're goofy, loving, fun, and just amazing companion animals IF you do the work with them...

 

[Birdman666]

I see a lot about posts about re-homed birds, I'm honestly surprised how much of a problem it is, I've been "begging" my partner for 2 years and she finally gave in, obviously loves it too.

This will give you a feel for the scope of the problem here in the US (from an article on the homeless parrot problem):

"My own anecdotal evidence also hinted at the scope of the problem. In western Washington, where I live, it took little effort to find five organizations that accept surrendered parrots:

Mollywood Avian Sanctuary, Bellingham: 350 parrots
Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary, Stanwood: 450
Macaw Rescue and Sanctuary, Carnation: 300
Zazu’s House, Woodinville: 150
Good Fox Birdie Haven, Auburn: 80
This totals 1,330 abandoned, relinquished, or otherwise homeless parrots in one state, actually in just half of one state."

Now, this is a bit misleading because places like Mollywood, and Stanwood actually take in birds from all over the US... SO that's not just Western Washington birds...

But still, that's 1,330 documented birds in one state (and there are a few more, because I've placed birds in other sanctuaries in Washington State back when I was doing parrot rescue work.) And the number is probably closer to 1,500. Multiply that by 50 states, and you get a number at around 75,000, which may be actually be tad on the low side. It's a combination of impulse purchase, lack of knowledge about training, loss of interest, downturns in the economy, changes in lifestyle and circumstances, and of course, birds who out live their owners... On some levels, I am afraid we have become a "disposable society." Things aren't what they once were here in terms of people feeling a personal responsibility for what they've taken on. So, with some people, we end up with disposable marriages, disposable children from those marriages, and disposable pets when they act up, or become inconvenient...

The rescue I volunteered at had 350 birds at any given time. There were two other local rescues I used to work with as well that had between 75-150 birds at any given time.

To me, these are members of my family, where I have taken on the sacred duty to care for them as best I can, for their lives... "You become forever responsible for what you have tamed."
They can't go back to the wild. They have bonded with us. It's up to us to live up to that. These are sensitive, intelligent, living things not disposable objects to deposit by the dumpster when we grow tired of them.
Pecker, my BFA, was left by the dumpster to die... I found her, nursed her back to health, and she became my most bonded bird ever. One person's trash is another person's bird to be treasured!

Same planet, Different worlds.

The owners of Santa Barbara Bird Farm in California, Phoebe Linden had a good quote in that article:

“We don’t have a parrot problem in the country. The parrots are not the problem. The problem is people. Too often, they want the parrots to be decorations. Or they don’t focus enough on the parrots’ needs.”

Bingo! When their needs are met, when they get out and meet people, and get properly socialized, and their nutritional needs are met, they don't act up. They don't scream. They don't pluck. They don't attack people. And they become so bonded, and so entertaining that you would never in a million years consider getting rid of them.

People don't do that, and then rob themselves of the very things they bought the bird for in the first place!

 

[itchyfeet]

Birdman I'm in New Zealand (not part of Aussie, but next to it ) and I hear you when you talk about the costs. Grey's over here used to go for 6-8,000 NZD about 5 years ago, and now you could probably pay 4,500. I saw my first 'problem grey' listed when looking for my parrot, but haven't seen one since. I nearly brought her home too, but both of my children were eager to be able to handle what came home, and they're still relatively young. I also figured that if I thought I had enough time for a big bird, then I could probably manage a smaller parrot really really well, and that has proven to be the case.

There downer is that there seems to be limited supplies here too. The parrot toys range is increasing very slowly with the help of online trading, but generally I have to import my stuff from Australia. There's only one real brand of cages people bother with here.

But certainly, if you want a parrot, especially a baby, you pay. And even with the rehomes, they'll sell them on at very similar prices. When I watch you guys talk about rescues on here, I'd go in a heartbeat - I just don't think I'd find one....

 

[Birdman666]

I kid you not...

When you take a dog for a walk, other dog owners do not come up to you and say, oh, I have one of those, you want him?

When you take a large macaw outside for a walk...

I have been given, free of charge, multiple large macaws including some not so polite "GET THIS THING OUT OF MY HOUSE!" Went out for a walk with my bird... Came home pushing a B&G in a wall unit sized cage. (Ended up placing that one.) People often get these birds without the slightest clue as to how to properly train one. Get bit a few times. Then the bird ends up locked in a cage, doing life in solitary.
Until the guy with the happy, healthy birds hanging out on his shoulder walks by... "I WISH MINE WAS LIKE THAT, DO YOU WANT HIM?!"

A happy "mush mac" is an absolute joy to have around.

An unhappy mac, who's angry at the world? That's more a force to be reckoned with! "YOU DID THIS TO ME, NOW I WANT MY POUND OF FLESH!!!"

Three of my present five were other people's throw aways... (Maggie, Lila, and Sally - One of those - Sally - was scheduled to be euthanized when I took her.) Another was a confiscated egg... that Rachel hand raised and entrusted to me. (Tusk) I purchased exactly ONE bird (Sweepea) EVER. I had 11 at one point and time, and worked with 350+ more. People have been giving me birds, or trying to give me birds for years... (They see how I care for mine, and the novelty of parrot ownership has worn off for them. Here, you take him... I'm tired of "this thing" biting me!)