New Macaw owner

[Gail55]

Hi, I am a new owner of a 17 yo Blue and gold Macaw named Charlie. I've known Charlie for the past year or so and officially adopted him 1 week ago. I've had time to do some reading and preparing for his arrival but it's like expecting your first child. All the reading in the world does not prepare you for the first night the new baby cries and keeps you up all night long. I am happy to report that Charlie and I are both sleeping through the night! Our transition is going pretty well so far. Only one of my neighbors has complained of noise. I'll bake him some cookies, give him some ear plugs and I did move Charlie to a different spot in my home. Hopefully my neighbor will relax.
I am a visiting nurse and Charlie's previous owner was one of my patients. I met Charlie when I made visits to his owner. I would talk to Charlie at each visit and we became friends. Charlie's owner had cancer and knew his time was short. He askd if I would adopt Charlie. He was very afraid of what would happen to Charlie after he was gone. He was also afraid that family members would sell him to anyone who would pay for him. His owner loved him like he was his child. I agreed to adopt Charlie when the time came. His owner passed on 11/30 and Charlie moved in with me on 12/4.
I am joining this forum because I know I will have many questions as time goes on and I am hoping that I can get good answers from experienced parrot owners.
I had him at the vet today and he answered many of my questions. He's been Charlie's vet for 10 years so he knows him well.

 

[henpecked]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of Charlie's owner , and know he'd be happy to know he found someone who cares for Charlie. I'm usually in the amazon section but contact me if you need help.Lot's of good people here with good advice. Thanks for looking out for Charlie.I'm sure you'll be best buds before long.

 

[antoinette]

Welcome to our awesome forum.
So happy you are talking care of Charlie, sure his previous owner is smiling down on you, knowing his last wish was followed through.
Take one day at a time, Charlie needs time to adjust, and settle down. Everything is new and strange to him.
Please keep us updated on his progress, any questions please ask. There are many knowledgeable members on the forum, who would gladly be of assistance.

 

[roxynoodle]

Welcome and thank you for taking Charlie. That is one of my worst fears, that my animals will outlive me.

This is a nice forum with many helpful people. They will welcome your questions and offer good advice.

 

[Gail55]

Thanks for the support and warm welcome. Charlie and I are doing well. He likes the radio on and is listening to Christmas music as I write this. Here comes Santa Clause, Here comes Santa Clause right down Santa Clause Lane........ He is soooo cute. I guess Santa will be bringing him some new toys!
The visit with the vet yesterday was very informative and I learned alot of things. He told me not to pet him on the back wings and only pet his head or he may think I am his bird mate. Yikes..who knew. I think that may have been the cause of some of his screaming. The screaming has stopped since I stopped petting him on the back. He is also stepping up regularly now. We both have a lot to learn.