new macaw

[vhcalderon]

Hello ,my name is Victor .I have a 5 month old IRN male and I'm about to adopt a 2 year old military macaw female ..any advise would be very appreciated..I've never had a large bird always wanted one so I'm a bit nervous ,scared ,but also very excited

 

[plax]

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a new Macaw!

Have you spent some time with this bird? What is her temperament? I presume she is able to be handled and that you have personally handled her. If you've already become acquainted with her to some degree, that should provide you some assurance on how you and she may get along together once she arrives home with you.

Some Military Macaws can be a challenge. I'll tell you that mine, Maynard, who is a wild caught bird and whom I've had for over 30 years, certainly is challenging at times. But individual birds of most any species can turn out to be a challenge, whereas others can be wonderfully adaptive, easy-going and affectionate friends and family members. I've encountered Military Macaws just like that in fact. Hopefully yours will be one of those.

I'm sure others here may have some further advice for you. I wish you well with your soon-to-be new flock member.

 

[MaraWentz]

Congrats! It's exciting but nervous adopting any bird, no matter what the size because every bird is different when put in a new environment and it's just a surprise on what to expect! Good luck! And make sure you do your research. ANy questions- just ask! My best advise is to train her. Learning tricks def. boosts their confidence. When I first got my RFM Erin, she was agressive and untame. I tried training her and she seemed to do her best to ignore me, but little by little tolerated it, and then went form tolerating to beaming and dancing when she did a command right (spin around, wave, ste p up, fly, etc). And when you train, train. Don't give options. You're training- not asking if it wants to listen to you or not- that seems to defeat the purpose. Don't give up Good luck!

 

[vhcalderon]

Thnxs guys....no I haven't spent anytime with her at all ...I saw an add ,she is 4 hrs away from me ..I'm driving over and picking her up tomorrow ...I spend a lot of time with my IRN and planning on doing the same with her ...mine is barely ever in his cage ...always near me or on play gym ..I have the ability to take them to work with me daily ...I just purchased the trick taming videos from birdtricks.com hope it works out well

 

[wenz2712]

Good luck with her and remember to post some pics of her and your IRN

 

[Mike]

Birdtricks.com uses positive reenforcement very effectively. Good choice. You should also look at goodbirdinc.com. She's even better.

Be patient for the first two weeks. Remember that you're building a relationship with someone who will be part of your life for however long that may be. You want to make sure that relationship gets off to a good start.

 

[vhcalderon]

So,I just brought my military macaw home.....she lunges at me when I put my hands near her cage..she is very quiet ,I believe because of her new environment ...however I opened her put water and food and she did not lunge at me....I have given her 4 peanuts and she took them and actually ate them so that's a good sign I touch her top beak as I gave her the peanut ...she pulled back but didn't try to bite ....should I do this for several days and then try getting her out of the cage ...I don't want to rush into things

 

[wenz2712]

Yes, let her settle in for a few days first! She needs to get used to, both you and her new surroundings. If she is taking treats from you without biting, then this is a good sign

Good luck with her and just take things one step at a time.

Look forward to seeing pics when you are able to take them.

 

[vhcalderon]

Thnxs Wendy,I sure will