Newest Member of the Family

55G NewB · 07-08-2005, 05:23 PM

I know this is not reef-related (well in a way it is because some of the money for my new 120g set-up was diverted, delaying the project ;<). Princess is an Umbrella-Crested Cockatoo that the admiral's uncle could no longer keep. He wanted $100 for the bird, cage, and all the trimmings. Not a bad deal for an $1800 bird. Turns out the cage is too small (new one is $800), so the 120g will be delayed even more. But, I couldn't stand the thought of the bird not being properly cared for, so we now have a new addition.

Tim224DT · 07-08-2005, 05:38 PM

We have a Blue and Gold Macaw and i think we might be getting antother Macaw soon i think.

But thats a nice bird you got there!

Tim

55G NewB · 07-08-2005, 07:16 PM

Tim,

We stopped at a Pet Store on the way home from NH (where we picked up the bird), and the store had a beautiful Blue Macaw as a store pet. It had to be 2 1/2' from head to tailfeathers, and was named Sapphire. The owner stated that if someone was serious, it would sell for $18K. I guess that there are only 2000 or so of them left in the wild. It was an amazingly beautiful bird, and evidently likes to snap broomsticks in half with it's beak for fun.

tims · 07-08-2005, 07:33 PM

very nice looking birds both of you!
i almost got a umbrella for free, but that did not work out as of yet...
i hope you have fun with him..they are sooo cool

Loverotties · 07-08-2005, 07:45 PM

Maybe they were at Jenns store!

Tim224DT · 07-08-2005, 07:56 PM

Well we got the other bird tonight!! Now we have a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Catalina Macaw. Max(Blue and Gold Macaw) is on the left, Sonny(Catalina Macaw) is on the right.

Tim

55G NewB · 07-08-2005, 08:01 PM

Rotties,

This was Seaworld Petcenter in Salem, NH. Is that Jenn's store? They also had a pretty good selection of reef fish, live rock, etc.

Tims, if you are near New London, CT, I know of an umbrella that is available free. The problem is that the bird was not socialized very well, and screams all day long.

Princess is nice and quiet (no screaming so far), and knows about 10 words or so. She was on a seed diet, so we are in the process of getting her on a parrot pellet diet. Also, it doesn't appear that she ever had much in the way of fresh fruits and veggies, so we are introducing those as well.

The wife is still very leery of holding the bird, but she is warming up to the bird's personality and will come around soon.

Tim, how big is your macaw cage? The one that came with the bird is 34x24x48, and Joanne (very knowledgeable bird lady) at Seaworld tells me that it is too small. We do want to get a new one, as this one has vertical bars, that are rather thin. I want one with horizontal bars so that she can climb easier.

Anyhow, thanks for everyone's comments,

Mike

dobejazz · 07-08-2005, 08:06 PM

Mike be sure to check out TRT's sister bird forum !!! Lots of help and info from really great bird people!!!

Tim224DT · 07-08-2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55G NewB

Tim, how big is your macaw cage? The one that came with the bird is 34x24x48, and Joanne (very knowledgeable bird lady) at Seaworld tells me that it is too small. We do want to get a new one, as this one has vertical bars, that are rather thin. I want one with horizontal bars so that she can climb easier.

The cage we curently have is only big enough to hold one bird not sure of its size i will have to post that sometime this weekend. But we plan on keeping them on the perech most of the time. They had there pecking orders for about 2 hours now they are getting along just fine.

Tim

55G NewB · 07-08-2005, 08:40 PM

dobe,

Thanks for the heads up about the bird forum. I forgot that it existed. I just registered, and will post my questions there.

Thanks all.

wharyat · 07-08-2005, 08:40 PM

Awesome birds you guys!

I've always though about getting one, but my sister would never visit me (afraid of them), and my cat likes to eat birds and rabbits he catches outside, so yeah...

Tim224DT · 07-08-2005, 08:42 PM

They are a rather interesting pet to have..........

Tim

55G NewB · 07-08-2005, 08:48 PM

Wharyat,

Well the cat just sniffed at the bird when introduced, as did the wife's GSD. Plus, this bird is about the same size as the cat, has a big beak and sharp talons. The cat had a tendonectomy (not as cruel as de-clawing) after it tore up the wife's new leather couch, so he is down a weapon or two. Even if he wasn't, I think I would still bet on the bird in an all-out throwdown.

Tim224DT · 07-08-2005, 08:50 PM

Well i know with a Macaw they have enough power to bite your finger off if they wanted to.

Tim

dobejazz · 07-08-2005, 09:48 PM

Good luck it's great that you were able to give a bird in need a good home!! My dogs are Ok with my birds when they are caged but I never let the birds out when the dogs are around (mine are small birds green cheek conure and a love bird). Jazz is a little too enthusiastic! I had a Beauceron (french shepherd) and my greyhound loved the birds though and were completely safe around them. Have a great time someday bigger house = bigger bird
(I hope)
Kelli