Having a Macaw can be a joyous experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. When considering whether to buy a second Macaw to keep your first one happy, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible complications.
Guess what? The owner had another Macaw she wanted me to take as well. She gave me her address to pick it up a few weeks later. Wonderful—another cage, more vet bills, more noise, and another toddler with bird-attude.
The new Macaw, called a Military Macaw, was a sight to behold with its beautiful green and red colors. Fully feathered and just a bit overweight, I embarked on the journey to retrieve him from what turned out to be less-than-ideal living conditions.
Upon arriving, I found the bird housed in a large cage in the living room, amidst an environment unsuitable for both birds and humans. The owners were clearly intimidated by the bird, recounting how it had recently bitten and broken one of their fingers.
Faced with the task of transferring the bird into my travel cage, I observed the owners’ unsuccessful attempts with various tactics. Seizing an opportunity, I requested a towel but, while they searched, I simply held out my arm and commanded the bird to “Step Up.” To everyone’s amazement, the Macaw complied without hesitation, climbing onto my arm and into the travel cage.
The owners were astonished upon returning to find the bird already secured. They provided me with his large, but filthy, cage, which required extensive cleaning, rust removal, and repainting. Fortunately, I had already purchased a brand-new cage for him to settle into at home.
Once home, I began the acclimation process in my own room, familiarizing him with our household’s sounds, people, temperature, and humidity. Although he was initially shy, his familiarity with my first Macaw soon facilitated his transition to the new environment. I positioned his new cage in the living room, ensuring he was constantly exposed to the household’s activities.
What I wasn’t prepared for was his unapologetic Bird-attude. True to his name, the Military Macaw exuded an authoritative and distinctly masculine demeanor. He possessed a unique ability to project his fecal matter with precision, adding to the list of challenges. Additionally, his penchant for destructiveness meant constant vigilance whenever he was outside his cage to protect the furniture.
In conclusion, acquiring a second Macaw is a decision that comes with both rewards and hurdles. While it can bring companionship and joy to your existing bird, it also demands considerable patience, effort, and adaptability. The experience with my Military Macaw showcased the importance of being prepared for both the anticipated and the unexpected aspects of integrating a new bird into your home.
