maximillian parrot ??'s

[Jer]

HI,

A lady offered me her maximillian parrot. She has owned it for 15 years and wants to find a home for it. She has new dogs and doesn't have the time for the bird. I work with her, so I know she isn't home much. I work only part time. Anyway I went to see the bird today and he is BEAUTIFUL!!!
The only problem is that he is in the cage 24/7 and has become very mean. He took quite a chunck from my finger, but came to me very easily and when I was talking, he started laughing and then GOT ME!!! So does anyone know if at approximately 18 years old, if I can teach this bird NOT to bite?? I dont' know anything about these parrots. I would really like to take him, but am also concerned not only of the biting, but my Congo's as well. Any input would be helpful...
Thanks,
Jer

[Monica]

Well, in 2001, when I was 13, a stranger dropped off a bird that was somewhere around ATLEAST 6 years of age. I'm now 17, and I was finally able to take this bird (my conure) to the vet for a general check-up (never had the chance before). The vet actually guesses that this bird is around 15 years of age (so within 5 years of my own, which is what I origionally thought). She's not very friendly towards other people, however on a general basis, she does not bite like she use to. Just to let you know, I got Noel as a biting, screaming, mutilating bird. She now only screams in the morning for her food, I have only had one case of her going after her stomach this year, however there was no blood, and she only bites me if I do something to upset her, but other than that, she does bite me (but will just about anyone else, mind you!).

Let's just say that this bird probably has the same chance as my bird to become a nonbiter that my Noel does. My only question is what about your greys? If you try to spend too much time with this new bird, they may be jealous. If you were to get this bird, you'd have to spend equal amounts of time with everybody, however give the greys extra special attention.

If you think you have the time, the space, the money (this bird may need a well bird vet check, and some more supplies?), and that you'd be able to work things out with your greys, then I'd say go for it! This bird has the potential to become a pet once again, as my Noel has! Noel was attacked by a ferret, then kept in a dirty cage with 1 toy, and not handled too much, so was untamed. I started taming her down again at the age of 13, and she is now my 'baby', so if you think you can handle an extra bird, I'm sure you could do so, too!

[The Outlaw]

Jer:

Here's my sermonette of the day: If you are looking for a maxi and came across this bird, that would be one thing. However, it sounds to me like its simply been brought to your attention and now you feel like you should take the bird. If you take him, you will lessen by one the birds you will ultimately have for the rest of your life. In other words, don't take any bird you truly don't desire to make your life complete. Free birds never are. They always come with baggage. Sometimes its emotional but often its physical too. If you feel a real spark with him and he seems curious about you, that's one thing. If he simply fears you, that's quite another.

You cannot make a bird love you. You can make them obey you, but not desire to be with you. With your own birds, they love you and want to be with you.

Its your call in the end. I've always known with my birds when the time was right. I've left many pass through my fingers, all of them choice. The magic has to be there. JMHO

THE OUTLAW