I'm so Excited to Be Here

[Jean Bushnell]

Hi -- I'm Jean Bushnell from Denver, Colorado. My husband and I are nearing retirement -- he's already there and i have a few years still to go. We have two dogs and a cat and 3 birds -- a Quaker, a parakeet and a canary. And we are make inquiries about getting a blue and gold macaw! This is something that we both want very badly but we are novices when it comes to these wondeful big birds -- but we're quick learners and very eager. We've found a wonderful breeder here in the Denver area and, while there are no babies or even eggs available right now, she has taken us under her wing, so to speak. By the time there is a baby available, she will have gotten us to the point where we are qualified to take care of it. Finding this forum is another huge step in our education and preparation. We are so excited to be here!

[sowilu]

Welcome!!! I have two Tiels Maxy and Nimbus.

[Valo's Moirana]

welcome to BB.... and hi neighbor .... i'm also in the denver area.... this is a really great resource for information....

best of luck and keep us posted about the current and soon-to-be fids... (did anybody already mention that we love to see photos?!)

[Kevin]

be suree to put your pin on the member map!

[Jean Bushnell]

my pin is in!

[Samm]

Jean:

Welcome! We're excited to have you here! I have a Blue & Gold, brought her home at 4 weeks old, Feb. 4th, 2005. I may be able to answer any questions you may have, if not there are a ton of people here who can, so feel free.

[catschair]

Glad to meet you!

[featherduster]

Congrats on your decision..:)

B&G's are great pets!
However...
They can become one person birds. They are also loud, playful and very demanding of your time. They need alot of fresh foods, room and free time.
Of course plenty of hands on playtime. They instictually bond with one human. That doesn't mean they can't love both though. A female seems to be more acceptable of everyone, then a male.
I'm am not trying to convince you against these wonderful birds. If you are ready then of course do it!!
I just want you to know, down the road things may change. (at about 8 years old) They can live for a long long time (80 years) and will depend on you for every minute of that time. Macaw's LOVE to be loved and noticed..:)

Congrats!!!

[Jean Bushnell]

We are a little apprehensive as to whether we can handle a blue and gold and realize that this is a huge step for us, but we have several months to prepare for our new arrival and we are doing our homework. We've ordered books and done lots of research on line. In addition we are going to be spending some time at the breeder's home. She's invited us to come on the weekends to spend an hour or so interacting with her birds. My husband, who's already retired, is going to go more often -- sort of apprenticing at the care that goes into her business. He volunteered and she cheerfully accepted the offer -- he'll clean cages and prepare food and generally hang out. We'll see how that all goes. When you are our age, you've learned to accept your limitations. after the apprenticeship and study, we'll know for sure we can handle the obligation -- all long before we bring baby home. trust me, this won't be an impulse purchase.