Greetings from a new Severe Macaw Owner ...

[Willa]

She likes ME. That is definitely obvious, lol. She tolerates my son, but she did bite HIM hard enough to leave a mark. He's good with her though; he didn't show fear, and firmly told her, "NO!" She absolutely LOVES blueberries!

She wanted to go back to me. I plan on working her over on a daily basis ... but these are the words of a new owner, lol. I will let stay out of her cage all day though ~ under supervision of course. It's too funny. I was worried about her not coming out, and now she doesn't want to go back in. SO she's nutz. So am I, lol. I must be. I have my own personal zoo! I was married forever; my husband and I divorced and my kids (three grown men) are out of the house. All these critters cure my empty next syndrome, I guess.

All things considered, it does seem Luna is thinking ... and she's pretty gentle, considering she hasn't really bitten me since that first day. There's a lot around here to freak out a baby parrot. Five dogs, two cats, a pair of lovebirds and a pair of cockatiels. My Welsh Pembroke Corgi, who is a darling animal started to cry when she squawked. I've never heard him cry about anything, lol!

It's obvious she's bossy, but I'm determined! Where do I purchase that 'bullet" thing" you wrote of? Thanks so much to you and everyone else, including "Irish" for your input. I appreciate it very much. Marvin is such a funny name for a parrot! I like it!

;) Willa

[kellywess]

Its actually called a "Barrel of Fun"... I call it a "Bullet" cuz it gets launched like one when there are no treats in it (specifically... pistaccios). Click on the link below so you can see what it looks like. You can probably find one locally in a pet store.

Barrel of Fun Bird Toy: Acrylic bird toy puzzle at Drs. Foster and Smith

Heres a couple of pics of my Marvin.

[Willa]

She's acting shy again this morning. I'm paranoid, because every now and then she makes this little coughing sound; just once, just like she's clearing her throat. Is that normal? She hissed at her own image, but I know birds do that, 'cause my cockatiels do it sometimes.

She's still eating well. She was fascinated with the mirror and when she saw herself, she started saying 'step up'.

Thanks for the tip on the toys. I've ordered them! Kelly, how long do you keep your birds out each day?

[kellywess]

My husband is home during the day and I am at night. So, they are out quite a bit. When they start leavin their cage playtops to come chase me around the house, then I put them back in the cage for a bit. They are out alot. There is more for them to do out of the cage than in. They get worn out before bedtime which is 8:00. My Severe is usually the last to get put up since it takes the longest to tire her out.

[Willa]

Well, she is a character already. She is talking and eating like she's never had this stuff before! Like yours, there is more for her to do out of the cage. I spent a fortune (as you can imagine) on toys for her. Today, she was having ball with a brown paper bag. We also played peek a boo in the mirror, which REALLY got her going. She was talking quite a bit, but only the same few words ... then she said ... LUNA! I am SHOCKED! I mean, I have been calling her that for about three weeks, but she's only been home, as you know for two days. Things look good. I have to do a lot of observing and bugging you, I guess (I hope you don't mind) to learn as much as I can. And, as a proud new 'parent', I cannot help but post another shot of her for your approval ...

[Fruit Basket]

welcome to birdboard!

[Willa]

I am SO excited and happy to be here!

[kellywess]

Shes adorable. They have the most darling little faces. They are soooo honery.

[Panamaniac]

Hey there - Luna is a beauty.

I'm not sure if this is the same across all severe macaws or not - but my severe back home used to go INSANE for popcorn.

If a bowl of popcorn came into the room it would be nonstop talking/shrieking/throwing stuff out of the cage until she got my attention (and then got some popcorn).

I'm sure its not the best treat in the world for them, but I could pretty much get her to do anything if I had popcorn as a reward :-)

Just a thought - I think they are incredible pets - good luck and all the best!

[kellywess]

Mine F-R-E-A-K-S for Dorittos.