Hi, Everyone... New here...

[EK Writer]

Well, obviously, since I'm posting on the "new members" section.

I currently have a Blue and Gold Macaw named Cash -- I've had him for about 14 years or there-abouts. We live down in South Florida, so he gets to spend a lot of time outside with me; or as much as I'm willing to spend in the heat! He loves sitting out front while I read, or going for bike rides, or even just walking the dog with me.

A family member used to read on a bird board about 10 years ago, but I'm not sure if this is that site. At the time, we also had an Amazon (who we found a new home for after her person died, she only liked men), and an Umbrella Cockatoo (who we also had to find a new home for after there was some irrational dislike and grudge-holding from the bird. 10 months of him drawing blood from my father was enough, though I still miss him dearly!) I still miss and think about them both, actually. I hate having to find new homes for animals, even if I know they went to good ones.

I decided to join and post because it seemed like a good idea to chat with other bird owners and get ideas and such regarding Cash.

He's a bit (more than a bit) temperamental. In fact, myself and my mother are the only two people who can hold him and *not* end up bleeding. Even then, he does pinch her a bit. He originally came from a pet store, who marked him down because of his personality issues. Another family bought him from there, but after some time decided they couldn't handle him. We bought him extremely cheap, because he lashed out, but at the same time seemed to *want* contact... If you know what I mean? Going back to the pet store, we asked questions and was told that the only other macaw they got from that breeder was much the same. They actually sold him as a breeder, he was so bad.

Since we don't know how long he was at the store (they had no records, or no one willing to help answer questions since we weren't buying a bird there) or the other family, we're not quite sure how old he is. We suspect around 16 or 17 years old. Because of bad nutrition when young and not being held much until we got him (grown), he's a scrawny thing. He was in an undersized cage in the home previous to ours, and since the entire household except one person was afraid of him (and that person traveled quite a bit, apparently), he spent all of his time in the cage. We've actually had people think he was around 8 months old simply because of his size!

Can't think of much else to say...?

EK Writer (AKA Joanna or Kam -- I'll answer to any of the 3)

[Laura65177]

What an introduction.

You seem to have an amazing relationship with your Macaw (I suppose after 14 years you'd have too), even if no one else does.
Bike rides sound cute, does he just sit on the handle bars?

You must post some pictures of Cash (if you're able).

And welcome you'll like it here =]

[becca623]

Hello, Welcome to birdboard. I'm sure with all the years of experience you have, you'll be a great asset to our community! Cash is a lucky fellow to have such a caring and loving family!!!

[expressmailtome]

Welcome! This is a great place for people to share information! I hope that you enjoy yourself here!

Matt

[EK Writer]

Thank you for the wonderful responses :) I've been working a ton lately, so sorry this is so late.

Yes, Cash just sits on the handlebars, for bike rides.... he also likes to sit on my wrist/forearm. He just wanders from one to the other, depending on which is best at the moment. How he decides that, no idea LOL I've gotten some odd looks from people walking or driving by, but I think they're getting used to it. At least, when I do it often, they do. It depends on my schedule and the temperature. Too windy/chilly for him or too hot for me doesn't work well.

I'll definitely try to post some pictures when I can.

EK