Hello From Maryland

[Dreamline]

Hello to everyone.
I am brand new to the forum as well as a brand new owner of my first bird - a blue and gold.
She is 8yo and im already loving her to death. She was delivered to me last night from her owner (her owner has a medical condition and has to move into a place that she can not take her).
I spent last night just being by her and gettinbg her acclimated to me a little. I hade her taking pistachios and peanuts directly from my hand last night. She did some grooming and stretching and started to look tired last night around 10. I left her for the eve and let her be.
I went down around 7 this morn and she was sleeping - she woke up when i entered the room. I hand fed her some more nuts and then she ate from her bowl after i offered it to her.
She hasnt left her top perch (she is in a very large dome top cage with 3 large perches).
I tried for about an hour this morning working with her to step up (which she does know). I used the "power pause" technique to get my arm in the cage and about 8 inches from her.
I must be totally honest here i am a prett big 35yo guy who isnt scared of pretty much anything - when i try to get a little closer she will fluff up or act a littel hesitant toward me. she doesnt scream or hiss and really she isnt showing any really negative reaction i just dont need a chunk of my arm taken out right now.
What suggestions do you have for me to get to tht next step and move 3-4 inches from her.
How can I get to the point where i can pet her? She is used to being handled by her previous owner.
I know i have had her less than 24 hours and it takes time, i am just looking for hints to help the process flow easier and faster.
Thanks a ton everyone in advance for your help.

PS I did order Chet Womach's system to get me started as well it just hasnt come yet!!

PPS a couple quick phone camera pics - i have been spending the time tryng to bond not really taking pics with the cam - il post some good ones soon...

[LovelySydney]

Hi & welcome! She is beautiful. I would just give her some time to get acclimated to her new surroundings. She needs to know she is safe and in a trusting environment. She also needs to know that YOU are safe and she needs to learn to trust you before she lets you handle her. It will take some time but she will come around. Be patient and let her come to you, forcing her to do anything will only make her like you less.


There is a great macaw forum here that you can post any questions you have on - I know everyone there is very helpful!!

[sailorkelly]

Welcome to BB. I don't know if it is bad lighting but it looks like her toy is rusty. If anything is rusty then it could kill your bird. They are so sensitive to so many man made things. I am sure you will learn about all the things that could harm your B&G.

[Greycloud]

Welcome Jason! Congrats on your new bird. We are all here to help and learn. I am in Baltimore.

[CaptainGentleGiant]

I have the same training system. You will like it, I learned a lot. Be careful, he does try to keep selling more things. I also ordered his pellets. Just tried one bag.

I have a green wing. He is an older macaw and I've had him since September.

Welcome Dreamline and your new blue and gold girl.

[expressmailtome]

Welcome! Your B&G is beautiful! Enjoy!

Matt