Greenwing Nesting?

[jjones122290]

I need some help. My greenwing, who is about 5 or 6 years old, seems to carry alot of stuff (mainly wood and paper) under my desk into the same corner. He or she , not sure, goes under there, while I set at my desk and moves stuff around or adds new stuff. Sometimes I bend my head over and we talk, or play. Today, I cleaned up all the stuff and threw it away. BAD MOVE, Ringo, (My greenwing) tried to attack me over and over, charged me on the floor, wings spread but let my husband pick him up. He would put him on the cage and he/she would run down and charge me again. No matter where I went he/she chased. Was this a nest or just a pile of toys? If it was a nest, should I discourage building? If she/he does build do I destroy or leave alone? If I destroy, do I do it when not in site?

[The Outlaw]

Its breeding season and you have done exactly what you shouldn't have: you have allowed your mature macaw the opportunity to start a nest site. I suggest you NEVER allow any mature macaw access to any dark nesting site. Both males and females will build nests and then invite their "beloved" to come join in the fun. Keep your bird off of the floor, please. I'm sure you didn't know any better and many folks don't. Thanks for asking the question, however, for it gives others the opportunity to also learn.

Unfortunately, you will have an upset and probably irritable bird for a few days unless you can figure out some other distraction. Their urge to nest and breed is strong that merely seeing a nest site can start hens into chronic egg laying cycles. They are complicated creatures that we share our homes with. Good luck with you new "boyfriend". I have a hen, so I feel your pain.

[jjones122290]

I know you said good luck with my BOYFRIEND, but is there any way other than blood or surgery to tell if it is a boy or girl, or even an educated guess? I have always been this birds favorite, why all of a sudden the change? Was it because I destroyed the nest? And on the floor thing, he has always been on the floor ONLY when I am at home alone and sitting at my desk. I well know the dangers.

[The Outlaw]

Greenwings are a little harder to visually sex than blue and golds. In many of the macaw species the head shape of the males is blockier than the hens, who tend to have more egg-shaped heads. However, the greenwings, Hys and Buffons belong to another group of macaws and they tend to have different shaped heads. Both of the genders have a fairly flat topped head and massive beaks.

Usually, the males have very large nares when compared to the hens. However, without having one of each to compare, its hard to describe. The other indicator is pelvis width. Most hens have a wider pelvis with their legs coming straight down. Usually male macaws have a slight inward curve to their legs.

DNA sexing is so easy to do. Simply order a test kit from www.avianbiotech.com. It is free. Nip the end of one toenail a little short and collect a drop of blood on the blotter card provided. Slip it into the little plastic sleeve and mail it off with $20 bucks and you'll have your DNA result in about 5 days.

[The Outlaw]

You can't determine sex by how they relate to humans. I'm not even certain they have a clue what our genders are. Your bird was too young to care about breeding before now and that's why you had no problems in the past. That has all changed now that its an adult bird. You'll actually see more as it approaches the age of 8.