Adopting a 25 yr old b/g macaw? Doable?

[PyrateJim]

We (wife, me, kids 12 and 9 yrs) are looking at getting a B/G macaw as our pet for life. We are looking for a baby, but came accross something a little different. Our local fish store has had a b/g macaw (Cocomo) for the last 8 yrs or so. He belongs to the co-owner. Cocomo disappeared from sight a couple of months ago. Asking what happened to him, I was told that he is in his cage, in the back of the store now, as they didnt have the time to devote to him as he needed and was getting "to hard to handle". Going to see him, he looks very healthy and is eating well. Once the kid (employee who has handled Cocomo the most) got him out of the cage and he drew his first blood on me, he came right to me and we cuddled (Me and Cocomo - not the employee). I have been to the store a couple of times since, and have no problem in having him come out to me. The other day, it was closing time and Cocomo was getting close to bed time when the wife and I arrived at the store. He didnt want anything to do with me, and that's his choice and okay with me, but couldnt get enough love and scritches from the wife through his bars. The next day we found out from his original trainer (the co-owners ex-girlfriend from 20+years ago) that Cocomo isnt suppose to like women. Didnt look like that to us this night, or int eh past 8 yrs that we have been coming here.

Anyway, Cocomo is set to go to a local "Pet Haven" in a couple of weeks. They have offered him to me, complete with 2 large, macaw cages and a seperate play area for an unbelievable low price. I want to say yes for several reasons. Of course there is the financial one, but I dont want to accept just because of the $$$. I want to accept because I feel that I can give Cocomo a better life than what he would experience at the "pet haven of last choice".

We are not experienced in having a bird such as a macaw. Budgies, ex-cockatiels breeders and quakers, yes, but not a macaw. That is why we wanted to start off with a baby. What are we looking at with a 25 yr old macaw with an 8 yr pet store history? Can we mend some of his behaviors to be more of the bird he could have been if he was raised the same way from a baby or would we be stuck with a 25 yr old macaw and his behaviors/personality and "querks"? We have the room and will make the time, but I just want educate myself as much as possible as if this is even possible or will we have a caged pet for the next 40+ yrs or so. If so, then I think we would pass.

We havent been "clued in" yet on what his behavior "querks" might be (if any), so I can only speculate with him being in a pet shop setting for 8 yrs. Knowing the co-owner, I would say that before that, he would have been loved and well cared for.

Thanks

here is a pic of Cocomo taken by my son with my cell phone.

[Beaks]

Go for it!

You already know this bird is for you so just do it. LOL

[jenseits]

You should do it! Older birds need love too - and it sounds like he's the right guy for you.

[LyndaM]

Awww...he's beautiful! I agree -- go for it!

[4HAND]

Read threads in the macaw forum by a member called parrotsbitehard.One titled adopting older macaw[20] and one titled Harley is smart.They had a similar choice,chose the older bird,and are very happy.
Tena

[Tishrei]

Oh, wow -- GO FOR IT. I got a 15 year old neurotic, and I mean neurotic, severe macaw. He has been with me for 5 years now and he is the most docile, loving little critter, it's simply unbelievable. I can't even begin to tell you the change in him since I've had him. It's like someone switched birds on me.

Awwwww ... this bird sure sounds like he really needs a loving family and it looks like he chose you guys. It will take a bit to get him secure and loving but I can tell you from my own experience, it's sooooo worth it.

[MiloMacaw]

I too adopted an adult, a 7 year old handicapped bird (one leg) that I pretty much knew nothing about history wise.

He is WONDERFUL I wouldnt trade him for anything- and I think adults realize so much more that they need you and when you can offer them that forever home they give you their whole heart.

You go get that boy! He sounds like he would just fit in wonderfully, and the fact that he came to you so willingly and loves you mean he has adopted you for his own- just make the last step!! :D

[huntress]

looks like He picked you AND your wife Already. Just be prepared for what could be and keep your Children safe. They may never be able to touch him...maybe. Are you Ok with that? I would Be ecstatic to see him go to a home rather than a shelter where He might remain grumpy.
I have an older adopted Grey that came with allot of qerks, like asking for scritches then waiting till your doing it and nail you! LOL, but he is getting better. He is coming out on his own now and seems happy, talking up a storm and playing with his toys. He was in a white room with NO toys for 9 years. Nothing to do but talk to his roomie a Moluccan Too.

[PyrateJim]

WOW!! I cant believe the fantastic response I have received here. Thank you everyone.

I have read all the threads that would relate to my situation both on this board as well as a few others, researched, talk to a few local bird breeders. So far, I have not found one person or link that would tell me not to adopt.

Looks like I am headed there tomorrow after work to talk turkey, or should that be, macaw?

Thanks again and PLEASE, keep the comments, experiences and suggestions coming.

What should his first day, few days, week be like at our house? Keep him in the cage with the door open? Try to handle him? Give him a day or two to get aquainted with his new home and the other pets (dogs/cats) that walk the floor? Whats the best way to introduce him to the house?

[PyrateJim]

Originally Posted by huntress

looks like He picked you AND your wife Already. Just be prepared for what could be and keep your Children safe. They may never be able to touch him...maybe. Are you Ok with that? I would Be ecstatic to see him go to a home rather than a shelter where He might remain grumpy.

While I was holding him, he did let my son (12) pet him. He moved slowly and with purpose while I was telling Cocomo, "its okay. Good boy. Nice Cocomo." Our daughter hasnt had the opportunity to, yet.