Meeting w/ Toby!

[Whistler]

Hi Everyone! I met w/ Toby for about 1 hour or so on Sunday.
Last Time I met w/ him he did a lot of Screaming. This time only when I first walked in the door.
I did not handle him or touch him. I fed him a few pieces of spaghetti.
At first he seemed to bluff and fake like he was going to bite me. My initial reaction was to pull back which I realized was wrong. I only did that once and after maybe 2 or 3 bluffs he started to take the spaghetti. I noticed and the people that are keeping him seemed slightly apprehensive around him.
Husband was much less apprehensive than the wife though and when he came by Toby he was able to pet him and such but did not have him step up. Toby seems to have a mischievous streak to him and the owners said that they did not have a lot of Big Bird Handling experience when they got him about 2 years ago. He is 20 years old. I felt that they were very honest people and were really looking out for Toby and trying to find a good home for him. They have Children, Dogs, Other Birds in the house and I got the feeling that Toby is just too demanding for their current situation. One thing the Husband said is that Toby likes to have a lot of 1:1 attention and when another person comes into the picture he often does his bluffing,etc. He suggested that I come back for several short visits and he would try to minimize the stimuli around us. My honest Opinion of Toby is that he is Extremely Intelligent. Probably used to getting his way a lot too. I can tell he has a vocabulary and also connects words to the proper associations(Says Hot sometimes when they give him hot Food as an example). They said that he can talk up a storm but he wasn’t saying a lot w/ me there. Based on his personality I do believe what they are saying. He knows how to motion w/ his head and did tell me to “come here”. He dances on his stand to music too. I am pretty sure that I would like to take this bird. Need to spend more time around him though and maybe I would need to get some mentoring/teaching though from a Good Bird Handler. Just curious what are people’s thoughts ?

[my-africangrey-echo]

I don't have any Macaw experience so I can't help you with big bird info. But I have brought home a rescued 20 yr old african grey. Rescues are not an easy thing to take on. They are very afraid at first their whole world has changed and need several weeks if not years to adjust to the new flock.

Hopefully someone with macaw rescue experience will be along shortly to help you out with more direct info. Good luck with what ever you decide!

[KimM]

It really depends on the macaw and what socialization they've had in the past, plus of course their personality. Sounds like you're making good progress.

A macaws whole MO is bluffing/intimidation. Macaws for the most part will entertain themselves for most of the day if you teach them to play with lots of enriching activities/toys, but they also require that 1 on 1 as well, so you get the best of both worlds. It's all on how you raise them. Most seem to adapt pretty well. Since he sounds like he's coming from a pretty decent background, I get a feeling he'll be alright.

And yes, they are highly intelligent. You will be shocked sometimes at what they do.. Mine still shock me every once in awhile.

[nanmadpad]

I also got a rehomed macaw that i had for about 5 months now. everything Kim said about them is true. Mine is also a big bluffer but never does anymore then a little pinch. There great entertaining birds and social as well. I am like the fourth home apollo has been in and he was comfortable with us in less then 3 mths. I dont understand why she was passed around so often because we think shes a great bird so far. I think toby will work with you just fine. This board can be your mentor. Lots of macaw owners who are always willing to help with problems you might encounter. When i first got apollo he was nervous and started to pluck. I got advice from this board and did what was suggested and apollo stopped plucking and all her feathers have grew in.Let us know when you bring him home.'''''

[Congobongo]

Just remember if you do adopt him to take it slow. Don't ask him to step up or be all over him in the beginning. Let him get used to you and trust you. Let the bird come to you first. When I adopted Lola I would just let her hang out on top of her cage and stop and talk to her, say hello etc. when I passed by. I'd give her a treat but leave her alone. Finally after about 2 weeks she lifted her foot to me and I held out my arm and she stepped up. That was it! She trusted me.

I also adopted a Green Winged with much more serious abusive issues. Took me about 3 months to get her to trust me.

Good luck and we all will be here to help you.

[silvercb67]

Yes, keep spending time with him & see what happens. They all adjust differently. Scarlet took like 6 months for her full personality to come out & Jackson just seems like he's been here forever as he comes to us, sings,dances,laughs & is a real hoot & it's only been a week. Good Luck! Keep us posted.

[KimM]

Originally Posted by silvercb67

Yes, keep spending time with him & see what happens. They all adjust differently. Scarlet took like 6 months for her full personality to come out & Jackson just seems like he's been here forever as he comes to us, sings,dances,laughs & is a real hoot & it's only been a week. Good Luck! Keep us posted.

I had the same experience with my Scarlet, Elliot.. Scarlets seem to take a little longer to "trust" than others from my experience. they are keen observers and take everything in before they make a decision.. just MHO from my own personal experience with Elliot.
Newt just settles in and takes over wherever he goes. LOL

[Congobongo]

Yep. They truly hold back on the trust. And once they make the leap of faith...they are great!