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[Mango]

I recently became the parent of a 6 month old Blue and Gold Macaw named Mango. Mango and I are totally in love with each other. I have never had a bird and was not prepared for such an intense relationship. How in the world do you live with a parrot?

[Redstorm1721]

Hi Mango,why what do you mean? I don't quite understand your question? Do you mean that your bird is very needy? and takes up alot of your time? Please w/b and let me know? Ps very nice to meet you! Gail..........Senegal Parrot named Sunni,and a Budgie named Pretty Girl,and a cocktiel named Pearl these are my birds!:D

[Jenny]

Hi, and nice to meet you too! Yes, birds can form tremendous bonds and have incredible relationships with people, much more than most "beginning bird people" think! Welcome to the "Bird World"! :) Living with a blue & gold macaw is a big challenge if your'e not prepared for it! (and even if you are) Was it your choice to adopt this bird and did you research alot about it first, or did someone just ask you if you would take it or something? I am a little confused about your question too, so if you can be more specific I will give you all the help I can! I have a lovebird, three budgies, and two conures who would love to help you in any way they can as well! :) Write back soon!

[birdgirl]

nice to meet you :D Hammie says Hi too

[Mango]

Mango is my first bird. I am working my way through Sally Blanchard's books...sort of like Dr. Spock when I had my first child.
Mango is used to cuddling every morning when he gets up, more cuddling before going to bed. He prefers these two rituals in bed where he can roll around and hide in the down comforter with me and my husband. I work quite a lot, but my husband is retired, so Mango is used to several games during the day. He also eats breakfast and dinner with us. Stepping up, getting in and out of his large day cage and his night sleeping cage are not problems, although he will make a move to sit on my shoulder whenever he can. He does not really bite...except at the rare times he is REALLY MAD at us. He interacts verbally...we repeat his parrot noises and he is doing several daily recitations of my voice tone and cadence in human words we cannot yet understand. I've read that when a parrot is so attached to his family, leaving for a week or two is very traumatic. We are not sure whether to take him to the breeder who will "parrot sit, try to get someone reliable to stay in the house or get a friend to come in twice a day.
Any tips on how to "prepare" him for our absences or on what kind of babysitting is best?

[Mango]

I just realized three of you answered my post...thanks for the replies. A little background... We purchased Mango from Wholesale Parrots of West Michigan located near us in Grand Rapids. While I cannot say it was an impulse, we were certainly not well versed. Paco, a yellow naped parrot who lives at a dive resort in Honduras where we frequent divers, has been my only experience. Paco and I formed quite a bond and I was somewhat hooked after about five or six weeks spend with him over several years. I am an "animal person", but after 2 months with Mango, I think having a bird like this is more like having a perpetually delightful and trying two or three year old child. We visited the breeder for information and left with Mango...I have not yet been sorry for one minute. He IS a big bird and he IS an active bird. But he is also a lover, a clown, clever, engaging and the most affectionate pet I've ever had (dogs, cats, guinea pigs). Any hints, advice, cautions from all of you would be appreciated.

[Redstorm1721]

HI GAIL HERE,MY HUSBAND AND I USUALLY TAKE OUR BIRDS WITH US,ON ANY VACATION. BUT IF YOU CANNOT DO THIS,ITS BEST TO HAVE A SITTER THAT IS USED TO MANGO. HE WILL REALLY HAVE A HARD TIME TRYING TO ADJUST TO A "NEW PERSON" AND CAN HAVE A REAL HARD TIME. YOU ARE RIGHT THEY ARE NO DIFFERANT THEN A 3 OR 4 YEAR OLD CHILD. THEY CALL FOR ATTATION ALL THE TIME,AND THE MORE THEY GET THE MORE ATTACHED. MAYBE GET THIS SITTER USED TO MANGO SO HE CAN RELATE TO HIM/HER.LET MANGO KNOW YOU ARE GOING AWAY,HE WILL UNDERSTAND AFTER A WHILE. THEY ARE SO SMART AND THEY SAY THERE OWN WORDS. THEY DON'T JUST MIMIC. THEY SAY HOW THEY FEEL. HOW LONG WILL YOU BE GOING FOR? THIS IS VERY HARD I KNOW. I TEND TO SPOIL MY BIRDS AND TREAT THEM LIKE MY CHILDREN. MINE THINK THEY ARE HUMAN AND ARE TREATED LIKE THEY ARE. MAYBE NOT SUCH A GREAT IDEA,BUT IT HAPPENS.LOL. ANYWAY IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE DOING GREAT. JUST TRY TO GET HIM USED TO HOW EVER IS GOING TO SIT. IN THE LONG RUN THIS WILL BE GOOD IF YOU NEED TO GO AWAY AGAIN. GAIL, GOOD LUCK!

[somnseph]

Even though I'm technically new, I'd just like to reach out my hand and give you a handshake (figuratively) and say "Welcome!"