The larger birds prefer their people of the opposite sex. If you acquire a male bird, they usually prefer the girls or ladies, and a female will prefer the guys. Also, it is better to get them while they are young. They will bond to you and not have the bad habits from previous owner.

Whoops...didnt give birdy info. I have 2 chickies. 10 yr. old Noble Macaw (Mini) and a 21 yr. old Moluccan ****atoo that I rescued 6 years ago. My Moluccan just had neck surgery last week on his self-mutilation "war-wound". I just moved back to the states and upon getting settled in our new home the new doc suggested removing years of scar tissue and closing the wound. Needless to say...we've got 4 inches of sewn of chicken neck with a green "neckwrap". He's been doing so well, but didnt like his daily antibiotic shot. My chicky doesnt regurgitate like the macaw, when he's sick - he just throws up and expells it out, having nothing to do with it. Doc said that was okay, since he's a healthy weight and he's taking in food, liquids and active. We're nursing the little bit of food down and trying to keep it in. Doc said today one more week of wrap and then stitches will come out. Anyways...didnt know there was a BIRD section. But then again, I'm new to the OH Msg.Board anyways. But I'll hang out here because these are the only kids I have (besides my dog). Interesting to hear about your EGG, Paula. I'm wondering if my Moluccan is really a female instead of male (like the vet that gave him to me said he was, vet said he DNA'd him). I talked to this new doc and he worked in South America and said its possible with Moluccans to DNA and it then be a female. My Moluccan guy just acts like....okay....mount me, "receptive". Unlike my other guy (Mini Macaw, who's DNA'd)..doing the nasty to my hand or arm. How long had you established your relationship with your bird before she laid an egg for you? C

Jennifer is right on mark with her response. As I can see, I'm a few months behind....but I've been living in another country with my 2 parrots (and dog). I have both a Noble Macaw (Mini, the size of a Conure and he talks up a storm like the BIG macaws), 10 yrs. old and a Moluccan ****atoo, 21 years. We rescued the ****atoo 6 years ago (self-mutilator). The ****atoos' behavior changed dramatically and I dont have the behavior that most of the other ladies are talking of - only the "Amazon Jungle" calls at bedtime between my two little monkeys. I have trained them to call me differently in the morning, and have taught them how to play quietly in their cages until Momma gets up. The No-no finger works well at our house, otherwise if I so much as turn around looking for the WATER BOTTLE, "feathers are a flying". (I have no human children, thus I have the time). The ****atoo in the beginning has given my husband 2 bites in very sensitive spots and now he's almost scared to pieces-but tries not to show it to the bird. The Macaw is our little brat and because of his size is easier to handle when being sassy, but his bite is not nice either. I think the smaller bird is better, and try to adopt if you can. I just moved to FL and the vets office already called me and asked me take in 2 birds! Call your local vet office or shelter and tell them to call you if someone tries to give away these beautiful creatures. These are perpetual 3 yr. olds and even after owning parrots 11 years and traveling to Asia with them - I still keep learning things about them. Remember they are a creatures of habit, give them structure and DO NOT SPOIL or OVER ENDULGE! That will end up hurting you (with their bad habits) and or worse, them. C

Hi Fellow Bird Lovers!! Seems this board is pretty quiet (unlike my home..lol) I have a menagerie of "kids" including 2 parrots. "Chickie" is a Blue-fronted Amazon that has been with me since 1988. "Clementine" is a female Solomon Island Eclectus that has been with me since 1998. This past 4th of July, Clemmie decided to lay an egg...I am now limiting her daylight exposure and that seems to have helped. I hope this board becomes a bit more active....hint, hint Cheers, Paula

Incredibly I learned yesterday that I have a fairly stout, fully feathered, black beak/eyes, zebra finch youth who can barely fly in my aviary. I'm moving to FL from KY next Tuesday. Can you give me suggestions to enable this fledgling to successfully make the long trek? His parents will be in the same aviary with another pair. Thank you.