He is not a good fit because I was/am very comfortable with the two I have. I always thought about getting a third, but as a lifelong commitment I have not pulled the trigger as I am not ready. Also we are listing our condo next month and buying a new home so it is really really bad timing. It just isn't right but of course I won't be kicking him out or be careless where he goes. Having Petri here confirms I am not ready. He was a "surprise" and truly a rescue.
I was on vacation in Mexico two weeks ago and my friend (who owns a veterinarian clinic) called me and said one of their customers died. The family called them to see if they could place the four large dogs, four cats, and macaw. They had no idea that the family (low income/ disabled) even had a macaw and were not equipped to take him. She called me and asked me to take him and figure things out for him. I spoke with the family member "so gracious" to "take care of" him. She was stopping by every 2-3 days to give him pretty bird pellets and water.
So we landed in Chicago two days later on Sunday at 11 am. "Oh I'll be back Tuesday if that works better." Hell no. We drive home 2 hrs and immediately leave to go rescue Petri with my mother's truck. So I have had him now a week and 2 days.
So we get there and it is a hoarders home. Oxygen tanks everywhere from the deceased (44 years old, had lung type disease) she has been dead and gone maybe a week. Just a few days before we arrive but after the death her mother had fallen down and broken her back in the room with Petri. So 5+ years in cage then in one week one of his owners die, other breaks back, paramedics come take her away, the large dogs cause a commotion and are taken away and now here I am to take him. The people had moved his cage closer to the door to "help." He was clinging to the back wall swaying and fluttering his wings, screaming in fear. I did have to gently towel him and place in in the carrier. He calmed a little once covered. We get him home and settled and I've spent the last week assessing him. He *seems* healthy enough that a visit to the vet is on hold until it will not traumatize him.
Day 1&2 he sat in his cage for hours with the door open and wouldn't come out. Day 3 he came out and scooted right back in. Now he is coming out more and more as well as the last three days a fearful but with much effort step up . He nicely takes treats, he wants to interact, has grabbed my hand and fingers a few times when I am purposely pushing his boundaries but doesn't bite. Just a soft squeeze. He is very very gentle. I think he will take scritches in a few days. He has not yet figured out the bird butler but soon. I will take some pictures tonight! What else am I forgetting about him?