Hello

[Abesdad]

I am not even sure if this is the right way to post but here it goes. My now ex-fiancee moved out about 6 weeks ago (and moved to Philly with her boyfriend) She left me with a lot of bills and a young blue and gold. He likes me well enough but I don't know much about these birds. I read as much as I could, I know they are naturally LOUD but I work nights. He feels that he is entitled to my attention as soon as I get home, but that's when I need to sleep. Any advise, or do I need to change shifts, lol

[Honesty]

Hello David and Thankyou for joining us and you will find some great advice here!

We have several macaw owners here and I am sure they will be able to give you some great tips.

We would love to see some pics of Abe

[Debra]

Welcome David. I, too, would like to see pics of Abe. Sorry I can't be of any help as my biggest bird is an Eclectus. I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you.

[Momto3boys]

Hi David and welcome to PP.

Do you go right to bed as soon as you get home? What I would do is get him lots of foraging toys to keep him busy and lots of shreddables, and wood toys. When you get home from work, take him out. Prepare him some breakfast while hes hanging out with you, fill his foraging toys with lots of nuts, and yummy stuff like Nutriberries. After you fill his cage and he had plenty to do to keep him busy, I would then go to sleep myself. Even give him a shower if you have the chance. When you wake up, take him out with you. Does he have a seperate play area or a play top on hiscage? I would keep him out until its time for you to go back to work.

Also leave a TV or something on for him while you're sleeping. A radio, anything at all.

A busy bird is a happy bird. So just make sure he has lots to do when hes in his cage. Hes like a toddler, remember. So hes excited to see you when you get home. Set a routine and he'll get used to it in no time.

[Abesdad]

foraging toys? ok I am going to google now.

Hi David and welcome to PP.

Do you go right to bed as soon as you get home? What I would do is get him lots of foraging toys to keep him busy and lots of shreddables, and wood toys. When you get home from work, take him out. Prepare him some breakfast while hes hanging out with you, fill his foraging toys with lots of nuts, and yummy stuff like Nutriberries. After you fill his cage and he had plenty to do to keep him busy, I would then go to sleep myself. Even give him a shower if you have the chance. When you wake up, take him out with you. Does he have a seperate play area or a play top on hiscage? I would keep him out until its time for you to go back to work.

Also leave a TV or something on for him while you're sleeping. A radio, anything at all.

A busy bird is a happy bird. So just make sure he has lots to do when hes in his cage. Hes like a toddler, remember. So hes excited to see you when you get home. Set a routine and he'll get used to it in no time.

[Momto3boys]

Foraging toys can be anything at all.
You can buy some or you can make some.

I have a stainless steel bucket that I use for Elliot. Every night when I put him to bed I fill it with foot toys, nuts, nutriberries, anything at all really. Its the first thing he heads for when he comes out to his play gym in the morning. You can get a toilet paper or paper towel roll, put sticks or anything through it but put nuts, etc all throughout it. The sticks will keep it in place. You can just randlomly set nuts or toys all over his cage. I will hide some in their existing toys sometimes. Just setting a nut here or there.

Paper, they love paper. Hang an old telephone book and he'll shred it to pieces.
Good luck in your search, Im sure you will come up with lots of interesting things.

[plax]

foraging toys? ok I am going to google now.

Hi David... I was writing my reply below as Brandy was replying to you. What she said is right on point, but I'll post what I wrote anyway.

Foraging toys are various toys and structures in which pieces of food and other bird-safe objects can be placed and often hidden, thus presenting a challenge to a bird to find and/or gain access to them. It's like a game where they are rewarded for their success. You should be able to find various foraging toys/devices at many parrot accessory stores. You can also make them yourself if you're somewhat creative. Just always be sure the materials you use are bird-safe ones.

[Momto3boys]

Yes...I guess I forgot to add parrot safe stuff!!! Ooops.

[plax]

Yes...I guess I forgot to add parrot safe stuff!!! Ooops.

No problem... your suggestions were great

[Abesdad]

thank you...soon