Macaw parrot seeks petsitters /co-parents so we can vacation sometimes

Berkeley CA

Description

Greetings, we are semi-retired and live in the Berkeley hills. We seek folks interested in sharing our parrot so we would be able to travel for 3-8 weeks per year and not be worried for our sweet bird while we're away. We are open to many situations ranging from paid petsitting to shared custody (he would love a bigger flock!) Or maybe very gradual re-homing of our Military Macaw family member where we visit/take care of him while YOU vacation. We have 2 Lexan cages which helps with periodic squawking, as well as an XL wire cage on wheels that offers him exercise and more space. There's no expectation of physically handling him for short trips we would take. His cages have touchless access to food and water dishes, but having him somewhere he can see people is important. He is a people-bird and quiet when it is dark. He can get squawky during times of change. He quiets down once there's stability of routine. If you live in a rental house the landlord would need to give permission. Apartments are not suitable. Currently he squawks less than a minute per day (more like 7 minutes of hell once a week and quiet the rest) but our neighbors say they never hear him. He is capable of being intolerably loud though. Macaws can bite a finger OFF. In the 30 years since inheriting him I have a scar on a finger and remember 3-5 other nips that hurt but were no biggie. We cuddle him like a baby, and he hangs out on our laps (never shoulders) but unless you find a good connection with him, he won't allow you to touch him. Instead you play "tug of war with paper towel rolls" and talk thru the cage kind of thing. He is very loving and can be great company but it for sure takes time to bond. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing our parrot to some degree.... We would love to talk! Please no smokers and be willing to skip Teflon/non-stick cookwear (toxic to birds when overheated), and avoid chemical perfumes/cleaning/household products.