JACK'S HOME PAGE
Jack, kinda, getting his ruffle on. Jack's ruffled appearance is a favourite when playing. He is capable of really puffing out on the shoulders and head.
JACK THE BRAT
Where do I start to describe Jack the Brat? Jack has one of those larger than life itself, attitudes. His excitement with life is abundantly apparent. Sometimes, "Hi Jack" is said in a humongous voice. Especially if kids come to visit. It terrifies kids under 4 as he is close to being as large as they are.
Like many other macaws Jack doesn't have a huge vocabulary, and mostly communicates in his own language which he has taught to Jada and myself. Jack's language is a ra raaa raa raaaaarrr kind of interpretation of the sounds of words and sentences. Jack only has one kind of whistle ~ the wolf whistle and it is barely above a whisper. Jazz and Jada in particular have quite a number of them but he hasn't picked up on any. (Update: Jack is picking up on a couple of more just heard in the last week.)
Jack is about 3 and a half now. He is settling some or learning the house rules. He understands NO but you have to be over top of him watching for trouble often and ready to rienforce the rule. He does reach for things, try to get down, chew things he shouldn't. Though me, he has really only tried to chew once.
I had my hand resting in between his cage bars as I had been giving him a head scritch but got distracted by a conversation, and he clamped down on a finger hard enough to bruise it for a week. Though I really don't believe harm was in his intention. Green winged macaws have jaws known to have aputated fingers. Though their reputations are as gentle giants.
Jack loves his bath time. The wings get spread out, he flips and turns, laughs and would prefer it go on forever. Around here they get a bath every 2 to 3 days. The humidity in the dining room, due to all the water areas hovers around 50%. I add a glob of pure aloe into the water mister once a week to help with feather condition.
Jack being a Brat would include things like: chewing off pieces of the house when he gets a chance, Jack throws his bowls often ~ his cage came with crocks which I now replace with stainless, Jack has 3 food doors all of which have had to have locks installed...cause he taught himself how to get out! Jack will also reach out and grab clothing or hair when you are not looking. Has an independant mind and decides he wants to use it.
You have to be ready to look him in the eye and discipline him. I use a comforter when Jack chooses to challenge me. A towel won't protect you with a bird Jack's size. Jack will challenge a towel. I find the comforter when Jack decides that he will not return to his cage. Now I just have to look at him and say a few words in a grouchy voice, while holding it and he will scramble to get to that door. I likely only had to contain him with the comforter under 10 times before he got this message. At only 5 foot and nothing he feels he can dominate me and I have to step up to the plate and tell him differently.
Jack developed some plucking issues after he arrived here. If left in his cage with no time out, Jack would begin plucking feathers by the third morning. It was boredom related. The cure in Jack's case ~ I have put a thick plastic sheet weaved through the bottom of the bars as I don't have room for his seed skirt. Jack has transferred his plucking to taking bites out of the plastic and chewing on them for a little while.
Also, a few months into being here, I noticed that he was breaking off layers of his top beak. I asked if this was something to worry about and had been told no. Not true. Layers of beak that break off are related to vitamin deficiency. Calcium in particular. Now the birds get a variety of vitamins mixed in with dinners. I tend to use them 1 on each evening meal. I switch up: one night might be calcium, the next spirulina, Proboost on a 3rd. etc.
MARCH 2009
Jack is becoming an excellent bird. He is animated. Excitable. Very interactive. We are currently working on toes........a very slow process. He does not like his toes touched. We are working on him letting take an emery board to his toes but he rarely lets me hold the toe itself. Baby steps and lots of praise
Jack is also a very sociable boy. He enjoys company and never fails to speak with children. Though he often will ignore the request if it is an adult. An adult with a child will be rewarded with hearing him. He does not go to my husband, has never bonded with him.
He is also still very animated, excited about new things, experiences, toys and food. He does have to be kept occupied or will pluck a few feathers and chew on them. Besides Jinjer....who places 1st in the best behaved catagory, Jack comes in at second!
Our most important issues are wings and toes. He does not cooperate. And even more of a priority; Jack steps up and down well but goes straight for my shoulder in one big step. If you are reading this and have any advice for me, suggestions are always appreciated. capturemymind1@aol.com
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http://www.featherforum.com/?q=forum/6 ~ a new and small forum that looks promising.
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