Rico Parrot Macaw Tampa, FL

"RICO"
Blue & Gold Macaw
fostered by Elissa L of Tampa, FL
Rico is a gorgeous Blue and Gold Macaw in full feather who is estimated to be approximately 7 years old. Rico’s background is unknown to FPR, but since coming into foster care he has exhibited no negative behaviors or bad habits. He really is a blank slate, waiting for that special person who will work with him to earn his trust and teach him the wonderful world of human – parrot companionship.
Rico demonstrates an active interest and willingness to interact with his foster family but is still very unsure of himself. He enjoys attention and interaction with his foster family and is quite the flirt.
He needs someone willing to continue his training to step-up readily on a hand or stick. Fortunately, Rico is highly motivated by treats and will readily accept food from your hands. He is being introduced to a variety of new fruits and veggies and will usually try something if I eat it first. He has proven himself to be a “seed junkie” if permitted, so these are normally reserved for rewards. He loves all whole nuts as a treat making short work of almonds, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pecans and walnuts.

Rico says “hello,” and “woof.” So far he has not proven himself to be a “screamer,” however this could potentially change if his needs are not meet and that behavior is inadvertently reinforced.

Rico will only be considered to a home with an experienced parrot person who demonstrates an understanding of parrot behavior and positive reinforcement teaching techniques. His new family should also consider that Rico will live for another 70+ years and arrangements should be made by his new family for his care in the event they can no longer care for him. Care for a parrot of this size requires a commitment to providing the very best of nutrition, physical and mental enrichment, and human interaction which is time consuming and can be expensive.