Ok....I'm sorry I am just so excited I couldn't wait to brag!!!! I know over the past week or so I have posted some comments about the leaps and bounds Maple has been making since Harley moved in. Namely her rolling over on her back to play...which she NEVER did before!!!

Well....last night another HUGE breakthrough. As most of you probably already know, Maple is generally, or should I say used to be, semi shy as far as a macaw goes. She never talked much (although she could if she wanted to), never played much, preferred to stay in her "house"...etc. Anyway...I digress.......

Last night, as happens every night, I came downstairs after bedtime to go to the washroom. (I live in a weird house where the bedrooms are upstairs and the bathroom is down) As per usual, when I came out of the washroom Maple was peeking at me from the other end of the hallway. I walked over to her "house" like every other night expecting to exchange a few quiet "hello"'s before I returned to bed.



Well!!!! Not this time my friends!!! I walked to her "house", peeked in, and clear as a bell she excitedly exclaimed "Hi Maple!!!". I almost fell over!!! This might not sound like a big deal....but Maple is 8 (9 in January) and never before in her life has she EVER said her own name!!!

It floored me!

Ever since Harley has moved in she has started coming out of her shell so much I hardly even recognize her anymore. She wanders freely around the house (with me following close behind lol), she cuddles, plays, talks more, and now even tries to preen my hair and kiss me!!! She is really coming into her own and I am so proud of her!!!! Given her past of moving from home to home it's no wonder she was always wary of those around her.

I am starting to finally feel that she is comfortable and happy here with us, and is FINALLY making herself at home! What can I say....I am a VERY proud Mama today.....my baby is coming such a long way!!! (She steps up now and hardly ever bites anyone anymore.....including Hubby lol)

Anyway, sorry for rambling....just my 2 cents for the day.

Kris, that is just the best news! It's such a wonderful feeling when you know your hard work to make her comfortable is paying off.

Wow, that's fantastic how Maple is coming out of her shell with Harley home. Too cute about her finally saying her name

sounds like its home now......... wtg

Thanks everyone.....I think we still have some room to grow lol...but we've come a long way after lots of hard work.

I just hope she is finally realizing that this is her forever home, and that we love her very much!

.....Now......to get Harley all comfy....LOL!!!!

Sounds great. She is home.

That's so great that she's coming out of her shell!

So happy to hear your news. I think it is a big deal! 8 years is a long time to be alone & quiet - then suddenly change. Do you feel that it is because you gave her a friend that is her own species - that she is now trusting you more? That her happy meter is on high & she is more fulfilled?


How are the 2 of them together these days? things really moving along? It must be something to have the 2 of them - those B&Gs are really pretty.


Laker used to sleep way more than he does now - of course Rio's activity level is higher - being a baby. It must be the same for your 2 guys? Rio's taught Laker to play a bit & to try new things.

I am not sure that it's more of a trusting thing because she has a friend now.....but maybe more of a feeling that she needs to compete a little for the attention now ...lol. She does seem happier though.

They are pretty good together. Often she will walk across the room and climb onto his cage. He is really playful and tries to get real close and sometimes beak wrestle. When she's had enough she just leaves or calls out "Up up!". But they aren't fighting or anything that's for sure. They are very "tolerant" at this stage we will say....but it's still only been a few weeks.

Funny enough I find Harley sleeps more then Maple. It's like he gets a big burst of energy, goes bonkers for an hour, and then naps ...hehe. Maple is starting to want to be out of her cage ALL day now.....roaming about the house...lol. Much more work for Mama and Daddy, but she's so adorable that nobody cares!

And yes I couldn't agree more...I think they are very pretty as well!