Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had no intention of getting another macaw, but today we bought a beautiful 2 year old male greenwing. The bird store practically gave him to us. For the past 14 years we have owned a male blue and gold. They are doing great together and watching them interact and talk to each other is so cool.

Here is my question... My wife is not a fan of the new greenwings name. I feel that since he has been called this name by his owner for the past two years, it would be way too confusing to rename him now. What do you think? I know first hand how intelligent these birds are. So the last thing i want to do is confuse the newest member of our family. Our blue and gold's name is Kalvin, and the new greenwing's name is Captain Morgan. Could we rename him at two, or should I stick with my gut and simply keep his name? even though the wife hates it. thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.

Some people suggest getting a new name with a new start for a bird. Others are strongly against it. We do often change the names of the birds coming into the rescue as some have pretty terrible names. We do though try to think of a name that has similar sounds of the original name. Then it still has a familiar sound. Also it depends on how much the new bird seems to recognize its name. Does it actually perk up etc when its name is said. Some birds pay more attention to the tone etc the name is said in then the actual name.

After rambling on though I would say that if the name is sore spot for someone then change it but try to keep it similar. If your wife didn't mind maybe try something like Cappy or something that rhymes, has some of the same sounds etc. Good luck!

by itself?
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sue