Hatch date: 2020

Toruk is a large, beautiful, Harlequin Macaw.  He is 4 years old, and most likely Male, but not DNA tested.

Toruk was experiencing some normal hormonal behavior in his original home and became extremely loud and bitey toward his family.  He was friendly with everyone at the beginning, but in fairness, Toruk was still a baby bird up until about now.  Most all birds are sweet and loving when first brought home as babies, but then after several years, they grow up, reach sexual maturity, and almost always change in some way.  With a younger child and busy schedules, Toruk's family became unable to give him the attention he needed and weren't successful at stopping these behaviors.  They reached out to us to help find a home that can better manage his needs.

We will only consider adopters with considerable large bird experience, and preferably someone who has dealt with similar behavior in the past.  We will also only consider adopters that are able to accomdate Toruk's very large, but very appropriately- sized cage AND very large floor tree stand.  

Since in foster, Toruk has been a very good boy. He steps up for us if pushed, and members of his foster family have gotten to do quick head scritches.  His screaming has been limited mostly to a brief morning and evening "calling of the flock".  He says "I love you", "Come on, Toruk, come here," "Come here, Bubba", "Step up", "Wow" and a few other assorted phrases, we're still trying to nail down."  He does have one "colorful" phrase he uses when he's frustrated in his cage and just wants to come out, but luckily, in the best interest of kids and church go-ers all over, it's really not easy to make out what he's saying. : >)  In no time at all, he picked up on an exagerrated kissing sound his foster mom makes for him, followed by a polite, "Thank you!".  He is a very smart boy and fast learner.  

While out of his cage, Toruk moves frequently from his cage to his floor stand, and doesn't make any attempt to venture elsewhere.  Toruk can fly, but typically only does so when spooked off his floor stand.  When this occurs, he will fly to his foster mom or dad's arm or step up nicely from the floor.  He LOVES it when you sing to him, loves dancing and music, and his favorite song currently is "Watermelon Sugar" because really, who wouldn't love Harry Styles!?  He just lights up, when you pay him any attention at all.  

Toruk is a scared, nervous bird at his core.  This is much different from an aggressive bird, although either one can result in a bite.  Toruk is absolutely NOT an aggressive bird. If you know bird behavior, he doesn't WANT to hurt anyone, but if you push him out of his comfort zone, and he wants to ward you off, he will bite.   

Toruk is a very good eater, and on a good diet.  He loves grapes, sweet potatoes and scrambled eggs in red palm oil, and his foster family is trying all sorts of varied veggies and fruits to supplement.  He loves watching PBS and kids' shows like Sesame Street, Curious George and Blues Clues.  

We will NOT place him in a home with a female of the same breed.