A bird lover from a young age, Sahril Afenddi Abdul Aziz had always wanted to own exotic birds. This led him on a search for the perfect one, and his dream finally came true in November 2020 when he found and bought a pair of hybrid macaws.
The siblings – who hatched two days apart from each other – were only 65 days old when they were brought home. Sahril began hand-feeding and looking after them with great care until they were five months old.
The pair flourished and grew to be beautiful birds with stunning multicoloured plumage. This is unsurprising as hybrid macaws are the product of cross-breeding between different macaw species, and are valued for their unique colours.
As it can be difficult to identify the gender of birds when they are young, Sahril named the older one Paco and the younger Pablo, thinking they were male. A DNA test conducted when the birds were five months old, however, revealed that both were female!
By that time, the macaws had learnt to recognise and even say their own names, so Sahril decided not to change them.
Naturally, the siblings have a close relationship and spend their days playing together. Despite this, each has her own distinct personality.
“Paco is quieter while Pablo is chattier,” Sahril said fondly, adding that Paco is more obedient as she immediately responds by flying to him when she is called.
“That’s not the case with Pablo, who will come in her own time after I call her,” Sahril laughed.
The sisters enjoy a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables in the morning, and bird pellets in the evening. As for their favourite treats? “They love walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts – which are not exactly cheap!”
He also ensures that they have adequate sleep – 12 hours a day – so they do not get stressed.
Apart from saying their names, the pair can say “hello” and laugh. Additionally, both are able to freefly, which is unrestricted outdoor flight for birds who are trained to return to their owners.
Sahril is a member of the Kuala Lumpur Freefly Community, a group of bird parents who meet regularly to allow their feathered friends to fly freely together.
“I sent them to two different trainers when they were five months old because I was too nervous to train them myself. What if they fly and don’t come back?” he said.
“Thankfully, these trainers were experienced.”
Clearly, Pablo and Paco mean the world to him. “I have looked after them since they were young. I find them to be very unique and rare. I love the colours of their plumage; they’re just so beautiful,” he added.
“After a stressful day at work, spending time and playing with them makes me feel better. Since the sisters came into my life, I have been so happy.”
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