Concerns about a B&G.

I am looking at buying an older B&G to give a great home to. I went to see one in Columbia, SC and he is a sweetheart. A couple of problems. His beak was very long and kind of looked crooked I was not sure if it was just so long it grew that way or not. Also his nails were very long. This bird has had 5 homes in 8 years. the current owner says he just doesn't file his own beak and she has to do it for him and it has been a while. I did some research and liver disease keeps coming up. He is not on pellets and has a small cage. If I get his beak filed by a vet and change his diet for the better could his health take a turn for the better? I guess lab work would have to be done. I feel I should run away from this problem but he did touch my heart with his tricks and his gentle nature. Sorry for going on and on. I also did not introduce myself yet and i will do that next. Thanks for any advise and I enjoy your forum. Jay

I would ask when was the last time the bird had been to the vet and had blood work. How old is he? 5 homes in 8 years is a lot, poor bird~ if the vet feels that the beak needs trimming, they will do it and if his diet is changed it will certainly help keep him healthier. If you wind up taking the bird be sure to get either a concrete or some type of perch that he can file his beak down...my guy always wipes his beak after he eats, it will also help his nails, just make sure it is wide enough~ good luck!

When I recently adopted my Harlequin Connie both her beak and nails were way too long (her upper beak was in bad need of trimming) I couldn't take her to anyone to do the trimming because she is Very shy and isn't yet ready to be handled. I provide her with lots of wood chewable toys and gave her a cement perch. Now her nails and beak are as they should be with no trauma to her.

HI Jojay, and welcome to the forum.

GOOD for you for wanting to give a B & G a good home! It takes a VERY special person to want to adopt/take in a previously owned parrot, and in your case, the poor baby has been through 5 homes already in his SHORT 8 years.

I would most definitely recommend a vet visit, to rule out any diseases. Diets can be changed. Habits can be broken. Hearts can be mended. ...and health can be improved by proper care.

BEST OF LUCK!

Well said JerseyWendy

Jojay327 said:

I am looking at buying an older B&G to give a great home to. I went to see one in Columbia, SC and he is a sweetheart. A couple of problems. His beak was very long and kind of looked crooked I was not sure if it was just so long it grew that way or not. Also his nails were very long. This bird has had 5 homes in 8 years. the current owner says he just doesn't file his own beak and she has to do it for him and it has been a while. I did some research and liver disease keeps coming up. He is not on pellets and has a small cage. If I get his beak filed by a vet and change his diet for the better could his health take a turn for the better? I guess lab work would have to be done. I feel I should run away from this problem but he did touch my heart with his tricks and his gentle nature. Sorry for going on and on. I also did not introduce myself yet and i will do that next. Thanks for any advise and I enjoy your forum. Jay

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Any pellet diet is better than seed. If you are serious about this bird, ask the owner if he/she would take a deposit and ask if the sale could be based on the results of a fecal examination. What is the condition of the bird's feathers? Feathers can give you some insight as well.

Not just fecal, but blood work as well. Fecal will tell you if there is a bacterial or fungal infection within the digestive tract. These typically cost $30-$60 to do.

A CBC/Blood panel will tell you the shape of the organs and typically cost $80-$300+, depending on what tests are done.



Jojay, if you are fine with taking on the vet bills and possibly having a bird on a special diet, then go for it! However, if you aren't ready for a bird that could be financially exhausting, I would recommend skipping him up, but see if you can talk to the owner into getting the bird into an a-vet for blood work if he hasn't been any time soon.

A decade ago when I got Kayko, the vet had told the previous owner he may not live long. His beak was overgrown and his poop was yellow where he was diagnosed with liver problems. Kayko does not appear to be on his deathbed anytime soon. His poop is no longer yellow, and although his beak remains somewhat crooked, his occlusion is much better with regular trimming. Kudos to you for taking in an older bird. Two of my three are rehomes. Kayko was an unwanted bird, but I must say, he has brought joy to the hearts of no less than 5,000 children in the past year alone and has to be the most photographed macaw in Jacksonville.

I would like to thank everyone for all the comments . Unfortunately someone put a deposit on the macaw and I have to wait until the 14th to see if it falls through. I found a scarlet in Charlotte nc . I will make a new post on him. Thanks again. Jay