Catalina Macaw

I have been looking at a Beautiful 8 month old baby Macaw. No one really wants due to ft issues. He is at a pet store. I am concerned about the ft. he can not perch well due to the ft being so bad, I go see him? her? everyday. but can not hold a toy in his ft just would rather be held. So my questions I have? Has anyone had this issue? Have any suggestions and should I buy him and just expect he has limits? He has never played with a you and they still feed him in mornings but he eats seed and pellets,peanuts. Any and all help would be so kindly noted. I sure don't mind to work with him or her but don't want the disability to become a big issue for me. Thank You Lora

Hi Lora have you asked questions about how this poor baby has these problems and has he/she seen a Cert AV? We have members here who have birds with special needs and they are more qualified to advise and help you. It is always so sad to hear of such a young bird with mobility issues.

As my Good Friend noted above, the MAC has 'Special Needs.' The same life long demands that exist with Children /Adults with 'Special Needs.' So, you need to understand what the 'Needs' are and whether you have the 'Heart' and therefore, the fortitude to care for and support 'Forever' those 'Needs.' Along with day to day needs will be the quarterly CAV visits, special cage and perch requirements, and the possible special diet requirements. It will help to be good at DIY projects.

'IF' you are the type of Human this MAC needs, the Loving Rewards will fill your Heart with rewards. If not and you later walk away from this MAC, you will be filled with shame and failure that may haunt you for the remainder of your life.

The first place to start is a Web Search using: 'Special Needs Parrots' and/or 'Special Needs Birds.' In addition to this community (Parrot Forums) of Parrot Lovers, you will find that there is also a large and active community of Parrot Lovers that have a deep Love for their Special Needs Parrots. You are going to quickly find that you will need more specific information as to what Needs your MAC has before you can dig too deeply.

This supports the need to meet with a CAV (Certified Avian Vet) or a AQV (Avian Qualified Vet) to determine what has caused this disability and what on-going treatments and needs will be required.

I have not found a family that did not fully embrace the needs of they family member that from birth, accident or medical issues, deeply love and care for their family member with Special Needs. In near all cases, they had no choice. But the choice never mattered.

With you it is very different! You are choosing and you need to understand that choice is 'FOREVER.' It will define what you do in life, who or if you will partner, if you will travel (not likely), and where you're income first goes.

If you have more questions, I (we) are here.