First time macaw owner

[Kidd966]

Hi we have just Brought home Rio a blue and gold macaw. He is 16 weeks old and a complete sweet heart.we don't know of he is a girl or a boy yet but he can set up and is climbing all over his cage. He does fall quite alot and his feathers are now looking very dishevelled. Is this normal?? We are worried all the time, is he eating enough and r we doing the right thing. We r trying to read all we can so any advice would I ld be greatfully received. I will try to post a picture soon.

 

[psychocircus91]

16 weeks sounds young for him to have been fully weaned. Force weaning is never ideal. Some breeders will try to wean as quickly as possible to get the bird home and save money. How is he eating? What is he eating?

Young macaws will climb all over and ruffle up their feathers pretty good because they are exploring and learning (like a child would). Granted, older birds can make their feathers disheveled too.

 

[wrench13]

Kidd, welcome. Go to the Macaw sub-forum and read every thing at the top of the page there, especially those written by Birdman666, who is our resident Macaw expert. Its a LOT to read, but then you have adopted a LOT of bird. I love B&G macaws, I hope Rio and your family have many happy healthy years ahead of you. But please do read that info.

 

[Kidd966]

He is eating soft fruits, seeds,parrot mix,he can crack nuts.first night here on Sunday he didn't eat much but since then he has not stopped.
He can fly a little.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm glad you're reaching out. Wonderful people here. While you're waiting for more advice, the SEARCH tab above is very helpful.

 

[Birdman666]

Yeah. Baby big macs are clumsy... they break feathers all the time, especially tail feathers. They're not all there yet. THIS IS THE AGE TO BITE PRESSURE TRAIN, AND DO THE BASICS. AFTER THEY GET A LITTLE OLDER AND BECOME ATTITUDINOUS IT BECOMES HARDER...

Then they go through the curious little beak stage, where they are dismantling everything and hyper. (My greenwing at the moment.)

Then they calm down.

Then they go through the hormonal period.

Then they calm down again...

Those are kind of the stages of development.

 

[Kidd966]

Birdman666, glad you said that because Rio broke one of hos feathers today. When he goes crashing to the bottom of the cage my husband panics but I did say he has to learn. He really is very soft gentle and loving at the moment with everyone but I do know we will have lots if stages to go though.
I am not very good a navigateing round forums and not sure how to find sub forum to read all about macaws wrench13

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you!
This will get you there.
Macaws - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

 

[Tami2]

Hello Kidd966, Congratulations & Welcome!

My Levi fell a lot when he was a baby. My Vet suggested that I put thick towels at the bottom of the cage to soften his falls and until he grew into his cage.
I did that for months to keep him safe.

Good Luck

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and your B&G! Definitely read through the macaw forum, there are endless topics and the information is almost limitless!!

 

[Kidd966]

Could I just ask you after yesterday about my macaw Rio doing his acrobatics around his cage. The soft white skin on his face looks red and a bit grazed. Is the any cream or something I should bath it with or just leave well alone ro heal? Thanks in advance

 

[Birdman666]

Leave it alone. No creams!

 

[Kidd966]

Will do thankyou