Hello! Just got my first bird!

[Bipedal0flower0pot]

Just got Snuggles the Blue and Gold Macaw (yes we know that?s a weird name). My family and I got him from my grandparents who couldn?t take care of him anymore. He?s around 30 years old and not in the best shape. We just gave him his first bath in about a decade. We?re trying to wean him off of a seed heavy diet and feather plucking. Don?t know when his last vet check up was. Now he has an appointment to get his beak and claws trimmed. I hope we can give him a better life now! Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. Lots of GREAT info over on our Macaw form, and read any and all posts by birdman666 who is a real macaw expert. 30 years is just middle age for Macaws, so he should be with you all for many years to come.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and Snuggles. Actually a cute name!!

Highly recommend a certified avian vet or equivalent vs one who accepts "exotic" patients. A baseline exam and lab work may prove invaluable in addition to beak + nail trim.

Parrots can be extremely stubborn against dietary changes, but you're on the right track recognizing hazards of heavy seed diets. Sharing a few links with techniques: http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

Terrific overview of plucking: http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html