I am aquiring a scarlet macaw on Sunday. Though I have experience with farm birds...not so much with these intellengent fellows. My first meeting, and second went well. I sang him songs and he perched on me the first day. I have many varied questions if anyone is willing. Thanks
New to Macaws
- Thread starter clofromco
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- #2
Hello all. Need lots of input. New to macaws. Advise on natural woods, diet for malnurishment and lack of play. Nemo took to me my first visit, I sang to him. He is coming home thisSunday.
When should I introduce him to his better diet and encourage him to interact with me. All suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
When should I introduce him to his better diet and encourage him to interact with me. All suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
Last edited:
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
Hello, clomfromco.
There are quite a few members here who are very experienced with macaws. Tab_xo, JerseyWendy, MikeyTN and Birdman666 immediately spring to mind, but there are many more.
However, you will need to give more information in order to help them to help you. For instance, how old is your new scarlet? And what was his prior diet?
That said, a variety of fruits, veggies and legumes are always good no matter what type of parrot you own. Also, for most parrots other than eclectus, many like to introduce pellets into their diets as well.
Toys are also very important. Macaws are highly intelligent, and it is important to keep their minds stimulated. And their beaks are strong and they love to turn wood into confetti, so be prepared to buy toys for him on a fairly regular basis.
If he has no experience playing with toys, you may need to teach him how. Play with the toys in front of him. Help him to see how much fun toys can be.
Good luck!
There are quite a few members here who are very experienced with macaws. Tab_xo, JerseyWendy, MikeyTN and Birdman666 immediately spring to mind, but there are many more.
However, you will need to give more information in order to help them to help you. For instance, how old is your new scarlet? And what was his prior diet?
That said, a variety of fruits, veggies and legumes are always good no matter what type of parrot you own. Also, for most parrots other than eclectus, many like to introduce pellets into their diets as well.
Toys are also very important. Macaws are highly intelligent, and it is important to keep their minds stimulated. And their beaks are strong and they love to turn wood into confetti, so be prepared to buy toys for him on a fairly regular basis.
If he has no experience playing with toys, you may need to teach him how. Play with the toys in front of him. Help him to see how much fun toys can be.
Good luck!
- Thread starter
- #4
Thank you Anansi. Not sure what his seed diet is now but IT do know he was given cola products, tea, chocolate and instant oatmeal. This feathers are dull and unzippered and he has more dander than I think is healthy. He is 11. I would like to introduce healthy food with as little stress to him as possible.
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
Wow. Cola products? Tea? CHOCOLATE?!?!?!? WTH?!?
Chocolate is pretty much toxic to birds! And all those caffeinated products aren't far behind. Okay, no possibility of casual weaning off of those. (As I'm sure you realize. Just had to be said.) Your best shot, in my opinion, is to offer as wide a variety of nutritious foods as possible. The idea is to get him interested in other foods quickly to replace those terrible parts of his diet that you will be removing.
Make eating these foods fun, if he's disinclined to eat at first. (Keep in mind that he might be a little stressed by the move to a new home, so don't panic right away if he doesn't show a large appetite the first day or two.) You can even make a show of eating some of the fruits and veggies in front of him. If he's anything like my birds, Bixby in particular, anything that you're eating will become instantly desirable to him! Lol!
The change in diet, combined with regular baths/showers, will yield dramatic improvements to his plumage by the next full molt.
As for seeds, though they have been largely demonized, they are fine in moderation. But they should only form a relatively small part of his diet. Fruits and veggies should be the bulk of his daily intake.
Just observe him and his eating habits. Some parrots are game for anything. Others are very finicky. If yours is more on the finicky side, you may have to make a more gradual transition to a fruit/veggie diet.
Chocolate is pretty much toxic to birds! And all those caffeinated products aren't far behind. Okay, no possibility of casual weaning off of those. (As I'm sure you realize. Just had to be said.) Your best shot, in my opinion, is to offer as wide a variety of nutritious foods as possible. The idea is to get him interested in other foods quickly to replace those terrible parts of his diet that you will be removing.
Make eating these foods fun, if he's disinclined to eat at first. (Keep in mind that he might be a little stressed by the move to a new home, so don't panic right away if he doesn't show a large appetite the first day or two.) You can even make a show of eating some of the fruits and veggies in front of him. If he's anything like my birds, Bixby in particular, anything that you're eating will become instantly desirable to him! Lol!
The change in diet, combined with regular baths/showers, will yield dramatic improvements to his plumage by the next full molt.
As for seeds, though they have been largely demonized, they are fine in moderation. But they should only form a relatively small part of his diet. Fruits and veggies should be the bulk of his daily intake.
Just observe him and his eating habits. Some parrots are game for anything. Others are very finicky. If yours is more on the finicky side, you may have to make a more gradual transition to a fruit/veggie diet.
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
You're welcome. No problem.
Definitely cooked. I use Volkmans Fancy Soak and Simmer for my birds. The bag contains a nice, healthy variety that they enjoy eating. Definitely worth it.
Definitely cooked. I use Volkmans Fancy Soak and Simmer for my birds. The bag contains a nice, healthy variety that they enjoy eating. Definitely worth it.
- Thread starter
- #9
Thanks thekarens. Excited and apresensive at the same time. Want to do well with nemo. What kind of fruits and veggies??? Don't think he gets many. Plus, if ITS may ask, can you give a list of safe wood?Nemo does not have perches or play toys. Would like to make them myself. Any info or link appreciated.
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
To start, definitely NOT avocado. Reportedly toxic to parrots.
For Bixby and Maya, here are the different fruits and veggies I provide: carrots, asparagus, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange and green), jalapeno peppers, Jamaican peppers, chili peppers, squash (butternut, green and yellow),pumpkin, blueberries, pomegranates, snap peas, broccoli, cactus pears, starfruit, bananas, grapes, kale, turnips, radishes, brown rice, quinoa, cucumbers, endive, dandelion, chopped celery, red swiss chard, granny smith apples, papaya, African horned melon, corn, hominy, chocho beans and garbanzo beans, as well as the aforementioned Volkman's Fancy Soak and Simmer for the majority of his legumes and grains.
Also some hard-boiled egg (with the crushed shell for calcium), though maybe once or twice a month. And assorted unsalted nuts for their treats.
For Bixby and Maya, here are the different fruits and veggies I provide: carrots, asparagus, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange and green), jalapeno peppers, Jamaican peppers, chili peppers, squash (butternut, green and yellow),pumpkin, blueberries, pomegranates, snap peas, broccoli, cactus pears, starfruit, bananas, grapes, kale, turnips, radishes, brown rice, quinoa, cucumbers, endive, dandelion, chopped celery, red swiss chard, granny smith apples, papaya, African horned melon, corn, hominy, chocho beans and garbanzo beans, as well as the aforementioned Volkman's Fancy Soak and Simmer for the majority of his legumes and grains.
Also some hard-boiled egg (with the crushed shell for calcium), though maybe once or twice a month. And assorted unsalted nuts for their treats.
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
As for advice on DIY toys & etc, just check this forum section: Do It Yourself - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
And I remember the topic of safe woods being covered on this forum, before. A search should yield you some rather extensive lists. For my part, I don't really remember the safe woods off the top of my head.
And I remember the topic of safe woods being covered on this forum, before. A search should yield you some rather extensive lists. For my part, I don't really remember the safe woods off the top of my head.
Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
- 9,539
- 114
- Parrots
- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
YIKES! Poor baby
Those are 3 of the most toxic foods for a parrot to consume. I can't believe someone would do that. I'm glad to hear you're taking him in and have the good sense to research what he should be eating and how to properly care for this guy. Kudos to you! I'm sure diet contributed to his poor feather health, but he probably is also in desperate needs of a good bath too. Most rescues haven't been bathed in some time and look+feel better after a bath. All parrots need at minimum 2 baths a week, more if they love them! They may be messy eaters, but they are actually very clean animals and take great pride in their plumage when we humans care for them properly
It's always a treat to see your bird display their beautiful colors for you!Since I didn't see it mentioned, given his diet of toxic foods and seed, he really needs to be seen by an avian-specialized vet for some blood and fecal work to see if theres any damages from being fed those things. As soon as possible is probably best. It's always a good idea with older birds to get a full vet workup anyways, but in this case even more so! It helps establish a health baseline so you know what health problems the bird has (if he has any, he may not), and if so, you have professional guidance of a vet for any treatments he may need and converting him to a healthier diet & lifestyle. Best of luck!
- Thread starter
- #18
Thank you. Nemo has an appointment in 2weeks. Mainly for beak and nail trimming plus wing clipping (he will be able to go outside for a change 
) I really appreciate everyones input. I want Nemo to have a healty happy life.
) I really appreciate everyones input. I want Nemo to have a healty happy life.
- Dec 18, 2013
- 22,301
- 4,217
- Parrots
- Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
As regards the wing clipping, keep in mind that even a clipped bird can fly away if the wind conditions are right. Just yesterday another member was fortunate enough to recover her bird (recently clipped) from the tree of people 2 blocks away.
So if you want to take him outside, my suggeston is that you have him wear a harness. Clipped or not.
(Some might advise you that a hard enough clip could well keep him from flying, but a clip severe enough for that would also be dangerous for your bird. If he lost balance from a perch, he wouldn't be able to slow his descent. He could break a leg, wing, or keel bone.)
So if you want to take him outside, my suggeston is that you have him wear a harness. Clipped or not.
(Some might advise you that a hard enough clip could well keep him from flying, but a clip severe enough for that would also be dangerous for your bird. If he lost balance from a perch, he wouldn't be able to slow his descent. He could break a leg, wing, or keel bone.)
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