Blue and Gold

Question
Hi Dianna,

I recently got a B & G Macaw from someone that couldn't take care of her. He had the bird for 3 months and didnt seem to care for her much. He charged me a pretty high price.

I noticed that the site where he posted her, he also is now looking for another Blue and Gold Macaw to buy. I found this weird considering he gave his up to me saying he didnt have time. I think he might of gotten her cheap and made money by selling her, BUT my fear is that she (Macaw) might have health problems, so im very worried about everything she does, here are some things I am unsure about:

1. on the ankle of her feet, she doesnt seem to have much hair. (doesnt pluck)
2. She is molting, and the stuff that comes off her feather, she seems to lick and eat it.
3. She doesnt eat fruits or vegetables. She licks them and then drops them.
4. She sleeps during the day. Is it necessary for me to cover her cage, Because she usually sleeps on a perch that cant be covered.
5. She hates to shower.
6. Should i get her beak and nails trimmed? her wings seems to have been clipped but not properly, and it almost looks like there is glue on them, they are scrunched up. (I can send pictures)

I personally think I did wonders by taking her home. I'm sure she is just as greatful being with us as I am with her. Her previous home was more like a filthy landfill not a home. I think he had hit her a few times too. Behaviorly she is great now compared to at first.

I know I should definitely schedule a vet visit but just wanted to see your response.

Thanks a lot!

Answer
Hello Avanti and thank you for your post.
The very first thing to do is to get pictures of her while she's in bad shape.  Yes, definately get her in to see a Certified Avian or Exotic Animal Vet ASAP.
The vet can determine weather or not her beak and nails will need a trim, but it sounds like her nails should definately be done.
A picture of her would help to determine how bad she is, but a vet can tell for sure how bad she is or isn't.
It's not uncommon for a bird to not like showers.  Try spraying her with mists of water from a spray bottle.  She'll probably not like them at first, but eventually she will start to fluff her feathers out and love the mists of water.  You can also try a small bath for her.  She might readily go into an inch or two of water in a sink or a tub.
Parrots do sleep alot.  They require at least 10-12 hours of sleep a day, so don't be alarmed at her sleeping during the day.
I do not believe in covering cages, but that's just me.  I have two birds that get "night frights" and one has almost broken her wing because of them, so the covering of the cage is really up to you.  I just don't like to do this.
It sounds like she is lacking something in her diet, possibly calcium.  Be sure to give her a few calcium blocks in her cage.  She'll know if she needs them or not.  Also, give her some Avian Vitamins.  This will help to suppliment the vitamins from her diet that she is lacking.
Try giving her some grapes, nananas, and a few apple slices.  Also, give her some dandelion greens, kals, spinach, or Romaine Lettuce.  These all are good sources of Vitamin K and Iron.  Be sure that she is getting enough natural sunlight.
You can also try putting a drop of Vitamin E into her water once a week.  This will help with any itchy skin that she may have, not to mention that it will help her feathers shine.
It sounds like you may be right about the person that you got her from (which is why you should take the before and after pictures).  Someone might catch what the other person is doing, and if he is in fact abusing and neglecting the parrots, the prosectuers will need all of the proof that they can get (I have been know to get investigations started in my area).

Please feel free to come back with any more questions.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna