B&G

Question
Hi Chrys,

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
Hi, Avanti,

You've done good by taking this bird in.  I'm going to address each of your concerns individually.

1.  Not to worry.  Sometimes when birds are under stress, they pick at a certain area or perhaps she got biten by a bug or something here.  Just watch for signs of plucking or other and take it from there.

2. Not to worry.  Birds often pick at the feathers they molt.  You need to look at her feathers when they are molted out to see what condition they are in.  Feather condition can be a good indicator of health.

3.  Try offering a variety of healthy, nutritious human foods.  You may need to offer in different shapes, sizes, etc., to find what pleases your bird.  Each bird is different.  Perhaps the pieces aren't large enough.  A big bird needs a size they can hold in their claws easily and eat.  If too small, some birds won't touch.  Remember that birds won't eat foods they don't recognize as food, so be persistent.  Also, if seed is available at the same time as other foods are offered, most parrots won't touch the other foods.

4.  Not necessary to cover cage during the day when she sleeps unless you want to and she likes it.  I like to cover cages at night when they sleep so they aren't disturbed by lights and it makes some birds feel more secure.

5.  Not all parrots like to shower!  Try providing a big bowl on top of her cage or on the floor or spray misting her with a spray bottle.  Some birds like to bathe, some don't.  Some don't want to bathe when we want them to.  But they need to be bathed or bathe themselves in order to keep their feathers in good condition.  Perhaps she's been frightened with/by water in the past or has just never had the opportunity.  A lot of parrots will bathe when the vacuum cleaner is turned on.  Something about the noise!

6.  Have her beak and nails trimmed if/when she needs them done.  

You haven't given me any reason in your post to question the health of your B&G.  However, it would be a good idea to get a baseline avian vet health exam done.  This would be in case she gets sick or isn't well sometime in the future, your vet will have something to compare her against.

Chrys