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Question
QUESTION: I have aquirred a parrott from a friend who is a bird person, but is currently batteling brain cancer, so i can't get the answers i need. The blue/gold i have only has one wing, is there things i need to be aware of due to only having 1 wing? he also needs help exposing his new tail feathers, will he let me do this? and what would be the best way? thank you for your time and help
Holly Livezey

ANSWER: It takes a huge heart to accept a special needs bird like this, so you must be quite strong of spirit to even consider it. Good for you and thank you.

This bird likely knows they only have one wing and probably doesn't attempt to fly, so always be considerate enough to provide a 'soft landing' area just in case they lose their balance or are startled and head for the ground.  Perches are best kept where they are since the bird has probably figured out what they need to do to safely reach ground/bottom.

When it comes to releasing feathers from their sheaths, I've got a female B&G with a similar problem and she's not fond of letting me "help", so more frequent showers during the molting season seems to encourage more preening and takes care of things.
 Good showers are often relished by macaws and when they're in the mood for it, they get drenched! Our birds have the best feather and least plucking problems - at least in part due to our attention to showering.  
 At first they may not dive right in, but with encouragement and patience they often start spreading their wings a bit and then full on bathe.

 Take a look at our set up and more info about macaws - and feel free to ask me anything, anytime.  I'll do what I can to help you all the way!

www.4AnimalCare.org


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, I am learning more each day, Gizmo, as we have named him, did get out of his cage and when he got on my arm, his first instinct was to fly, and with me still being a bit unsure as what to expect ,(although not letting gizmo know that) he when to the floor like a rock. he is okay, I'm probably more rattled than he was. He is very quiet, allows me to go into his cage with out squawking or anything.Is this a sign that he is comfortable? he is begining to nod his head with me and respond to me once in a while. I am accepting this as a good thing? Okay this may sound duhish, but the b&g can be showered? and the best way to do this is how? are there outside temp concerns? Also, from Gizmo being on a perch of pvc pipe, his feet are also a bit messed up, will this hinder him as well? he is now on a 2x3 on it's side. perfect for him to chew on. Again I just want to say thanks for helping me understand this undertaking I have accepted... Just one more resident of the Redneck zoo I currently have. Have a great day and I look forward to hearing your comments.
Holly
ANSWER: Great name! Poor Gizmo's instinct overwhelmed his knowledge that he's flight impaired, but he's been reminded and hopefully there won't be any more thuds.  The more he gets used to you, the less he'll try to 'escape' of course.
 Yes, macaws tend to enjoy showering. It's a personal thing though. Some are always ready and willing, others prefer to pick and choose the circumstances.  If it's over 60 degrees outside (a 'warm' 60 degrees rather than a chilly 60, you know?) he can be perched out there and lightly misted or showered with a garden hose attachment.
 Ours just automatically start bathing when we set the hose on "cone" spray. Oddly no other setting will do it, but something about the "cone" sound or size of the droplets does it.  
 When the weather is not so good, we've got a 'boingy' perch suspended from the ceiling in the shower, at the far end, out of direct stream. All it takes is a plant hook securely in the ceiling (use a molly bolt if you don't have a stud to secure it in) and you're set.
 The bird gets a good 'misting' and bit of spray as we shower and when they're very interested in getting more soaked we use a hand held shower nozzle on them.
 In a chilly house be sure he isn't exposed to any draft and has a nice warm place to dry off afterward.
 The PVC pipe perch is so easy that we have it everywhere too, but we've modified it so the birds grasp a natural wood surface.  Not difficult - just find a bird safe branch that can be pounded securely into the pvc pipe opening.  
 Our girl Sadie has two feet that were surgically corrected when she was a chick, but they will never be quite right.  It's amazing how much these guys can adjust and what they can survive.
  Check out our site and look at our Gallery tab
www.4AnimalCare.org

 You're doing just fine and I've got a good feeling about this. You might just be a "bird person" and it wouldn't surprise me to see you an expert rather quickly.

 Keep me in the loop and remember, I'm here for anything you need. Nothing is "duh" !!!!  ;)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am wondering if there is a direct e-mail I can reach youat. I would like to continue with the same person, saves on the re explaining. Let me know if not... I'm sure you will be hearing from me again.. And your name is?? Thanks I would like to e-mail you a pic if that is possible. I am finding this venture to be pretty cool. Holly

Answer
I'll certainly try to help you all the way on this. For obvious reasons I cannot post my email here, but if you go to my page and use the "contact us" option it'll go directly to me.

 www.4AnimalCare.org

One of the last people I helped 'learn' their macaw now advises others on bird care and has one of the most social and well loved birds I could ever had hoped for.

 In the subject line of the contact me page just let me know who you are/where from (AllExperts), etc..

 And we have pictures !  www.4AnimalCare.org