Blue & Gold Macaw

Question
Hi Maggie,

    I just love Max. He was going to the zoo when I found him about a yr. ago. I was lucky enough to get him. I have been trying to LEARN as much about his needs as possible. I was told by a friend that to let him walk on the floor or a flat surface it hurts there feet. IS THIS TRUE? Thanks for your time and have a great day.
                   Terri

Answer
Terri-

No, that is not true.

It is very natural for parrots to walk on flat surrfuces. Although macaws don't do it as much as parrots in austrailia or africa do... it still is a part of their daily lives. When macaws gather on clay cliffs- sometimes they are perching on edges, but I've seen some photos of birds who are on a little area of cliff that sticks out enough for them to stand completely flat-footed.

Parrots from Africa and Austrailia spend much of their time feeding on the ground. It is perfectly natural for a bird to do this.

I hope this helps answer your questions. :)

If you are interested in learning more, you should also check out these wonderful websites:

www.companionparrot.com

www.wingedwisdom.com

www.EPAH.net

www.forthebirdsDVM.org

Again- I hope this helps!

-Maggie