abused bird help

Question
i am a huge overall animal lover i have three dogs two children and now a bue and gold mccaw named maxx. I had this bird given too me about six weeks ago from a friend who said it was being treated badly by its owners. maxx hasnt bit me yet he has tried to though maxx is missing alot of feathers and acts very aggressive toward people. He seems very dog friendly though. I have been feeding him by hand everday since i got him mostly fruits and veggies plus he has his bowl of seeds that i got from the pet store. this is my first bird and i am determined not to give up on him i guess you can say we have bonded. any information would be helpful thank you

Answer
Hi John, bless you for taking this guy in.  As he is your first bird - you have lots of homework to do!  Far too much information for me to give you here.  So I'd like to invite you to a parrot forum where you can post a thread and get valuable advice and insight from lots of other caring bird owners.  I don't have large macaws (I have a mini) but care for many large macaws on the weekend.  So I will be happy to chime in on your thread and give you advice.  Sorry not to answer you directly here but there is just too much info you need right now and I think if I were to type everything out here right now,  it would take me all day!  :-)  My username at the board is WonderMomma - so if you could register, then send me a private message there, I'll be happy to start a thread there for you and then send you the link to it.  There are also several threads there already that will help you out.  I've posted a few links below for you.  The website is www.theperch.net .  

One link below is the longest running thread on the Perch - but was started by a member in San Fran who began caring for a blue and gold (she knew nothing about birds either) who belonged to someone else she works with at a horse stable.  The bird was kept in a freezing cold room and ate nothing but salted pistachios!  He also had lots of behavior issues and after nearly 700 posts by Perch members - she's got this macaw and the other bird the owner has, an african grey, on the right track!  It will take you a while but will prove invaluable to you in your situation.  There's also a link or two below of threads I've given advice on as far as biting, step up training and dietary issues.  

http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=31534

http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=35238

The following are all about the same blue and gold macaw:
http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=30232
http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=30234
http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=30289
http://www.theperch.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=30447

Some important things you should try to read up on - or post about on the perch are:

Diet - Maxx will need to be converted onto a healthier diet.  Pellets are important here - and reducing the seed amount is crucial.  Birds on an all seed, no pellet diet usually only live half of their life span.  Macaws do need a bit more fat in their diet, so shelled nuts are necessary.  Diamond makes a great mix of brazil nuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts.

Behavior
Bathing/Feather Issues
Sleep
Household Toxins/Dangers - such as teflon poisoning (will kill a bird in minutes), scented ANYTHING, carpet fresh, windex fumes, cleaners, febreeze, etc.

I hope you will seriously consider coming and joining us - there is so much to learn!  This process will be a journey for both you and Maxx!



FOLLOW UP 3/28/08
That's Great John!  I went to look for your member name but don't see you there yet.  You may still need to confirm your registration by email.  If you find you're having trouble doing so - give me a shout and I can have an admin help you.  I'm thrilled we have another member on the board and look forward to hearing how Maxx is progressing with you.