20 year old macaw, flying advice

[TheSpudC1]

Hi all, new member here!
We recently decided to take on a friend's blue and gold macaw, he really is amazing! He hasn't been clipped in 4-5 years, now we have the space for him to fly adequately and plan to net the back garden for his use too, but he flaps to his heart content whilst on his java tree and perches but grips too hard for him to take to the air!

Is this normal for a previously clipped parrot? Any advice at all on how to encourage flight ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[chris-md]

Hello and welcome!

This video will show you how! Targeting is your answer.

[ame="https://youtu.be/DomDr-dXZtU"]Evolution of parrot flight recall training, a tutorial on how to recall train your parrot - YouTube[/ame]

 

[SailBoat]

Truly great advise above!!!

I would recommend that you assure that your early mid-life Mac has a detailed physical examination to verify that your Mac is in fact healthy enough to fly. Mid to larger Parrots place a heavy demand on their hearts, air-sacks (lungs) and flight muscles as part of flight. It is critical that you with clarity tell your Avian Professional that you plan to re-fledge your Mac and you need to know if his heart is healthy enough to support that activity...

Also, ask to listen to your Mac's heart rate.

Getting your Mac to fly requires that s/he can become comfortable in believing that it's wings will support her/him. Flapping on a perch will not get your Mac to believe it.

NOTE: In the Amazon sub-Forum is a sticking that is Titled I Love Amazons - ... On page 1 is a list of segments in that Thread. Find the segment that is titled something like: Re-fledging an Adult Amazon. Read it will detail will provide you a step by step to develop your Mac's comfort in attempting to fly.

The Post above is excellent is taking this to the next level. Plus, the recall is so very important as part of your Mac's Training...