Adopting B&G today

[groovieguy]

I've been wanting a macaw for awhile and I am going to adopt a 10 mo. B&G later today.
I have been reading up on them for quite sometime and will still have so questions for you all.
First he has a Vet appt. on Thursday. I was told he has to be sedated for DNA, I thought that was just a blood draw, I also asked about microchip maybe she meant he has to be sedated for that. I worry about sedation and not sure I want to do that to him, what are your thoughts?
I am going to get a harness for him as he will go outside with me.

I will keep him away from my amazon but was wondering for how long and what is the best way to introduce them?

He comes with a cage but a little hard to tell if it is big enough or not from the pics.
I'm also going to have to break out my saws and build some toys for him.
I will post some pics when I get him home later this afternoon.

Thanks
Joe

 

[Christinenc2000]

You sound so excited . I am happy for you ! If you list the size of the cage I am sure someone will let you know if it is big enough.

 

[Birdman666]

I've been wanting a macaw for awhile and I am going to adopt a 10 mo. B&G later today.
I have been reading up on them for quite sometime and will still have so questions for you all.
First he has a Vet appt. on Thursday. I was told he has to be sedated for DNA, I thought that was just a blood draw, I also asked about microchip maybe she meant he has to be sedated for that. I worry about sedation and not sure I want to do that to him, what are your thoughts?
I am going to get a harness for him as he will go outside with me.

I will keep him away from my amazon but was wondering for how long and what is the best way to introduce them?

He comes with a cage but a little hard to tell if it is big enough or not from the pics.
I'm also going to have to break out my saws and build some toys for him.
I will post some pics when I get him home later this afternoon.

Thanks
Joe

NO ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! SHE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SEDATED, THAT IS A CRAPPY VET... YOU NEVER WANT TO SEDATE A BIRD IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO. IT'S POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING!!!

No ACV worth a d@%# out there would recommend sedation for something like that!

Find a different vet!!!!

The smallest I would go with a B&G is 40 by 30. And I would go with a dome top.

Do you have a history on him? Has he been exposed to other birds? Quarantine usually lasts 30 days. But, it kinda depends on history. If this bird has been doing life in solitary, and his vet tests show nothing... then maybe not...

(I'm less cautious about this than a lot of folks.)

 

[BreakinNewz]

Congratz! But you want to bring him to the vet that soon? I think you should let him settle down a bit with you and its new surroundings before having them handling him to get DNA.... I think that would add unnecessary stress at this time. But that's just my 2cent!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Here is a GREAT article about microchipping, and the method Dr Scott McDonald uses (yes, for microchipping the bird WILL be sedated)
http://www.scottemcdonald.com/images/3812art/New articles/Protocol Microchips 3812.pdf

If you opt for DNA only, then no, there would be no need to sedate the bird. It's also something you can potentially do from home.
Avian Services Center: DNA sexing and disease testing for all species of birds.

IMO it's a great idea to have your new baby checked out by a vet rather sooner than later.

Your excitement comes through loud and clear. I bet you are counting the hours until you pick him/her up. Please don't forget...we LOVE photos.

 

[Birdman666]

Oh, sedation for microchipping. I missed that.

I was thinking DNA... why would you sedate for DNA?

 

[Allee]

Congratulations groovieguy! I can't wait to see photos and hear about your new B&G. I agree with Wendy, I think your scheduled vet visit is definitely a good idea. If you're concerned about the anesthesia, discuss it with your Av-Vet before the procedure. I would also ask what quarantine measures your vet suggests after your new bird's exam, can't be too careful.

 

[groovieguy]

Thanks everyone for the info.
Well I ended up going early and get the bird, I chose not to take the cage as it wasn't big enough and wasn't the cleanest either. He does have a small red bump near his eye so I am glad we are going to the vet Thursday.

Out the driveway and he decided she could drive better then me, she was on the steering wheel. So on my arm she went then up to my shoulder to snuggle the hour ride home.
But I needed a cage so we went to the Bird store and got him a nice 40x30 cage with play gym on top, I also got some toys and a wooden perch stand. The cage will be delivered around 6 p.m.

Oh I should stop saying he as it is a she. So now to try and figure out a name for her, was thinking Kiki or TiKi not sure as we were going to call him Rico but that won't work. Her original name is Rio.

 

[BreakinNewz]

Congratulations, she looks happy!

 

[Christinenc2000]

Congratulations. She is so pretty !

 

[JerseyWendy]

Awesome!! Sounds like she's made herself right at home! Either name will be a good one. She's a gorgeous girl, too!

Many congrats!! Let the fun begin.

 

[groovieguy]

Quick question
She seems to be having a hard time with the Zupreem pellets, I see her dunking them. I think she is 9 months not 10. He told me hatch date was April 2014.
Any suggestions?

 

[Birdman666]

Quick question
She seems to be having a hard time with the Zupreem pellets, I see her dunking them. I think she is 9 months not 10. He told me hatch date was April 2014.
Any suggestions?

I'd say it's pretty normal.

 

[Adam_T]

Maybe once I get super comfortable with my conure, and have years of experience...maybe then I'll get a Macaw. Right now, I'm too scared of their bite. Hah.

 

[Birdman666]

Maybe once I get super comfortable with my conure, and have years of experience...maybe then I'll get a Macaw. Right now, I'm too scared of their bite. Hah.

Right now you basically have a shrunken macaw anyway...

 

[Terry57]

Congratulations on your new baby! She is just beautiful