First time bird owner, Older Blue&Gold

[Terry208]

Hey guys, so I kinda had an older blue and gold fall in to my lap, an older family members has had this bird for about 10 years (5th owner) he’s getting pretty old and wanted to find a better home for his bird, A, cause he isn’t able to provide as well as he should, and B, he wants to take care of things be for he passes. So I’ve volunteered to take Joey, He’s a beautiful Blue & Gold Macaw, somewhere around 30 years old. He wasn’t getting much attention, he’s on a pellet only diet, and his beak is pretty badly over grown, I’ve alreay talked to my local bird store and have arranged to have his beak and nails taken care of, but I was just curious if you guys have any advice or pointers for me. He seems pretty trusting with new people, he’s a bit leary of me but will let me handle him, especially if I have a peanut lol. Also with being on a pellet only diet how should I approach introducing a proper diet, I know with dogs, you have to slowly give them a new food, not sure if it’s the same for birds. Thanks in advance guys. Looking forward to your recommendations.

 

[LordTriggs]

welcome!

Well you are certainly in a better starting place than many new bird owners! Whilst a pellet only diet isn't the greatest it can be far worse. Try offering some fruits and veggies as treats. There's some to avoid of course, stick away from Avocado and apple seeds also never let him near coffee or chocolate. There are others I know are bad but I can't remember off the top of my head. There's a list of toxic foods for birds on here so do take a look around all the different subforums.

He's clearly been tamed very well and socialized a lot, just keep going at the pace he wants to go and enjoy him. Definitely look into finding your nearest CAV so he has a doctor on hand, if possible find the one his previous owner took him to so as to keep continuity with his medical history.

He will be wary of you for a bit but it will pass once he settles