Misty Macaw(Pictures)

[Birdlover1]

Today I decided to try misty Echo.He basically hated it.The droplets of mist looked really cool on his feathers so I took some pictures for you guys

He recently got a little bruise on his face from smacking himself in the head with one of his toys and I was wondering if that will heal up by itself?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Nice pictures. It's important that he gets a bath regularly. Mine don't always like it either, but I don't give them much of a choice in the matter. I found that taking them into the shower is the easiest way for them to get a good soaking.

I noticed 2 things with your pictures. Firstly, I think Echo's beak is quite long. The second thing I noticed is that in your second picture there is a carabiner hook hanging on the cage door of Echo. Those hooks can potentially be quite dangerous for them, as their beaks can become entrapped. Please be careful.

 

[Birdlover1]

Nice pictures. It's important that he gets a bath regularly. Mine don't always like it either, but I don't give them much of a choice in the matter. I found that taking them into the shower is the easiest way for them to get a good soaking.

I noticed 2 things with your pictures. Firstly, I think Echo's beak is quite long. The second thing I noticed is that in your second picture there is a carabiner hook hanging on the cage door of Echo. Those hooks can potentially be quite dangerous for them, as their beaks can become entrapped. Please be careful.

Ive noticed that.His previous owners had a vet check him before I bought him and the vet said nothing about that...It doesn't seem to bug him or anything but do you think it should be trimmed or something?
The hook thingy was on his cage when I got it and used to put over the latch on his door so he can't open it.He hasn't messed with it but I'll keep an eye on him for sure!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Yes, I think the beak needs to be trimmed a little.
Here is some good literature: http://www.scottemcdonald.com/pdfs/Bad Beaks.pdf

As for the bruise on his face, yes, that will heal in no time at all.

 

[Birdlover1]

Ive examined his beak and the extra bit if just really really thin so I'll either let him finish wearing it down or I might just trim it with some nail clippers.

 

[Blancaej]

Great pictures of Echo. Thanks for sharing!

Definitely replace that hook, I've heard they can be quite the hazard to birdie beaks!

My CAG hates being misted, taking showers and most other ways of taking a bath! He used to take baths only in his water dish. So now I found a large stainless steel bowl that I hang in there just for bathing. He knows what it's for because everytime I put fresh water in it he takes a bath!

Good luck!

 

[Birdlover1]

Yeah I took it off.No need to have it if its going to hurt him

 

[Lindylou277]

Our B&G hates misting. We have been working on real showers. I just posted pictures today. "Coqui's first shower" I took her into the bathroom and closed the door. Put her on the floor and I got into the shower and left the door open. I sat on the floor of the shower and called her. after 20 minutes she joined me. the shower was slightly warm and not running too hard. Take a look at the pictures. I think it was a success because i let her walk in to visit me in the shower and did not force her. Good Luck.

 

[Remy]

Darcy hates showers, but he's better if I lower him into the bath water when I take a bath. He doesn't *like* it, but he doesn't scream like he's being killed. Darcy's vet says he needs them though, so I get him wet about once or twice a week. He sulks and acts really depressed until he starts to dry off...

Regarding the beak: It is a little long, but it's not hurting anything. It could be a sign he's not chewing enough to wear it down, or it could be nutritional. Just make sure he has high quality food (I use Harrison's High Potency), and plenty to chew on. You can trim it, but it would be for looks, and I guess to see if it grows back long again.

He's soooo pretty! I love the droplets on him.

 

[Birdlover1]

Our B&G hates misting. We have been working on real showers. I just posted pictures today. "Coqui's first shower" I took her into the bathroom and closed the door. Put her on the floor and I got into the shower and left the door open. I sat on the floor of the shower and called her. after 20 minutes she joined me. the shower was slightly warm and not running too hard. Take a look at the pictures. I think it was a success because i let her walk in to visit me in the shower and did not force her. Good Luck.

Oh my I would never try something like that with Echo until Ive had him for a few years atleast.He'd probably tear me to shreds even if he went in willingly!

Darcy hates showers, but he's better if I lower him into the bath water when I take a bath. He doesn't *like* it, but he doesn't scream like he's being killed. Darcy's vet says he needs them though, so I get him wet about once or twice a week. He sulks and acts really depressed until he starts to dry off...

Regarding the beak: It is a little long, but it's not hurting anything. It could be a sign he's not chewing enough to wear it down, or it could be nutritional. Just make sure he has high quality food (I use Harrison's High Potency), and plenty to chew on. You can trim it, but it would be for looks, and I guess to see if it grows back long again.

He's soooo pretty! I love the droplets on him.

After I misted Echo he got really grumpy but also cuddly.He just didn't know what to do lol!

Yeah Im just going to leave it no need to make him upset while Im still trying to bond with him.His previous owners just had him on some generic food so that could be it.I'll be sure to make him some nice new wood toys to destroy!

 

[fregley]

Awww, he'll soon get used to showering just take it slowly and don't annoy him with it, make it his best game ever.
Freg wasn't too keen at first but now he tells me when he wants a shower! If we walk past the bathroom he'll wolfwhistle, fluff up and wiggle his tail - if he does this I'll go and get his shower perch and this really excites him!
I just make a HUGE fuss of him when he's in there and make it fun, I sing along with him, whistle at him and call him a pretty boy lol!

That's good that you've taken a bit off his beak, it was looking a bit long, have you got a variety of perches in his cage? Freg has got his standard three "broom poles" that came with the cage, various hardwood perches and various orthopedic perches they really help with beak and claws

 

[Birdlover1]

Awww, he'll soon get used to showering just take it slowly and don't annoy him with it, make it his best game ever.
Freg wasn't too keen at first but now he tells me when he wants a shower! If we walk past the bathroom he'll wolfwhistle, fluff up and wiggle his tail - if he does this I'll go and get his shower perch and this really excites him!
I just make a HUGE fuss of him when he's in there and make it fun, I sing along with him, whistle at him and call him a pretty boy lol!

That's good that you've taken a bit off his beak, it was looking a bit long, have you got a variety of perches in his cage? Freg has got his standard three "broom poles" that came with the cage, various hardwood perches and various orthopedic perches they really help with beak and claws

Well I actually decided not to clip his beak yet.Im going to give him a few days to wear it down on his own on his new concrete perch I just bought today He also has normal perches that came with the cage but soon I'll be making him new ones!I got a great twisty branch that I have to get the bark off and clean,but once its done it'll be awesome.

 

[BirdBrains2233]

I would always recommend taking your companion to an Avian Vet and allow them to do all the necessary work (nails, beak, wings). I have heard and see way to many cases where the owners do they maintenance themselves and their companion ends up hating them for it. Though all birds wont respond the same, with mine I never took the chance.