New bird owner

L

Lynn81

New member
Sep 5, 2017
2
0
Parrots
GWM named POOK
Hello, I just adopted a 9 yr old GWM named POOK. I've never owned a large bird before. I feel like things are going good. But I have lots of questions. I had a vet app but an hour before my app. They called and said their exotic vet was quiting and there was no point in doing a meet and greet. I'm planning on making an app with a different vet. When I got to Pooks original home he only had 1 tail feather and was missing the tips of some of his chest feathers. Since being with me he took out the last tail feather but has not removed any other feathers. He is preening constantly and growls while chewing his feet. Any suggestions until I can get to the vet? I work but when I'm home he is always with me. He gives kisses and whenever I'm home he likes to sit on me. He nips every now and then but not really hard.
 
Last edited:
hello, sounds like good beginnings

The feather plucking could be stress and a learned behavior, distractions like toys foraging opportunities ETC should hopefully help him break the habit and open him up a bit. Of course a vet visit is always good with this stuff just to rule it out. Good luck in finding a new vet!

Oh and of course get some pictures up here!
 
A warm welcome to you and Pook! GWM is a good bet for a large bird as their personalities tend to be a bit more mellow than other macaws.

Kudos for seeking vet care early to ward off surprises. A shame the vet quit, but depending on your location there should be others. A certified avian vet is the best choice, as many vets specializing in "exotics" lack the complete education and might not have a full compliment of specialty equipment.

Seems Pook has plucking tendencies but it may be hard to distinguish between the stress of a new home. It can take weeks to acclimate depending on his history. I believe you have an excellent companion, his nips are a subtle form of control as he certainly could bite hard if desired!

As plumsmum2005 suggested, the macaw forum is an excellent resource. This beak thread may be particularly applicable: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

Good luck with your new companion and let us know of any questions!
 
Scott said:
GWM is a good bet for a large bird as their personalities tend to be a bit more mellow than other macaws.
Click to expand...


wait hold up

... I may have to add Green Wing Macaw to the maybe in the future list
 
Welcome to the site I recommend browsing often, I have learned so much in the last few months from experts that it's amazing. Also once you get better acquainted with your new owner you can give advice as well...it's a great community. I still ask questions about once a week to the experts and I hope I give good advice to the junior members...you'll have fun and learn a lot here.
 
clark_conure said:
Welcome to the site I recommend browsing often, I have learned so much in the last few months from experts that it's amazing. Also once you get better acquainted with your new owner you can give advice as well...it's a great community. I still ask questions about once a week to the experts and I hope I give good advice to the junior members...you'll have fun and learn a lot here.
Click to expand...

Also pretty fun learning stuff so it goes in easier!

you can learn more in a day on here than you would with a year's worth of documentation
 
Welcome!
Glad you found us.
There's so much to read and research here. I'm happy that you're reaching out!
 
clark_conure said:
Welcome to the site I recommend browsing often, I have learned so much in the last few months from experts that it's amazing. Also once you get better acquainted with your new owner you can give advice as well...it's a great community. I still ask questions about once a week to the experts and I hope I give good advice to the junior members...you'll have fun and learn a lot here.
Click to expand...

Yes you are right it is a great community. No one is an expert on here and those who try to help all have varying levels of experience and it is this that is used to call upon to help those in need. Anyone on here big headed enough to state they are an expert steer clear of IMO. Everyone's input and POV is valuable, maybe not always agreed with by everyone, that's life in general. Please do not feel that because someone is titled differently to you that you cannot make a valuable input, it may be only that they joined before you. :)

forum - a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.
 
Last edited:
I'm an expert on clark and none other......by expert yes I mean more experienced people I guess everyone is an expert in their own flock and I don't think I've come across anyone who claims to be god of all birds.... I was just commenting some people seem to be a fountain of knowledge in the basics Lordtriggs has kicked my butt so many times on stuff I don't know much about but had an opinion on, and you plumsmum and galeriagilla and scott and pilaf and pipnme and wrench etc. But some things I do know about....That's why this site is so informational, the discourse. Even when I'm wrong I learn, and when I'm right I learn.

In short no one is an expert in everything, but everyone is and expert in what hey do know
 
clark_conure said:
I'm an expert on clark and none other......by expert yes I mean more experienced people I guess everyone is an expert in their own flock and I don't think I've come across anyone who claims to be god of all birds.... I was just commenting some people seem to be a fountain of knowledge in the basics Lordtriggs has kicked my butt so many times on stuff I don't know much about but had an opinion on, and you plumsmum and galeriagilla and scott and pilaf and pipnme and wrench etc. But some things I do know about....That's why this site is so informational, the discourse. Even when I'm wrong I learn, and when I'm right I learn.

In short no one is an expert in everything, but everyone is and expert in what hey do know
Click to expand...

I have approximate knowledge of many things. I also like kicking butt like a true southern englishman. I've learnt a few good bits from yourself and I can't sing the praises of those like Plum, Scott, Anasi, Sailboat, Salty, Birdman and anyone else I've forgotten

the sheer amount of info can turn you from a complete novice into a sort of novice in a matter of weeks
 
LordTriggs said:
Scott said:
GWM is a good bet for a large bird as their personalities tend to be a bit more mellow than other macaws.
Click to expand...


wait hold up

... I may have to add Green Wing Macaw to the maybe in the future list
Click to expand...

They can be really sweet birds despite their size and monstrous beak! I've been bitten by birds of various size, but Rocky my former GWM never broke skin.
 
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #14
How do I upload pictures? I'm on my phone my computer broke.
 
Welcome to the forum! A green wing, how wonderful...if you search for posts by birdman666 you will find a dense collection of macaw info. And there is a website for the association of avian vets that will render unto you the names of any nearby. If you are having computer trouble, let us know where you are and someone can do a quick search for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Brand new bird owner!!!

Previous Thread

Hello!!

Next Thread

Most Reactions

Similar threads

T
New bird owner, and new member to the forum!
Replies
4
Views
527
Suzette
S
S
Our new parrot
Replies
8
Views
761
Macawdamia Nut
Macawdamia Nut
Anaria
HELP! My male IRN losing his tail :(
Replies
3
Views
597
Chili123
C
Z
Acrylic collar damaged my parrots neck. Will he get function back?
Replies
6
Views
789
Zircon
Z
S
Skittles and Lola
Replies
1
Views
216
zERo
zERo

Latest posts

Back
Top