New macaw

[odo49]

Hi, I have just got a 5 month old b&g macaw. I was given the following advice from the breeder, (just want to make sure it's right):
* don't remove him from the cage for 7 days
* only 1 perch in the cage
* feed (seed mix, pellets, bananas &a peanuts, some fruit and veg)
* not to shower him until next year
*not to take him outside until next June (how would I socialise him?)

Can I harness training now?

Just want to start of right.

Thanks

 

[promethuschow]

I do not have any Macaw so can't say much about that, but looking at the advice I can tell you for sure some of them are a nonstarter to being with. you would gradually want them to move into Pellets, not seed the only diet. As for the shower, my understanding is that they do love shower, and you should shower them often. As for cage/handling, you ought to interact with them as often as possible. I started with my CAG and GCC on the second day.

I suggest you read the Macaw forum. Birdman666 has some wonderful insight into them. Please read his posts and all the posts in the Macaw forum for this purpose.

Here are the links for them:

Macaws - Page 8 - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community


http://www.parrotforums.com/training/48616-types-biting-behavior-mods.html

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and your B&G! Wonderful links above provided by promethuschow. Our Macaw subforum has a wealth of helpful information!!

Premise of cage security is sound, but 7 days is a long time. You can start within a day or so by opening cage door and offer treats to entice exiting on own accord. Important to strike a balance for a young bird in new environment between feeling comfortable vs cage-bound.

Hopefully you have a large cage with opportunity for multiple perches! Natural wood vastly preferred to dowels - though many new cages come with one or two of the latter.

Macaw diet requires a bit more fat than other species, so quality seed mix + pellets + an abundance of fresh veggies/fruits is best. Some folks prefer pellets, no seed mix, but inclusion of varied nuts such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia, etc. Some helpful dietary links:
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

Unsure why the advice not to shower until next year. Weather related, ie do you live in a very cold climate, hence the warmth of Spring?

I'll defer harness training to more knowledgeable members. The skies in my locale are filled with raptors, and I don't take chances!!

 

[chris-md]

Hello there, all great advice above! Not a fan of this breeders advice to you. Sounds more like a newbie trying to parrot information they “heard” rather than the voice of experience.

I’ll add, the 7 days thing? Yeah, no. That’s not a hard rule. The rule is go at your birds pace, whatever he is comfortable with. If he’s showing signs of wanting to come out and interact right now, by all means, let him out! If he’s still a bit phobic, wait until he gives you the signals that he’s ready. Definitely start with doors open as Scott mentions and work from there.

Harness training can be done now. There are many breeders who, while weaning, are willing to harness train for an additional fee, so the chick comes to you already trained.

 

[SailBoat]

Not known as an expert with Babies, but what that breeder (note the use of a small 'b'), is recommending is as stated above, A Non-Starters! Babies want and need to be handled and as early as possible (at the rate of the parrot is truly great advice).

Showers can be an issue if the Parrot is simply plunged in. I have always recommended using a fine plant missing bottle (not a spray bottle) and misting up into the air above the Parrot. This duplicates a very light (misting) rain, which occurs nearly every day in their Natural Range!

Harness training, IMHO, only behinds after one has a solid trust relationship in place.

Welcome to Parrot Forum, IMHO, the premier place for truly great Parrot information!