New to macaws. Need a couple of infos

[marvint]

Hi guys im just new to keeping these magnificent creatures. Just wanted to ask some questions. First, is it normal for some macaws to have delayed feather growth? My bng is around 12weeks old based on what the breeder said was its hatch date. He's not fully feathered yet still has some bald spots on his chest where the feathers are still growing. His back is still covered by those gray feathers while some blue are coming in. He is around 900g now and already keeps flapping his wings. Im still handfeeding him 2x a day with fresh friuts and vegetables in between. Its worrying me knowing that if his age is correct he might be having late development. Most 3 month old macaws i see on the net are fully feathered. Thanks

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum.

All the baby macs I've ever seen were fully feathered by 12 weeks, including my Niko (also a Blue & Gold). Looking at your pictures, your baby seems to be a little younger than what the breeder led you to believe.

 

[marvint]

Thanks for the welcome jerseywendy. Hope you're right. Lets just say he is younger than 12weeks. Right now he us always flapping his wings like he's fledging. Is that normal for a macaw thats not fully feathered yet?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Yes, perfectly normal. Once their wing feathers are all grown in, they make very good use of them.

Has he taken his 'maiden' flight yet?

I'd suggest you not let him do excessive flapping right after feeding him, especially because you don't want him crashing into anything with a full crop.

 

[marvint]

No maiden flight yet. He just love flapping his wings with his feet holding on to the cage.

 

[veimar]

I don't know much about this, but just wanted to say - your baby is so adorable! I love the second picture!! So cute.

 

[Sicilysangel]

Congrats to you!! Def a beautiful baby, and you will do a great job raising him. This forum has helped me alot, and ive become a very confident macaw owner since joining.

 

[Christinenc2000]

Congrats to you!! Def a beautiful baby, and you will do a great job raising him. This forum has helped me alot, and ive become a very confident macaw owner since joining.

Well said ! Same here. I would have been lost without this Forum.

 

[marvint]

Thanks guys. Ive learned a lot from this forum.