Rescued Macaw - regurgitating

[Awnie]

Hi,

I am new to these forums and new to parrot ownership. I have recently rescued an elderly (age unknown) blue fronted amazon and a younger (again age unknown) blue and gold macaw.

They are both incredible birds and I am really enjoying getting to know them and working with them. The Amazon is incredibly chill and has attached herself to my 13 yo son.

We are having to work a bit harder with the Macaw. He has been a bit more of a challenge but positive reinforcement is helping. He is an amazing bird with an outstanding vocabulary. He talks in full sentences...non stop.

The biggest issue is that he is regurgitating frequently. He will bob or bang his head/beak and regurgitate into his mouth and then swallow it again. He will do this with a toy, his rope perch, a towel or other piece of fabric. He will repeat the regurgitation over and over. Sometimes if he has been in his cage for a period of time and I come into the room it will smell like sour milk from the regurgitating. I can generally distract him when he is with me but the minute he is alone or has a chance he will do it again.

Wondering if anyone has any thoughts as to why he might be doing this and if there is anything I can do to help.

Thank you

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, congratulations for rescuing two parrots!

I have little experience with prolific regurgitation and assume it is simply a matter of affection. Other members may have better guidance as to whether this may be a medical issue.

Macaws have a rather different personality compared with Amazons. I'd encourage you to read from the Macaw Forum, so many helpful threads.

Did a general search for "macaw regurgitation" and found these: Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community - Search Results
You'll have to do some sifting, but may find some good advice!

 

[bigfellasdad]

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/65327-constant-regurgitation-mating-behavior.html

Id go with this thread, ive gone through the same with my CAG after I adopted her a few months ago.

The 2nd response is good advice but id like to add, give the bird a full 12hr sleep a night or as much as you can allow. If he is regurgitating try to distract his mind on to something else, show him new toys or show him around your home to just get his horny mind away from loving

 

[bigfellasdad]

one thing to add, potentially your mac may get aggressive towards you (to protect you) or aggressive towards others (to protect you), so please be mindful of this and learn about mac body language.

good luck out there

 

[Birdman666]

It's normal.

They regurg for favorite people.

They regurg for favorite toys.

They regurg to eat.

 

[wrench13]

Awnie, if Birdman666 tells you its normal, believe it! You certainly have your hands full, with these 2 big guys!

 

[Awnie]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

I guess I will continue on with the distraction when I can. I am also going to work on regular sleep.

I am increasing the sleep time to 13 to 14 hours right now. Hopefully that will help a bit. I am noticing he is getting a bit testy towards 5-6pm so am putting him to bed a bit sooner.

My hands are definitely full but my heart has fallen completely for these 2 gorgeous birds.

 

[Scott]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

I guess I will continue on with the distraction when I can. I am also going to work on regular sleep.

I am increasing the sleep time to 13 to 14 hours right now. Hopefully that will help a bit. I am noticing he is getting a bit testy towards 5-6pm so am putting him to bed a bit sooner.

My hands are definitely full but my heart has fallen completely for these 2 gorgeous birds.

They are worth every bit of your effort!

 

[Notdumasilook]

AWESOME person you are taking in these critters! Can't offer better advice than you have already gotten but can tell you paper towels are cheaper bought in bulk! Best of luck with the new additions to your family.