Toweling?

[Way2fst4u]

As some of you know I'm new here, and have just rescued a severely plucked Macaw. I'd love to be able to give her a shower, but she's not comfortable enough to step up on me consistently, and she HATES sticks...so stepping up on one is not going to happen.

Should I try to towel her and get her a shower, or would it be best to just leave her be? I know it will help her be more comfortable, but if it comes at the risk of stressing her out to get her there is it really worth it? I can pretty much guarantee if I towel her, she will freak out, which I do NOT want.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JerseyWendy]

You said you can't "consistantly" get her to step up, so why not take the opportunity, while you do have her on your arm to give her a gentle, warm spray bath, and see how she likes it.

Under no circumstances would I towel her to give her a bath. The ONLY time I towel any of my birds if there's an emergency.

Does she have a playstand? Or a table perch? If she willingly steps onto a table perch, you could give her a bath that way.

Like this (as an example):
Polly's Pet Products Portable Stand X-Large - STANDS by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

 

[horsesculpter]

Skip the shower and just mist her where ever she is comfortable gently daily so as to stress her as little as possible. I used a spray bottle set on a fine mist and sprayed up above Sunny so it fell gently down on her from above until she got used to it. She was frightened at first but now loves a good brisk shower.

 

[Way2fst4u]

I tried the mist...she has a fit. Doesn't like it. I may try it again.

She has a playstand next to her cage, but she won't go on it yet either. She's afraid of sticks. I'm wondering if the previous owner chased her with one or something. I'll just let her be then...was just trying to make her more comfortable.

I have never toweled a bird this large anyway, so I was a bit hesitant to do it unless I 'HAD' to.

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

Do you have a humidifier you can put in her area to moisten the air. That would probably make it a little more comfortable too. The basic Vicks unit is about $16 online or in one of the big stores (W, T, K). The ultrasonic models are arounr $50 and up. But either would probably help.

 

[Kantia]

I wouldn't suggest toweling either as this might stress her out and you could lose her trust. Maybe you could try putting a large bowl in her cage or on the floor and see if she'll take to it...