Weaning 5 1/2 month old macaw

[Jomal23]

Hi. I recently bought a blueand gold macaw. Have spent weekends with her at the breeders house with no
Intention to bring her home until fully weaned. The breeder went away for 3 weeks and left her with someone else but we couldn't see her. When he got home I went and visited to find her quite aggressive and skittish. The breeder told me she is savage I may not want her now so against his advice I decided to take her home ( if I had opted not to do this he was going to sell her as a breeder). Have had her home for 2 days. She has been fantastic. Not savage at all. Although the we still have a steep learning curve to overcome. My question is. I am told yo hand feed her 40cc twice a day which I am doing. We are also offering her a variety of fresh fruit and veg which she has interest in and she is also taking water. How do I know when to stop with the formula. And is it better to give her 2 smaller feeds or cut one out. Thanking u in advance for advice she is 5 1/2 months she also shows no interest in seed or pellets

 

[Selestine]

I can't answer you as to how much to feed her or how often -- I've never handfed a baby bird. I can tell you however, not to stop handfeeding her until she stops you. When she stops wanting to take the food is the best time.

Here is a link for you about abundance weaning. It is very important for a bird's psychological development to be fed for as long as they want to be fed, and they're all different with when they decide they want to wean.

For example -- there is a macaw at my breeder's house who is over eight months old who just refuses to give up being handfed, so he is still there getting his formula.

I'm betting someone else will hop on this thread in a bit and give you some more information soon, don't worry!

 

[weco]

Welcome to the forums.....sounds like your new friend was upset with the breeder...many birds do the same thing with their humans when they leave them for a period of time.....

As to weaning, the bird will normally wean itself when it is ready & just refuse to take formula any longer.....keep offering the seed mix & pellets, unless you plan to always feed fresh foods & fruits.....

Sounds like you're doing everything right so far.....good luck.....