Severe Macaw Weight, Diet, Etc.

[JewelsinMo]

Hello All, I have posted once before however I am fairly new here. I have a 9 month old Severe Macaw who is just a love! His name is Marty and he is doing very well in our home. He's lovable, interactive, and wants to be with us always. My questions center around his weight and diet primarily, but also grooming.

Currently Marty is weighting between 331 and 346 grams, depending on time of day and when he's eaten. I have read that their "normal" minimum weight should be between 300 and 360 grams -no two sites have given the same minimums or maximums which is very confusing. I am preparing his meals 3 times per day and have been leaving pellets and a small amount of seed mix in his cage all day, however he wants none of it now, where as before he ate pellets and seeds routinely. He was on seed mix and fruity colored pellets when we got him and I moved him to pellets which he seemed to like for a small while - until I started offering chop and quinoa and beans.

He now has some type of grain such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, quinoa or brown rice or something similar in the mornings with fruit, such as banana, strawberries, kiwi or grated apple in the mornings. At about noon or one he gets chop with various veggies, but no grains, a few pomegranate seeds a day-which he LOVES, 2-3 nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachio, etc.). For dinner, at 6:00-6:30 he gets a grain such as quinoa, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, etc. with some 12 bean mix.

He will no longer eat his pellets or seed mix. This has me concerned, as I continually read his diet should be 60-70% pellets! Worrying about this I started yesterday grinding the pellets in a new coffee grinder and sprinkling over his meals.

I believe we have spoiled him, as his preferred eating station is on the end of the kitchen counter with people around. He will eat on his cage top or play stand, but prefers the counter where he doesn't have to bend over. He has no problem going into his cage at night or when we leave, but will not just go in on his own throughout the day.

My question is - is he getting a proper diet and should I continue grinding the pellets to put on his other food? Is he getting too much human food? And if so, how can I get him back to pellets and still get the veggies and fruit down him? Should mention here that his stool is fairly consistent. At times, once or twice a day there will be no green in the stool, just clear and white substances, but generally there are all parts.

Another question I have is on preening. He doesn't do much. I have sprayed him with the spray bottle a few times, but he doesn't much like water. Should I do this more, and if so, how often? Even after being sprayed, he doesn't do much preening. Is this normal? He has tons of toys and plays ok, but would much rather be walking around or with one of us.

I have begun some target training and he is learning to turn around and really has grasped the idea quickly.

I apologize for the length of this post, however I very much appreciate any advice or opinions. We are just loving this little guy and I believe he is adjusting well and is happy. Should I have left something out or you need additional info, pls let me know!

Sincerely,
JewelsinMo

[Harpmaker]

Hello JewelsinMo!

First you should know that pellets are not required. It sounds to me like you are giving your macaw a sufficient variety of grains and veggies to supply his needs without pellets, but Pajarita is the most experienced avian nutritionist on this forum, so hopefully she will supply specifics. I personally use pellets once a day because I am too lazy to consistently supply alternate foods, and Corsair likes them.

There are lots of ways to bathe your bird--some prefer misting, mine like a flat-bottomed bird bath, some like showering in a sink or a shower (hot water removes too much oil from their feathers, so make it no more than lukewarm). Try other ways of bathing and see what Marty prefers.

[JewelsinMo]

Thank you Harpmaker, I appreciate the response. I will try other bathing options and am happy to hear about the pellets being optional. I was afraid that the specific minerals and vitamins may be required!

Thanks Again!
JewelsinMo

[JewelsinMo]

Looking for some input here! Would sure appreciate learning what others do and if you think my bird is getting the proper nutrition?

Your help is appreciated!!

JewelsinMo