[The Outlaw]

I don't mean to imply for one moment that you can't do this. I just need to stress for anyone reading, and there are hundreds, that its not like raising human babies, puppies or any other living thing. Its EXACTLY like raising a baby macaw.

Frankly, to discuss handfeeding on an open public forum is insane. In fact, its not even allowed here. However, I do think that you would do very well to contact a reputable breeder and ask to come in for a few weeks and help them out. They can teach you how to handfeed and show you what you need and what to look for. I'm all for education.

And, you're right. GW, BG, Scarlet, etc, that's not the problem. They all feed similarly.

Most breeders that I know prefer Kaytee Exact Macaw formula. They like the way it mixes. You MUST use macaw specific formula, for the other formulas lack the added fats that growing macaws require.

As for the breeder you are currently negotiating with, why not ask to come and learn from them. That should make everything easier on everyone concerned.

You need to understand that not everyone would follow the directions to the letter and feed properly. That's exactly why most legitimate boards won't give specifics. However, apparently there are some that will.

We just recently had a FORMER member lose a GW and replace it with a baby BG just days later. No necropsy, nothing. She just stupidly exposed a little baby to whatever pathogens were hanging around. She also failed to quarantine the new baby from her other two birds. Guess what, her new baby has a bacterial infection. Are you surprised? And, now she's added ANOTHER baby too. Another baby GW! THAT'S why I no longer encourage novices or folks with limited experience to bring home unweaned baby birds.

It only takes ONE mistake. Breeders will not take back sick babies. They can't expose their own birds. That's the MOST important reason to buy a fully weaned baby bird.

I really hope you'll think it through. Its really no different from bringing home and unweaned chimp, alligator or porpoise. They are all exotics and require very, very special handling.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll make a great parrot companion. I hope so.

THE OUTLAW