moving b&g macaw outside!

[mgriffiths1984]

I am really considering moving my B&G Macaw into an outdoor aviary which i am yet to build or buy. Firstly she is only one and a half years old and is kept in a cage in the living room, as she always has been. I love spending time playing with her and trying to keep her entertained but i still think she wants more LOL.

I know i will have to climatise her to our outdoor temps as she has never been kept outdoors other than when her wings were clipped and it was a nice sunny day. I live in the south of the UK which is warmer than the northern parts. This winter temperatures have dropped to about -2 so far. I was wondering what the process was on climatising a macaw and essential needs for an outdoor aviary i.e a warm inside section?.

Also would she be happy by herself outdoors or im thinking i would really like to get her a companion bird which i would totally show time to also, so as to make her alone times alot better. My garden is limited in space but there is enough to provide a good sized enclosure. Also how would i introduce another b&g macaw to her, or maybe a greenwing or scarlet??? I would be looking at moving her out most probably after xmas. Please as much info as possible would be brill.

[xafsmom]

I think if you want to acclimate her properly, you'd better start during the warmer months, so she has a chance to gradually get used to the environment and doesn't catch sick. Your temperatures are pretty extreme for tropical psittacines to just toss them out there when it's already cold, especially THAT cold! As to what she'll need, I could list out things, but the best thing for you is to speak to your local aviary clubs and get their specific suggestions for your area.

At the very least, you'll need warming units for the bird, probably a sheltered box or alcove for heat, wooden not metal perches (so her feed doesn't freeze), plastic sheeting and other insulation and a multitude of other things.

Why not keep her inside, then when it's warmer, let her go outside for a few hours out of the day? Seems to me that removing her entirely from your home would cause her more boredom rather than being more entertained.

[Laceysphynx]

I agree 100%... Good advice

[xafsmom]

Make that 'feet' don't freeze, not feed. Though keeping her water from freezing is a must too.

*searches for more coffee*

[PatriciaLynn]

One thing to think about with her being outside would be the noise level if you have neighbors. I would definately get her a friend though, if you do move her outside. The best thing would probably be to keep her inside with outdoor time during the warm season, like posted above.

[MicahEspudo]

unless you live in southern california... the lowest it drops is like upper 60's (usually it's in the 70's during winter) ... or Maybe on super rare occasions mid 50's!

[MiniMama]

Are you moving her outdoors full time? I.e, no time indoors whatsoever? I would talk to your avian vet about this. I've talked to mine, but my advice is for hte mini macaws. I am not a fan of keeping birds outside all the time, for the obvious reason of what happens to dogs when they are kept outside all the time- the only attention these pets get is when their feed bowl is changed. But for a few hours a day this is a great idea, but again, your avian vet will have advice on shading, safe aviary materials, how to protect from wild bird poop (watch this one- my birds caught avian giardia, and it took three months to cure). Take care!