Hello, Newbie needing advice

[parrotsbitehard]

Hi, I am new, I have a question or two. I have been wanting a B&G macaw for years now. I found someone who will sell me an 8 week old at a price that I can afford. I have handfed other birds from this age or younger, handfed my eclectus from about 5 weeks. I do have resources nearby to help if needed. The breeder of my other birds who taiught me to handfeed them is close by if I need help. I know this is a touchy thing, a lot of people dont encourage buying or selling out of the nest for various reasons. I am aware of the risks and I feel confident I can do this. but what I want to know is, can anyone give me any handfeeding tips spacific to macaws? I know handfeeding a macaw will not be the same as the other birds I have done. I have been searching for info on this on the web and so far have found very little. I know about the proper tempetures, sanitizing everything, proper brooder setup, begining weaning, asparation, and potential crop problems, and warning signs of other problems. But my questions are, how many cc's of formula at what ages, what tempeture to start out for an 8 week old, and when do they usually leave the brooder for a weening cage. All advice is welcome, but I begg you not to criticize me. I am going to do this no matter what anyone says so just give me helpfull advice if you can. I do have handfeeding experience, and a lot of book knowlage, and help nearby from an experienced retired breeder. Also, any websites that have helpfull advice would be great! I dont have this baby yet, in fact right now it is an egg that has just recently been layed. So right now what I am doing is gearing up, gathering the supplies, cramming the knowlage, and asking experienced people for advice.

[ROYJOY]

Where did you get that picture of my greatgrandfather?

i think you'll be fine with your task ahead. a truely tame bird is one you feed yourself. i dont have experience with macaws but i have hand raised finches, and lovebirds with great success. it cant be much different. someone will be along shortly with temperatures. but as far as amounts, you know from experience what to look for, just feed til crop is full, and say, every 3rd feeding, let crop go empty to avoid old food building up. and kiss him/her alot and sing softly, make a short perch so he can start perching soon after standing, handle and play with him a little more as he matures. if you intend on useing a harness, start putting it on early, its harder to teach this to an older bird.

[parrotsbitehard]

Thanks for the advice, and the early harness training is a great idea.