5 Days

[PawsN'Claws]

We've come a very long way in 5 days!

Kady's surgery went good, the tumor was removed. The Vet couldn't get all of it as it extends into some ligaments and muscle, so it may grow back. He has sent it off for a pathology. If it's malignant he will have his wing tip removed. He felt it looked benign, but we'll know for sure soon.

He had his upper and lower beak trimmed, Kady seems quite pleased with how it all works. I have been feeding him as much as he will eat and then some for weight gain. He's not going to his seed bowl much at all (Abba 1500). He seems to prefer all his goodies, fresh vege's, scrambled eggs, pasta, fresh fruit, etc.

While I am sure I have broke every rule possible in the book of Birdie Ettiquette, I have a very loving grateful bird here. He has not so much as even thought about biting me. I was worried the first two days as his cage is definitely his security and he didn't want to leave it. But he now 'steps up' onto my arm and goes for walks through the house. He has been on his play perch and I also have seen him make some attempts at playing with a toy. He has said HELLO and HI to me. He had his first shower today! Don't ask for details, LOL, it was not text book, but we made it through . He was very dirty as evidenced by the ceramic tile that had to be washed afterwards.

I can use all the help I can get to do right by Kady. Any advice will be gladly received. I am going to try to post a pic.

[birdyland]

EXCELLENT news! You're a real angel to this bird. He looks GREAT. Congrats! I hope the results from the lab come back good. Please keep us posted! I'm also glad he is stepping up!

[The Outlaw]

Actually, I'm green with envy. What a fabulous bird! May I suggest that before you shower him the next time you mix up on capful of Johnson's baby shampoo to a quart of water and spritz him really well. Let it stand for a couple of minutes and THEN soak him with a really heavy rinse. If he's been in a smoking environment, you may have to repeat this a few more times over the next few weeks. I think you'll be amazed at how bright his feathers will look.

Don't overdo this. You don't want to strip his feathers of their natural oils.

He looks like a doll.

[kensbuns]

I used the Johnson's baby shampoo on my Allegra when I first got him. It works wonders. Rinse him really well afterward and not only will his feathers brighten up but he will smell just like a brand new baby!!!!!1 What a beauty!!!

[PawsN'Claws]

Thank you all! I am definitely going to use the Johnson's shampoo showering tip next time.

[Samm]

Oh, he's just beautiful!! How old is he?

[The Outlaw]

This sounds to me like a bird that has learned to be quiet or pay the consequences. I suspect he didn't get good meal on time in the past and has learned to conserve his energy and not to waste.

I think that if you provide him with extra food and toys at all times, he'll feel less deprived and will utilize what he has better. As for being cage bound, I think I'd work very slowly with this guy. Let him come and go at his own pace for a while.

Unfortunately, with larger birds and people who fear them, they are often the most severely punished and that usually means corporal punishment as in hitting. Please try to understand his perspective. He's doing the best he can. He is EXACTLY the kind of macaw I was looking for. One that has a few years on him and needs someone to go that extra mile. You are in a very privileged position. I wish you the very best. I know you're doing all that you can think of and I applaud you for that.

THE OUTLAW

[The Outlaw]

Rome wasn't built in a day. Why not just leave his door open and start spending some time in a chair close by. Read out loud to him and eat some nuts. Make him curious about you. I think he'll be your best friend in a very short time. Rather than push too fast, let nature take its course.

If after one month you have made no significant progress, then perhaps you should consider the intensive love method. Please, however, understand that this should not be your FIRST option. Wrangling a frightened GW in a towel can be pretty frightening for everyone concerned. I wish I lived next door. I love a challenge.

THE OUTLAW

[The Outlaw]

Karen:

If you'll send me your mailing address, I'd like to send him a toy I make. I think he might like it. Please send it to my email address, not on this board.

THE OUTLAW