macaw questions

[macy07]

Hello everyone! I have a couple of questions regarding my baby greenwing. She is 7 months old and has been home with us for 2 weeks. I was wondering what are the signs of a baby regressing and wanting hand feedings? I'm not sure what the signs are so I need someone to tell me what to look for. I did take "The Outlaw's" advice and have been spoon feeding her mashed sweet potatoes and peanut butter and I also add some mashed bananas also and she eats that very eagerly. My other question is what is "toweling" and how do you do it? Thanks for any help you can offer!
Macy07

[RMSacha]

Signs of regression at 7 months are very unusual... GWs usually wean at about 4 months. Did the party you got her from keep her for a couple of weeks after they considered her "weaned".

My Ruby still bobs her head as a signal for feeding and she's 3 years old... I think you have to watch your girl closely and see if she is losing weight, and her overall behavior. It's not uncommon for a macaw to lose a bit of weight when they are moved to a new home but keep an eye on it... All babies love formula and they will eagerly accept it through their lives.

I hope this helps... GWs are wonderful birds!

[Copper]

I still feed all mine from a spoon. Not formula, but fruits, veggies, whatever is on the menu for the day for them. It helps for strengthening the bond between us I think. It also gives each of them more one on one time with me.
When you towel your bird it's covering the animal with a towel to hold it in safety, and examine feet, wings, muscle structure under the feathers, ect. It also helps to calm an excited animal.
If you just throw the towel over the bird, the first instinct is to panic, and an injury will probably be the result as it struggles to get out from under it.
If you introduce the towel to the bird, he may be curios enough to investigate on his own, but making a game of it will help.
It's also a good thing for the bird to get used to since most vets use towelling during exams. It keep their hands safe, and it keeps the bird safe. I know there is a CD available to learn how to do it correctly, but your avian vet would be more than willing to show you.
It also means less stress for the bird when they do need to see the vet.