Must have accessories

[GWGuy]

I am the proud papa of a baby Greenwing. He is still being weaned by the breeder, so I have a bit of time before he comes home.

I have been putting together all of the things I need and think i have done a good job, but i thought I would ask the experts for advice. Just to see if there is anything i have missed, forgotten, or just didn't know about.

What are the things you think you cannot do without? Toys, perches, cleaners, what have you.

[mmr]

you can't go without toys (homemade or store bought), you can't go without perches (althoguh safe wood you can make your own).

I can go without the "cird" cleaner. I use old fashion elbow greese, hot soapy water!


Let me ask this...what do you have so far?

[JazzyBabe]

get a grip nets are wonderful. I dont even have a macaw but they would be on my list if i were to. They provide a great place for him outside the cage.

[shellygirl]

vetwrap for your perches in the cage...when they are young they tend to not perch as well. I also am a fan of birdie tents for them to sleep in....oh and lots of foottoys since when they are young you want them to learn their fine motor skills....

[huntress]

Ask the breeder to pick a few toys he can have now to go home with for his comfort. Ask for a list of foods he is weaned to. Find a good vet who treats birds. Oh, and Macaws love loooove big plastic Chains! Oh also a good floor covering under the cage EVEN if it has a seed gaurd. Some earplugs for the "happy" days,lol. Some good bird sitting videos and CDs.

Lastly, DONT ask God to give you patience....he wont give it.....he will teach it! ROTFL!!!!

[jmbstudios]

Diego loves his swing!

[Addicted to Tequila]

Loc Crocks! I love them! They make it easy to feed and switch out bowls.
I like these:
Lixit Quick-Lock Crock - Lixit Quick Lock Crock 20oz - Epinions.com
But they may not be good with a macaw that likes to um... disassemble things! LOL

I am also a major supporter of water bottles for birds. I still put a 12" x 5" hanging pan in my little guys cage for baths each day for an hour... but it does not stay there. I hate the feces in water, or even food in water, soup that bacteria has a ball in and then the poor birds drink. I know that many birds love dunking their food... but I just cannot deal with it. I rehabed a dunker once... and moistened his food FOR him. Nope... ya gots ta have a birdy water bottle IMO.

[macawlover]

Cheyenne LOVES swings, and usually sleeps on hers! It's good excersize for their legs, which is a double plus.
All three of my birds' favorite toy is a whiffle ball stuffed with shredded paper, with either a foot toy or a treat in the middle. They're super easy and fast to make, and it's fun to watch them destroy it!

[jjones1719]

GWGUY, Congrats on the baby GW. I too am purchasing a GW baby for the first time. I currently own a SI Male eclectus named Guapo. He is a great parrot. My new baby's name is Neleno and will be picking him up on September 13th 2008, right around the corner. Great pictures of you GW there. Is your GW male or female. What is their name and how old are they now? What have you already purchased, this will help the group advise what you missed. many members have hit on great advise this far. What type of cage and size cage are you getting. Finding a vet that knows all about GW is very important no matter what the distance. I was lucky in finding my Vet who is only 5 min from my house and open to calls 24 hrs. I'm located in the State of MD. I would also advise you to join a bird club to take your bay to, so they get used to other people and birds, if you deside later down the road to purchase a 2nd bird. I belong to the Baltimore bird fanciers here in MD. When will you be able to bring your GW home? best of luck to you. JJones1719

[KimM]

Oh yea. Like huntress said. The big plastic chains are a HUGE hit! I go through those like crazy. Those are their beat-em-up toys.

The best thing I ever bought for Newt was a stainless steel bucket that hangs on the side of his cage, and I put his foot toys in there with treats, etc. He LOVES it!
I make sure they have a variety. I get a fuzzy fleesy toys for them to snuggle with, wood toys to destroy, plastic toys to fight with.. They all have their own personal preferences.

Newt loves the hard plastic toys with rings and plastic balls. And give him an empty plastic bottle? He's entertained for hooouurrrs. Elliot loves the cloth wreaths and toys with bells. He rings rings rings those, and tears up that wood.
Also a good idea are toys that they can preen (something with rope).

As far as cleaning? I mostly use white vinegar and a steamer to clean cages. I also keep non-toxic, anti-bacterial wipes handy at all times.

Oh and by the way, that baby is adorable!