foods

[dgdeegee]

I will be bringing home a hahn's macaw soon and need to ask are veggies served raw, cooked or both? Also what is the best thing to line the bottom of the cage with for a macaw?

[SisterBlue]

You can serve them either way, but my Hahns seems to like everything raw just fine. I rotate fruits and veggies...usually about 3-4 days of veggies to one day of fruits. I buy a variety of things and chop them all up (you can use the food processor, but my guys like bigger chunks that they can hold in their foot). I put the mix of chopped stuff in a bowl and it keeps in the fridge for about 3 days. I also do soak and cook some days, or beans, pasta, rice, etc. or a combination of all of the above.

I also keep an "emergency" bag of frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans) in the freezer for when I can't get to the store for fresh stuff...thaw a bowl in the fridge overnight and serve the next day - they like that just fine as well.

Here's what my Hahns likes so far:

Radish, radish greens, carrots, parsley, bell pepper, corn, zucchini, banana squash, jicama, carrots, apple, pear, grapes, mango, nectarine, plum. My Hahns does not like peas or broccoli - they are the only two things ever consistently left in the dish. :)

As for lining the bottom of the cage...everyone here has a different opinion, but I personally use crushed walnut shell in my bigger birds cages. There is a large drop between the grate and the pan, so they can't get to it; and I live in a very dry climate, so mold isn't an issue here. I have a sifter (looks like a cat litter box scoop but with very small holes) and I can sift the walnut shell out a few times before having to change it out completely. I pay $10 for a 25 lb bag at my local bird store. I use newspaper at the bottom of my 'tiels cages.

Good luck...Hahns are such awesome little birds!!

-SB

[dgdeegee]

thanks for the info. I am very excited and feel like a kid waiting for christmas. the climate where I am is very dry so can I line the cage w/newspaper?

[geekasaurus]

that photo in your signature is ADORABLE
i know if i were you i would be dying to get that little guy home

[dgdeegee]

The signature pic is of my Blue Crown Conure, Uncle Louie, taken about a month ago. I am anxiously awaiting baby pics of my hahns. I know the breeder is busy but I have only seen one pic of him. The BCC was close by so I'd visit him often. I am over-anxious for my hahns baby!

[KimM]

How precious is that baby! Mine "prefer" their veggies cooked - they're not spoiled or anything...LOL

Fruits I give fresh and make sure they are organic. Also, my little spoiled boys don't like their fruit cold...

Here's what I give mine that they like. I'm sure yours will have preferences, Mine like apples, tomatoes, grapes (both red, green & white seedless), peaches, bananas, broccoli, corn on the cob. And for a special treat they get organic peanut butter cookes.

[SisterBlue]

Originally Posted by dgdeegee

thanks for the info. I am very excited and feel like a kid waiting for christmas. the climate where I am is very dry so can I line the cage w/newspaper?

Newspaper should be fine regardless. The issue with crushed walnut shell is that in humid climates it can start to grow mold quickly...I don't have to worry about that here in AZ. I just find it easier than newspaper in the big cages.

Post a photo of your baby as soon as you get it! There's some photos of my Hahns on here somewhere from before he was fully feathered, if you need a "fix"! :)

-SB

[dgdeegee]

I always need a fix of these babies!

[SisterBlue]

Well, then I can help!! Here are some pics of Beaker and his siblings when he was still at the breeder's house:





-SB