If your macaw has a mite infection, it will have dandruff on its feathers. Your veterinarian may take a damaged feather and examine it for mites.
Liver disease, giardia, chlamydophila infection, and even fractures have been associated with feather picking and chewing.
Separation anxiety is a frequent cause of feather picking in parrots. Be mindful of how much you travel or otherwise leave your macaw alone. Consider whether it has experienced anxiety because of a change in the location of its cage or because of a change in your own routine.
You could try giving your macaw mop heads to play with. Place some mop heads in the cage and see if your macaw will pick at them instead of their feathers. Consider whether it has a stimulating environment and toys to play with.
Clomipramine has been effective in up to 70% of birds with feather picking behavior. Haloperidol has been used for both feather picking and self-mutilating birds.
You can start by leaving your bird alone for 10 minutes at a time and then move up in increments of 15 minutes or so each time you leave. Create a video recording of yourself on your computer or smartphone and then play it on your television when you leave. If your macaw is bored or has separation anxiety, you could try turning on the television while you are out of the room. Remember to turn it off at night so it gets plenty of sleep.
Whereas wild macaws have the opportunity to mate at almost any time of day and often pair up with long-term partners, pet macaws typically have little opportunity to mate. Remember to offer your macaw lots of opportunities for non-sexual activity, such as playing with toys and watching television. [5] X Research source
The minimum cage size for a small macaw is 34’’ wide by 36’’ tall and 24’’ deep. The bar spacing should be ¾’’ to 1’’. [6] X Research source For a large macaw, the minimum size is 36’’ wide, 48’’ deep and 60’’ tall. The bar spacing should be 1’’ to 1. 5’’. Choose a sturdy cage, since macaws are one of the stronger birds.
A collar should only be used as a last resort. It will keep your macaw from picking at itself, but won’t actually stop the itch, making your macaw uncomfortable and frustrated. A vest is a great option because your macaw will still be able to eat with the vest on, but won’t be able to pick at its chest. A vest can be used to cover a macaw’s chest. You can use an old cloth baby diaper. [7] X Research source
Pellets can also be included in their daily diet. In addition, alfalfa, kelp, and small amounts of ginger and garlic can be added to their diet.
Rye. Barley. Oats. Wheat. Spelt. Kamut. Food allergies may also be a problem for your parrot. Soy, corn, peanuts, rice, and wheat are common food allergens.
