I have the opportunity to get a B&G as a re-home for a reasonable adoption fee and I have a couple of questions:

1) One of the B&G's available has a crooked beak... could that be a health concern? Below is a picture of him and his nare looks slightly inflamed as well.

2) I get to pick between 3 B&G's: Male 12-years, Female 4-years and Male 4-years. He told me that the female can be stubborn. Which one would you choose? (I thought the 12 year-old male might be better adjusted, but he has the crooked beak.)

Thanks for your help!

IMO... the crooked beak isn't that serious, You can take him to your avian vet and they can keep the beak trimmed that it shouldn't cause problems... The 14 year old has already had his initial hormone surges and probably know's how to deal with it better than the other two. However,

The younger ones aren't so old that behavioral problems can't be worked with and rectified.

I'd go and meet the birds first before I made a decision.

Have you had any experience with Macaws before?

This is a perfect case for letting the bird pick you. When you meet them watch for body language in that are they on the timid side or the bullying side.

If it were me, and the older bird with the crooked beak was the friendliest of the 3 I wouldn't hesitate to bring him home. However, he may have some habits that are alittle stronger and might be harder to change than that of the younger birds.

Just go in with an open mind and let them choose you.

Good luck with your choice.

Great advice, let the bird pick you!! I like that.

Thanks for the advice! I thought that the crooked beak could mean liver problems, etc? If not, than I would probably be happiest with an older fellow.

I honestly don't have a lot of macaw experience- I have researched, researched, researched though! I actually posted on here in January asking about B&G's and thought I was going to purchase a baby, but after MUCH consideration I think that it would be better for me to adopt. Fortunately, I have a local bird shoppe of experts that I visit a lot and a friendly neighbor that has a large flock! It is interesting that many rescues only adopt a macaw to someone that already has one macaw, but any "bum" off the street can buy a baby! I know that it is for the protection of the macaw and to ensure a forever home, but I wish some breeders took that seriously as well- so many B&G's are in rescues!!!

I have the next 5 weeks off to devote to bringing a new family member home so I have plenty of time and patience.

Thanks for any advice/input!

My goodness..all these people with these fantastic macaw opportunities. Im so envious. I think you have been given some good advise. Good luck..pick 2 and send one to me.

Could be from any number of reasons...damaged in a fight, fed wrong by the parents or handfeeder, illness. Best get a vet check before you commit to him anyways, as you want to ensure that he's healthy and you're not facing a whole pile of medical bills in the future.



Trust me, most breeders take their birds much more serious then rescues do. Sure, there are lots of B&Gs in rescues, but don't just assume it's because of breeders. Pet owners are more at fault for not doing their research before purchasing the bird. Yes, it's up to the breeder to educate, or sell to a reliable pet store who educates, but if a person has their heart set on buying a bird, they will tell the breeder/pet store anything to get that bird. It happens more often then not.

Actually a crooked beak in a macaw is quite common. As Carrie stated it could happen for any number of reasons, The baby getting layed on in the nest, to the list Carrie mentioned, If its caught early enough it can be kept trimmed in such a way that it will actually grow strighter, not necessarily perfect but pretty close.

When a birds beak suddenly becomes malformed over grown that's a cause for concern with the liver. But I know quite a few crooked beaked macaws that are perfectly healthy even though their beak is bent. As was also advised its always best to have a vet check with a liver enzyme panel done just to be sure.

Crooked beaks generally aren't due to liver issues...over grown or brittle beaks generally are. I had raised a B & G with a crooked beak, but his siblings beaks were fine. To this day it is a little wonky but he eats and drinks just fine and keeps it worn it just lists to one side a bit.

BUT if you're in doubt, you can have some blood work run to check it out and know for sure. But I think letting the bird choose you would be the best plan

Good luck!