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My new macaw isn't eating after arriving home. How can I help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I just got a bird macaw and he hasn't been eating for 3 hours now what to do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2017

If he just arrived in your home, then give him a little longer to adjust. These birds tend to be very wary when they are in a new environment and will often take weeks before they are fully themselves.

For now, I would give him some space. Usually, when we get a new pet, we are interested in them and give them a lot of attention. This can be very intimidating for a bird, so the more space you can give him, the better. If you can, leave him alone for two hours in a well-lit room.

Junk food for parrots are usually fruits, nuts and seeds. They also tend to like cooked oatmeal, rice, lentils and beans. You can have this available along with the formulated pelleted food and see if he eats any of it.

Ideally, you want most of his diet to be the pelleted food, because this contains all the nutrients they need. Once he is eating good, start reducing the junk food and increasing the pellets.

If he goes a whole day without eating, then you may want to try syringe feeding him, or taking him to a vet to ensure he is OK.

I hope that helps and you get him to eat something soon.
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