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If they don't fly then their chest muscles atrophy, which is why she's short of breath. But that can change if you stage situations where she may want to fly a short way as she did today. My macaw came to us clipped before fledge. He was almost 2 when we got him, so we taught him how to fly by 'tossing' him back and forth to a family member. He was quite winded initially, but became less so over time as his chest musculature developed.

We were told she has all of her feathers, but when she stretches her wings out it looks like there are a couple missing. They aren't cut though. She flaps while on our finger as if she's going to take off, but doesn't. Her previous companion didn't think she knew she could fly. Just about an hour ago I picked her up off the floor and she flew to her cage! Only about 2 feet. First time she's been independently airborne in the last 22 years. We aren't sure if she was flighted her first 6 years. I'd like to encourage her flight with in reason. She seems like she's a little short of breath when she finishes flapping on our fingers. It seems she might be a tad out of shape. She was about 400 grams at the vet, shoo not fast at all. The very said that's a little under weight, but that it could be her normal.

Chat box is ok, but if you feel the need to cater to long winded soap box posts it doesn't work LOL, Yea off topic or similar

I think you misread the intent Janet. I believe it is Off topic section...general chat?

We use a combination of rope and dragon wood perches. The key is to have a variety of surfaces that will place different pressures on their food rather than with, say, a dowel, that only puts pressure on one place. We also have a sold shelf in each cage so they can stand on a solid surface whenever they choose.

I love listening to her talking! I'm not sure what she's doing. It looks like she wants to step, or be moved higher up. My macaw does that, but also tells me 'up up' while lifting his foot. Once I do lift him higher, he's happy as a lark. I do see some nervousness coming from her. Is she a flighted bird?

What is the Chat Box for if not General Chat??????