AM>I'm looking into buying a Green Wing Macaw. He is 12 years old. He is 
AM>very under weight but has a great appetite.
There is a really scary disease called Macaw wasting or proventricular 
dilitation syndrome. Often the birds are underweight as they can't digest 
their food because of this viral disease and are consequently hungry because 
they are not getting nourishment from the food they eat. You might consider 
making any sale contingent on a clean bill of health and insist on an avian 
vet. PDS can sometimes be determined with an x-ray because the 
proventriculus is distended with undigested food. There is NO cure - the 
bird dies sooner or later. Dr. Ritchie has taken on the research on PDS. 
Perhaps you should give him a call at his 900 number. THe number is 
288-4267, the charge is $2.95 per minute, 7pm to 10pm daily. For the cost of 
a visit to the vet, you can talk to the top avian researcher. 
Have you noticed any whole seeds or foods in the droppings?
Do you want this bird for a companion? It sounds like he might be a 
handfull. A well loved, well behaved companion of 12 years does not often 
end up in a pet store on consignment.
I really do believe you will be happier with a baby macaw. Choose your 
breeder very carefully, visit the baby until he is ready to come home with 
you and buy ONLY A WEANED BABY unless you are an experienced handfeeder and 
understand the the importance of proper socialization.
Good luck whatever you decide.
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