2 Year Macaw Plan?

[Phoenixjay]

I have been looking into Care Credit. I'm usually pretty skeptical about credit cards because I also have student loans to worry about. But they seem pretty safe, so I may do that.

I just sent my boyfriend a message about getting it. Our last hope with my hedgie is an ultrasound, though when I spoke to them, they were talking about operating, which could make matters worse. I didn't even know the ultrasound was an option. So care credit could definitely help. Plus, it would be a line for any other pets. So the more I think about it, the more it seems like a good option.

Update: I got rejected and I'm trying to figure out why considering my credit is perfectly fine. -.- I'll figure it out. Maybe not today, but I will figure it out.

 

[BeatriceC]

I prefer to pay myself in advance. For example, if I know I'm going to want anew cat, I figure out what the car payment would be and then stuff that amount into savings every month until I can buy the new car outright. In this case, you know it's going to be a couple years so you have time to save. If you need to, start small. Set aside $10 each month until you get on better financial footing and then start putting aside even more as you are financially able. It will add up pretty quickly.

 

[Teknogeddon]

I have a weird thing with slush funds. I have to pull it out in cash to not spend it. It's pretty ridiculous when you come into our place and find our freezer cash.

 

[Phoenixjay]

I am horrible with savings too. I need to be saving up for a new laptop (I'm a writer without anything to write on or reach out to publishers, so it is frustrating), but the past couple of months have really been a couple of wake up calls, and jam-packed with random things that I didn't even know we would need, so I am trying to get better. Unfortunately, I can't fund my makeup addiction anymore (though I probably have enough to last me about a century), but it is worth it for the pets.

Maybe taking it out and hiding it isn't the worst idea.

 

[Teknogeddon]

Take some money, wrap it up, put it in your freezer behind something you dont use or eat normally. Perhaps the BOTTOM of your ice tray. You'll forget it's there.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I got the Rbird when I was about 30; he was three months old, and at that time his life expectancy was thought to be 30. Now he's 32 and going strong. Who knows?

But I'm posting this to encourage you, frankly, to adopt, because macaws live so long, and I can tell you firsthand, that it is agony to imagine what may befall a bird if he outlives you. I have no relatives or friends who want him. If I *DID*, everything would be easier; maybe you'll be in that happy situation. My ol' man will keep him as long as he can, of course, but...

Annnnd... that's about as far as I can go without crying.
I'm working on possibilities, of course, but it scares me.

Even so, if you decide to get a baby, I will support you and wish you all the best.
We all will.

And of course there's no perfect predicting when it comes to life. Theirs or ours.

I'm grateful that we have a community that gives us a place to turn for guidance and support.

 

[Phoenixjay]

I am now strongly leaning towards adopting after reading all of the suggestions. I have a mental limit as to how many birds I can get from a breeder, and I'm thinking maybe it is best for the animal if I get any large birds from a shelter since so many are given up by people who don't know what they are doing or were no longer able to care for the bird. Smaller birds I might make exceptions on (and even then, I would check shelters first). As much as I think it would be fun to raise a macaw from a baby, maybe it would be better for the bird to adopt. Of course, when I am ready.

 

[Phoenixjay]

I have plenty of time to get my large parrot fix at the shelter in the meantime. Plus, I have two birdies at home whom I love very much. So I am not in any hurry. I just really like birds. So I do like asking questions here because most people here have more experience than I do, though love birds just as much.

 

[sonja]

The best part of your plan is to volunteer at a rescue! All the reading in the world is great, but actually taking care of, feeding, cleaning, handling, listening to actual birds will give you a great sense of what you can handle and what you don't want to handle. And it may not be what you are thinking now.
You will see the mess they make (huge!), hear their screaming (loud!), probably feel their bite (ouch!) and see how much work and expense goes into caring for a macaw. Maybe you will find it is a perfect fit for you. Or maybe you will find a different species turns out to be your best match. Or, maybe you will decide that having a large parrot isn't for you at all - better to find out before you bring one home.
So, volunteer as much as you can! And, if you are very lucky, things may fall into place exactly right so that you find your perfect match at the rescue you are working at, giving the bird a chance to pick you, instead of you picking him.
Good luck!

 

[Phoenixjay]

I'm planning on beginning volunteering this Sunday. Would be Saturday, but my hedgehog has his vet appointment and I am in desperate need of a haircut (so thick I can't get a comb through. x-x And I can never seem to completely wash it.)

Since my temp position ends next week, I will have some down time before I pick up another position (here's hoping for permanent). So I will probably be hanging around the shelter every moment I get. Though, side note, I found a position for an editorial job at Lincoln Park Zoo geared towards articles about conservation efforts and animal care. I've never wanted a job so much!!! I have a couple resume tweaks to do and I'm sending in the application.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I agree with Al.. (Wrench13).. a few months back,Amy and I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Salty and his wonderful family.

The Saltmiester didn't know me,or Amy,from Adam,and Salty came to me..a bit hesitant,but he did,and he shook "hands" when asked to

Amy loves everyone and everything,and although Al and I kept a close eye on her and Salty,they did well..(unfortunately,Amy had a taste of Al's finger ..I still think about that Al lol..sorry dude!)

It all comes to socialization,and training..Little Salty is just over a year old and he is doing stuff that would take some people/birds to achieve in YEARS!..its coz Al and his wife Geri,train the little green dude EVERYDAY..15 to 20 minutes..EVERYDAY..you don't want to overload the bird to make it not "fun" anymore.
If you watch Saltys video's,you can see the eagerness in his face and actions to please his human

As far as Mac's go..15 years or so ago I was seeing a young lady who has a B&G mac..my first REAL close-up on being with one of these quite large,and majestic animals..Ya I was nervous when "Kasey" climbed my arm,to sit on my shoulder,nibble my ear,and take off my glasses,but he was a gentel giant..WELL SOCIALIZED..Julie took him every where with her.
All I'm saying is don't rush and from what I have read,you are doing all the correct things by reading and volunteering and thinking of a plan..GOOD LUCK!

Jim

 

[Phoenixjay]

I actually had my resume and cover letter ready to go, locked and loaded, and went on the zoo website to apply. It was taken down. It stinks because I only found the position yesterday.

 

[Phoenixjay]

I agree with Al.. (Wrench13).. a few months back,Amy and I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Salty and his wonderful family.

The Saltmiester didn't know me,or Amy,from Adam,and Salty came to me..a bit hesitant,but he did,and he shook "hands" when asked to

Amy loves everyone and everything,and although Al and I kept a close eye on her and Salty,they did well..(unfortunately,Amy had a taste of Al's finger ..I still think about that Al lol..sorry dude!)

It all comes to socialization,and training..Little Salty is just over a year old and he is doing stuff that would take some people/birds to achieve in YEARS!..its coz Al and his wife Geri,train the little green dude EVERYDAY..15 to 20 minutes..EVERYDAY..you don't want to overload the bird to make it not "fun" anymore.
If you watch Saltys video's,you can see the eagerness in his face and actions to please his human

As far as Mac's go..15 years or so ago I was seeing a young lady who has a B&G mac..my first REAL close-up on being with one of these quite large,and majestic animals..Ya I was nervous when "Kasey" climbed my arm,to sit on my shoulder,nibble my ear,and take off my glasses,but he was a gentel giant..WELL SOCIALIZED..Julie took him every where with her.
All I'm saying is don't rush and from what I have read,you are doing all the correct things by reading and volunteering and thinking of a plan..GOOD LUCK!

Jim

I've seen you post about Salty. He sounds like he is so sweet!

 

[SilleIN]

You are doing all of the right things, planning in advance and getting hands on experience with the macaws.

In responce to macaws and dogs; I have macaw, parakeets, dogs and cats. The main issue is to teach the dog, that the birds is NOT a toy that says funny noises. I would not let the dog and macaw be unsupervised together and even then beware. My cats and dogs have been around a lot of birds (chickens) and have learned from pup/kitten, that birds are forbidden. I have even taught my cats to leave wild birds alone, as I am not sure a cat can distinguish between a parakeet and another bird.

At this point I am wondering how to teach my birds to be kind to the cats and dogs :-O

But even though I know the dogs will not harm the birds, I will always make sure, that the birds are not only in a cage, but also in a closed room, when I leave the house, as I never know if the dogs prey instinct will overrule their training.

As for choosing a rescue or a breeder, I can only highly recommend a rescue, when talking about the large macaws. If you are looking at the larger macaws, then usually the green wing and the blue & gold are the easier of the large macaws.

 

[sonja]

Good luck with the job!!!
And have fun volunteering!!

 

[Flboy]

I actually had my resume and cover letter ready to go, locked and loaded, and went on the zoo website to apply. It was taken down. It stinks because I only found the position yesterday.

Apply anyways! Make sure they know that you are aware that there is no opening at the moment but, that you are eager and want to be considered when the that opportunity does come up! My best jobs, were at places that were not hiring, I was just doing cold calling looking for work. In fact, IBM, been here 30 years! They were not looking for anyone at the time I walked in!

 

[Phoenixjay]

I will do that. I might try to email today. I have an interview for a temp position coming up, but I really do want something permanent. (And in my field. I'm an English/anthropology major working at a financial firm. If I hear the word 'auditing' one more time, I may just combust. Hahaha.)