2 yr old b and g

[Alisana]

All birds are such individuals, even a macaw can be a good first bird, but only IF you are really committed to learning and is a true family effort. Many times people get a "starter" bird, then decide to "move up" and then no longer want the first bird which isn't really fair. If you are truly interested in the macaw, take time to get to know him without bringing him home. All birds have very demanding needs, so look realistically at whether you have the time and energy to devote to a parrot. How old are your kids? Do you own your home? Do you have the space? ect.

Very good points

 

[potamotrygon]

Thanks for all the input w all different points of view. I guess i see it as a challenge but also a commitment, and if im going to make a lifetime commitment, it may as well be for what i want right?

 

[Molcan2]

Yes, if your heart is set on something specific then it wouldn't be fair to get anything else, you would risk not being satisfied with that bird, that wouldnt be fair to that bird. If you have a connection with this bird and you are comfortable with this bird, then why not? There are a lot of different ways to get help should you have problems. Good luck finding your new fid.

 

[potamotrygon]

Molcon, i do know that im deadset on a bird. Im 99% sure i would love.to.adopt frankie and give him what he needs. Im going to spend some time w him first but i feel up to the challenge and in the end it will be totally worth it!

 

[WharfRat]

We started over (wife's 1st bird) a little over 2 years ago with a Hahn's. If you've done your research & are confident, I would say go for it, we got our 1st Macaw (Green Wing, as in HUGE) a little over a year ago, we shortly added a 2nd after that. I have had prior bird experience but it was a LONG time ago.

don't get anything bigger than a hahns macaw

Sorry, our Hahn's is the meanest of the bunch & can put a SERIOUS hurt on you with that sharp beak. They may be little, but they don't know it.

or break an arm.

I really think that's stretching it a little.

Cdog....how many Macaws or even Amazons do you have ACTUAL experience with, or even owned?

I have had to wade in to not very good situations with Breeder pairs that are in no way pets & been torn up during breeding season. I have had to handle birds to keep them from hurting themselves and paid the price dearly. Alot of animals can be dangerous as pets (the list is long)

Our kindest, gentlest bird is a Bolivian Green Wing, my 10 yr. old can handle him, pet him, etc. We have 2 YNA's that worship my wife but I can still handle them.

I have helped my breeder/ex-neighbor with her 200+ birds (alot are rescues) Yes I've gotten hurt, maimed, NO! It's all in reading the birds eyes & body language & what to look for.

Sorry, just tired of all the negative remarks without any positive to offset it, especially to people new to the site that really are looking for guidance, NOT to be scared or warned off.

/end rant

I did not mean to insult or demean anyone, just want ALL the facts out there for people looking to learn.

 

[cdog]

I'm not trying to say its not doable because it is and if your up for it and you really think you can handle it, then go for it. I'm just trying to make sure you know what can happen and all the bad things that can happen because so many people get macaws or toos and find out they are way to much to handle and end up giving them to a shelter. If you look at shelters almost all of the birds there are macaws and large toos, why do you think that is.

I have never owned macaws but I do spend time with them every now and again. Yes a large macaw could break your arm, I have seen it done. I sound negative because I'm saying everything that can go wrong to make sure he doesn't end up rehoming the macaw because it's not fair to him.
An angry macaw can easily break a finger off or tear your ear off, that's what can happen and I'm trying to make sure the op knows that.

 

[WharfRat]

Ok, fine............Then when are you going to comment on what great companions they can be? How loyal and affectionate as well? You only paint one picture, NOT the whole story. Where were you positive in your comments to the OP? What one positive thing did you have to say to a brand new member seeking help and advice? Paint the WHOLE picture, not just the negative.

 

[cdog]

I didnt say anything good about them because I want to make sure the op knows how bad they can be so he doesn't end up rehoming him.
Yes macaws are very affectionate and loving companions that bond very strongly to their owners. The ones I spend time with love to be scratched under their wings. They can learn many tricks, can learn to talk and imitate sounds.
But they also are dangerous and demanding. They need to be treated with respect and you have to be the dominant one or else they will put the hurt on you. They can become screamers, pluckers, and biters if not givin the proper training and attention, that's why I say they aren't for the average first time owner. Most first time bird owners can't handle a large bird that tend to become dominant.
If the op thinks they can handle it and they are confidant they know how to train an unruly maturing b&g then I say go for it. I'd just hate to see the poor bird end up in a rescue because the op wasn't experienced enough to handle one.

I'm not trying to be rude or harsh, I'm telling the truth, b&g are not for average owners, they take a lot to train them through maturity.

 

[Rio Mom]

Do you have any previous bird experience? If there's a rescue near you, you could visit and see the various types of birds to see what you're interested in. Just be sure to research well any species you may be interested in. We have many members here who have gotten a large bird as their first. With enough research, it can be done. All birds can and will bite at sometime, but in my opinion, the ability to bite is not a reason to not choose a species you are interested in.

 

[Alisana]

There are heaps of training resources out there for helping you with your new addition.

Don't Shoot the Dog is a popular book (about training methods), and some of the resources from Good Bird Inc. Watching the DVDs can give you a feel for the bird's body language and behaviour to look out for. Prevention will work very well in your favour; as mentioned previously, macaws have the potential to inflict harm but will do it as a last resort (granted, it is properly social-ised - I have come across other macaws that bite because they "like" the reaction - and that was a result of bad training on the owner's behalf).

If you get to know your macaw, learn it's body language, likes, dislikes and work around them. Remember that it is us humans that have taken them from their natural environment, so it's our responsibility to ensure we cater to their needs. I'm sure if you're patient and passionate enough, you'll do well.

I don't know what country you are in, but depending, have a look around or ask and see if there are any bird clubs in your area. They can give you first hand demonstrations and advice regarding husbandry, care and feeding. You can also talk with other owners and potentially meet some other macaws, all of which will have very different personalities. Otherwise, there are professionally run workshops which look at things from husbandry to training methods, or even just co-existing.

If you ever run into any issues - you have a great forum here filled with many macaw owners and experienced owners, so learn from them, and ask for help when needed. I'm sure there will always be someone here who is willing to give a helping hand or pointers.

 

[potamotrygon]

Thanks for all the input. Lots of.information to take in here. A little overwhelming but well worth it.

To answer some of the questions- i do have spacs for the macaw. I do have young children (1 & 3) which is.part of why i wanyed the macaw because of their potential to live 50+yrs. I dont have any serious bird.experience beside finches or cockatiels when i was yoinger at home but nothing like this. I also grew up on farms and had to deal w mean chickens lol!!

Ive been checking out a few small privately.owned pet stores and 2 had macaws in which they let me interact.and handle them. I have a ton of fun these.guys and am so amazed by their.personalities.

Heres one issue for you owners to think about. Ive never handled the particualr macaw i will be getting. My friend is in the process of moving back home from her house about 2 hrs away. So im not sure how much time ill have to spend w him before i take him. Her apartment now is not big enough to house the cage and.bird and her.ex workz away a lot so im thinking that if i want him for sure its going to have to be a commitment no matter what. The last thjng i want is for him to be stuck in a cage by himseld for a few wks.