Advice needed please 1st time feather-kid :O)

[Tina..]

Hi all, We are have been wanting a parrot for a long time, but never done so due to being at work part-time. I now work from home & decided now is the time. We have 2 english bull terriers & 5 cats.

We went to see a 6 year old blue & gold today (she is used to dogs already) She wanted to sit on the lady but the lady was nervous of her as she can nip a little. She even done her swinging from her beak in her cage, showin off apparently.
What i am askin is that are we takin on to much for our 1st feather-kid, with her being 6 years old will she adapt to a new enviroment.
I will be the one that will be handling her as my man works away a lot.

Your comments & help will be appreciated

Many thanks
Tina

 

[DannyA93]

Most people say macaws ARE NOT first timers birds! and i can't give any info cuz i don't have a macaw just yet but there has been people that have had macaws as first birds and were just fine soooo good luck!!

 

[Mike]

My GW was my first bird. She's been great. I should mention, however, that I did quite a bit of research before I brought her home. I wanted to make sure I was really prepared to give her a good home. I was also intent on ensuring that I raised her correctly so she didn't become a bother to my family. My family comes first and if any of our pets becomes a threat, or a major nuisance to the family--out it goes. After spending $2k on the GW I wasn't going to take any chance that I might have to sell her. I bought two courses on how to train a bird. Those courses taught be enough so that I've been able to influence her behavior enough to keep her from being too loud or too nippy.

As a result of my research Mardy has been great. She's happy and my family is happy. That makes me happy.

 

[Joeyx]

most people will tell you macaws aren't for first time bird owners, but if you've done your
research and are sure you will be able to be patient with the bird, then by all means.. go
for it. just be careful with your five cats. their saliva is deadly to birds.

 

[pamcor57]

I agree with Joeyx and Mike....research.. research..research! Not only for you to have the right info, but your Macaw needs you to have the right knowledge on him too! I just picked up my newest baby B&G Saturday! 8 week boy. I am sure you will be fine with The B&G if you decide to get him as your first bird (Macaw). They are a handful and deserve lots of time with you and freedom from their cage. Good luck.

 

[osnyder]

I really would advise against adopting a macaw as your first bird. Re-homed birds come with their own set of needs that are hard for even the most committed and experienced people to cope with. If you want to adopt (and I would encourage you to) I'd go for something considerably smaller and known to be relatively less high-maintenance. And research research research!

 

[Mare Miller]

My first bird was a re-homed 9yr. old male umbrella cockatoo. He is the luckiest bird in the world that I had NO clue what I was getting into! If I had known then, what I know now, I for sure would have done a lot more research and probably would have said, "NO FREAKING WAY"!!

It takes so much patience and fortitude and a strong will within yourself, sometimes. I'm speaking from my experience. If you are willing to commit, I'm sure you and your new bird will be life long friends.

I forgot to add, our U2 is a wonderful, (off and on wonderful), addition to our family.

 

[triordan]

Remington was our first bird, a greenwing, rehomed at the age of 13. the only thing besides research i would recommend would be visiting/handling/volunteering at a rescue to get hands-on experience

 

[Ronald]

I would have to say... If you took the time to register for these forums and post this question then go for it. The first time bird owners who I worry about are the ones who have never heard of forums or never bothered to post. Use these forums to help you, It's the best research you can use. Also, put together an avian first aid kit, and find an avian vet and emergency vet near you. You don't want to waste time looking if you need one.

 

[JJones1719]

Welcome to the forum, Macaws as a first time Parrot owner is not the perfect spieces to start out with but if you do your homework, spend lots of time learning how to handle, care, and the diet required for the Macaw to keep them save and healthy, I do not see why you can't jump right in and have a Macaw as a first time Parrot owner.
If your thinking of a new baby Macaw, this is most likely going to be the easiest for you to adjust to, re-home Macaws do come with lots of baggage but you can find them out there that are sweet as can be.
If a re-home Macaw is what your looking for, I would advise you to visit the Macaw at the rescue, get to know the Macaw very well. Make sure the Macaw picks you.
I would advise you to gather up all the Macaws the rescue has, place them on the floor and you sit in the middle, see what Macaw comes to you or even may climb up onto you or your lap, when one shows that they are interested in you, this is your Macaw.
Remember, Macaws need lots of space and the largest cage you can find. They need lots of wood toys, concrete perches, fresh food and water 3 times per day. They love almonds and I use them for training and treats.
Best of luck Joe