Am I too young to have a Macaw?

[Alwese]

Well Mystic let me give you MY two cents from an old guy of 62. When I was about 12 I had a wild rabbit I kept and cared for for a long time, and it taught me a lot about responsible pet ownership I carried through the rest of my life. Being older, I think a lot about how I would have loved to have had a macaw at a much younger age to grow up with. Many I have seen were peoples' parents birds that they grew up with and then became the primary care giver later in life. David Clayton has the Greenwing macaw his father brought home from Costa Rica just after WWII in 1946. That bird is at least 67 years old and may be as old as 80 as it was wild caught. That is the oldest macaw I know of personally. The problem with getting a macaw when you are young is cost. Having the means to buy a bird and having the resolve to properly care for one are not necessarily linked together in the same package. If you are in a large city, check with your local zoo and have several nice cards made up that say something like "I will provide a good caring home for a macaw, please call XXX-XXXX" You would be surprised how many people want to give up their macaws to a zoo. Also post some cards at your local avian vets office bulletin board. There is a young boy I have seen with a B&G on his shoulder riding a skate board and he takes his bird everywhere. I picture you being like him. I have three macaws and have found their personalities are totally different. You really can't make assumptions on how they will act or be with other people or pets. With your mom having a day-care place I would be worried about strange fingers being stuck in the cage. People don't understand that a macaw is not a dog or a cat... they are just one generation away from being a wild animal. As a general rule of thumb I would say most macaws are one-person birds. Everybody else is on the outs. Two of the three macaws I have I paid nothing for; they were given to me because they knew I would go way above and beyond to spend a great deal of time with them and take them everywhere with me. People's lives do change. People go away to school, get married, have children and situations change that can change a macaw household in time. None of us know what the future will hold, but you can resolve to make a firm commitment... and that is what it takes to be a macaw person....... Al

 

[SharonC]

Here's my two cents...
I'm 55 and also wondered if this was the right time for me to own a bigger bird. I don't have a Macaw, but I have adopted an Amazon. I wonder if there ever is a right time. You make the commitment when you're young, and you can be the bird's family for a LONG time. I will probably die before Fred does, assuming he lives to his full potential, and he will have to be rehomed when I'm gone. There's a lot to consider when you're young, and a lot to consider when you're older. As long as you realize that allowances will have to be made to accomodate the bird, you'll be fine, and will have a lifetime companion. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Alienation]

One thing that everyone buying a pet needs to consider is how their life might change in the future. Especially with parrots as they are so long-lived. There are plenty of adults who buy birds and think that everything will still be hunky-dory in 10 years time, but in fact after just a few years they rehome their pet. I agree that age necessarily doesn't have anything to do with it, BUT as a teenager who is still developing and still discovering who they are and where they fit into the world, it will be even MORE likely that your situation will change, or something you didn't think of might happen.

Other people have mentioned the cost involved, and although we haven't really heard your response to it, the fact that you're seriously considering it suggest you have discussed it with their parents and I'm assuming they will foot the bill? (Because I doubt a 13 y/o has that kind of pocket money!) But have you thought about for how long? What happens if you can't get a job or if you can but don't earn enough money, or you have to pay rent etc? What will you do then? Will your parents still pay for anything your bird needs if you can't?

I applaud you for researching, and I agree that there are some responsible teenagers out there. I myself am only 19 years young and will be getting an amazon parrot soon. I know several young people who have been responsible pet owners (myself included).
I just think you need to think of EVERY possibility in your future before deciding one hundred percent. As the other members have mentioned, it will impact your financial situation, living arrangements and future relationships. Having such a big bird, with a big personality, will impact on EVERY aspect of your life. Do you really have time for school work, a part-time job, socializing/parties/time with friends, 4 budgies, a Cockatiel, a Green Cheeked Conure AND a macaw? Will the Macaw take time away from your current birds? What if the macaw doesn't get along with them? You won't be able to have them out of the cage at the same time, because if the macaw doesn't like them he/she could do SERIOUS harm to those smaller birds (even kill them).

You're bird shouldn't (and probably can't) be made to change to suit your life - your life should change to suit your bird.

Not trying to talk you out of it, just want to make sure you've thought absolutely everything through.

 

[lisamarie973]

May I chime in? First of all, let me just say that I know that every word you are saying about being ready to commit to such a majestic creature you mean from the bottom of your heart and soul. I guarantee there is NOTHING in this world you'd like more than to have a Macaw. So, what I'm about to say is not meant to minimize your excitement and/or your commitment or dedication to owning such a bird.

It's really hard to say WHO you will be as you become a young adult and then a middle aged adult and so on and so forth. So many series of events will take place in your life that will decide what it is that you WANT to do from one day to the next. At 13, I suspect that you haven't started dating yet and perhaps could even careless about it, BUT, you will, eventually and in your own time. You WILL have friends and you WILL want to enjoy your youth. I have 3 daughters, my 17 yr old is just a precious as the day is long and ADORES animals. She BEGGED for a kitten last year, now there is no doubt that my Megan LOVES this animal and would be devastated if I made her re home her, however, Megan is BUSY. She is in a steady relationship of 2 yrs, works full time, goes to school and also has her 16 yr old sister/best friend and other friends that she enjoys to be with. That leaves Sunny home with guess who?? Yep, me and my husband. We DON'T mind, however, as Linky and the rest of the gang has stated, it's important for all of your family to agree upon bringing birdie home.
I've raised 3 daughters, the one thing I know is the hardest thing for me to convey to all my girls is this.... Life changes in the drop of a dime, you aren't ALWAYS going to like or dislike what you like/dislike now. It's so difficult for a young person to see that or comprehend that we change every day as we grow and mature, we NEVER stop growing and maturing and learning.
So, make sure it's a family decision, this way, if you get on with life and are too busy at times for birdie, birdie has other family to fill in those void areas and won't be neglected (not on purpose of course) or re homed.
Good Luck to you!

 

[AlexK]

I'm 22 and I currently own an African Grey. I work with large birds on a day to day basis, and I would definitely not recommend getting a macaw at 13. Not because you couldn't take care of it, but because it will either put the bird in a bad position once you go to college / get into a relationship / move out of your parents house / get a job, or it will put a severe hamper on your ability to do all these things.

I don't know about your financial situation, but I doubt you have the $3,000+ it takes to get a baby macaw, which would in all likelihood be the best way for you to get a macaw. This would mean that you would most likely get an older bird someone is rehoming, I speak from experience when I say that these birds can (and usually do) come with multiple problems. I've seen a lot of damage done from macaw bites, and have had my skin ripped apart on multiple occasions by them. I work with birds of prey a lot, and let me tell you, i'd rather get footed/bitten by a bald eagle multiple times than have to get an angry macaw into a crate for a vet visit.

 

[Alwese]

Mystic, I was thinking a rehome would be a cheaper way for you to enter the macaw world. I certainly agree that rehomes DO have some problems they bring along with them; two of my three are rehomes and even Clifford was negatively imprinted from his 6 months in the pet store (he still yells..Ca'Mon, Get IN there.. with a nasty voice) but I think alot about how THEY need a another chance too. One thing I might suggest concerning cages though, if you are near a large city, their frequently are birdmart things that normally come to town about twice a year. These places are normally events in armories or even fairgrounds about twice a year. Pick up a copy of Birdtalk magazine and look in the back under events. They normally sell a lot of bird toys and I find that have pretty nice large cages at a reasonable price. These are normally made in Malaysia and sell for about $250. which is a lot less than you would find them in a pet store. Everybody wants a stainless steel cage as they don't rust but in the interm you could own a steel one. Just thinking a bit for you.... Al

 

[Mystic]

Mystic, I was thinking a rehome would be a cheaper way for you to enter the macaw world. I certainly agree that rehomes DO have some problems they bring along with them; two of my three are rehomes and even Clifford was negatively imprinted from his 6 months in the pet store (he still yells..Ca'Mon, Get IN there.. with a nasty voice) but I think alot about how THEY need a another chance too. One thing I might suggest concerning cages though, if you are near a large city, their frequently are birdmart things that normally come to town about twice a year. These places are normally events in armories or even fairgrounds about twice a year. Pick up a copy of Birdtalk magazine and look in the back under events. They normally sell a lot of bird toys and I find that have pretty nice large cages at a reasonable price. These are normally made in Malaysia and sell for about $250. which is a lot less than you would find them in a pet store. Everybody wants a stainless steel cage as they don't rust but in the interm you could own a steel one. Just thinking a bit for you.... Al

Coincidentally, there is a bird show tomorrow. People bring their birds their and let others handle them etc. I'm going to see if I can handle a macaw. They also have birds for adoption but idk, I have never owned a large parrot before so getting one with behavioral problems might not be the best idea...
Still getting one tomorrow seems way too soon, so maybe next time.
What is a good sized cage? If you have a link to the cage your macaws use that would be great

 

[Alwese]

This is going to sound kind of stupid, but I can't remember what the name of the Malaysian cages was. It wasn't like they were emblazened with their name on an emblem or something, just a sticker with two letters like SD or something. I didn't even think about them having a web site. I have had the three identical cages for 7 years now and they are rusting in places. I did repaint them this summer. If I remember what they were I'll repost. I just measured my cages at 30 X 40 X 63 inches. (they have to be less that 36 to fit through the door) I have 4 cages and 3 birds so one cage can always be in repairs for painting, wheel repair etc. One thing I found out this summer. Here in the south we have a real problem with cockroaches. With the droppings from birds it is hard to keep them totally eradicated. What I found was the roaches were living INSIDE the tubing bars of the cages. One by one I filled the insides of the bars with that expanding foam Great Stuff and finally got a handle on getting rid of roaches in the birdroom.... Al
P.S. I went online and looked at Birdcages. com The cage I have is the Mora Playtop cage I can tell by the picture. It comes with a bunch of stuff you don't need like the seed guards on the bottom and the tray on top that makes the cage all dark inside, but after the main bottom tray gets really rusty you can switch with the one that was on top. Their price online was too high.... look at the birdmarts and tell them you'll only pay $250. cash... that should get one

 

[CrypticDelirium]

It's wonderful that you're taking the time to look into this, there are WAY too many people who jump into a decision without thinking it through regardless of age!
I must say however that in honesty if you do take on caring for a macaw it will drastically change your life and limit your future decisions, or leave the bird alone to be passed off to someone else. It IS possible with the right planning and serious commitment. You won't have total freedom through high school which may seem to not be a big deal now but in a few years it may seem very different. Then after you graduate you're left with deciding between to rent a place where it would be possible to keep a macaw, as apartments and dorms aren't very soundproof and even very well adjusted macaws can be very loud, or leaving them with your parents and visiting on holidays, etc, which IS do able IF they know it's a possibility BEFORE day one of finding your feathery friend and are willing to meet the requirements for the bird themselves. Then down the road a bit more, you'll get married, have kids, and again a big portion of your life will STILL be the same macaw, which for the right kind of person is, well, the most amazing thing, a lifelong friend.
My first parrot was a blue and gold who was very neglected and very, very ill. Her caretaker had been one of my close friends brother who eventually went off to college, left her there, and no one in his family could handle her. She had at least a YEARS worth of birdie poo making a hill on her cage bottom that when we moved it had rusted totally apart. He had had good intentions when he got her, but life changed and he wanted time for himself, I know he never meant for her to end up like that, but it happened anyway. I was still really young when they handed her off to me (17) and it wasn't easy, but those two years we had together before she passed away will be remembered fondly always. I was very busy, but always worked in time for her and when I moved away from home I found a place and roommates that didn't mind her, but it was not easy to say the least.
So really I think if you're serious and have your families support 110%, it's absolutely do able. Just be SURE, and KNOW they can handle the care if need be so it doesn't turn out like her.
You sound more qualified just by CARING if you'd make a good macaw owner than many people who already own them, so be sure to not knock yourself too much, after all the best things in life are usually those you work the hardest for. = )
Oh, if you do decide to take one in there are many in rescues or being re homed that are actually healthy, well adjusted birds. Even if you're SURE you wouldn't want to adopt, it would be a lot of help if you volunteer at a rescue and get familiar with them hands on, and your parents too.
Best of luck with any decision you make!

 

[mellykyitus]

Denver 1 Corner Parrot Cage (Choice of 2 Colours)

this is the cage my baby is has.
good luck at the show, tell us what happened xxx

 

[Abigal7]

I think it all boils down to things such as the expensive cost to keep a macaw healthy, and the fact you will be going through life changes in the next 5-10 years. In the future you may have a boyfriend/girlfriend or even a child. I seen adds on craigslist of large parrots being rehomed due to a baby. A lot of posters already pointed out all this and it has been said in the past. Also, do not undestimate the desire of you green cheek conure to bond with you (conures are like shrunked macaws). Your budgies may be fine with each other and your cockatiel may not require a bunch of handling. However, you probably going to end up meaning a lot to your conure. To answer your question a macaw can hurt your birds. Bear in mind some smaller birds do not think they are small. Your conure for example may even attempt to attack you macaw.

 

[Allee]

Abigal, please have a look at the time stamp in the upper left-hand corner of the posts and you will see that no one has posted on this thread since 12-04-2010. The OP has not posted since 12-03-2010.