Australia Breeder?

[Jett424]

Hey, after weeks of reading the forums I decided to make an account since I do really want a Scarlet Macaw.

I would just like to start by saying my Budgie died last Saturday. I had owned her for 7 and a half years. I have had her since I was just about to turn 10 years old. Sadly She became egg bound on her first ever egg. Anyway I will tell you that story another time.

I'm here to ask for everything I must know in owning a macaw. I fell in love with scarlet at my first sight in looking at macaws but I think a GW would be more practical since I would love a shoulder bird.

I would love any advise on where the best Breeders are in NSW (Close to Sydney but I would travel around the world if I needed to.) I would love to visit them if they let me so I could see a macaw for the first time and find out if it is right for me.

I would love to hear your opinions on Scarlet Macaw's and Green Wing Macaws.

I have read almost everything I can find about Macaws I think I would be able to handle changing my life for one if I needed to. But in reading everything is diffrent from hearing what you all have to say, and all of your personal experiences.

So really my main questions are:
1. I would love to hear the other side of macaws, the side that gets swept under the rug. All the cons of owning a macaw.
2. I would like to know the best breeders in NSW.
3. What macaw should I go for? Scarlet or GW?
4. All the extra information that you cant read about and have to experience to understand.

The beak doesn't phase me. I love animals more than people. And really in the end. Thank you all so much.

R.I.P. Sky

 

[Jett424]

Blue & Gold Macaws For Sale

Do they look legit? I love their scarlet's and might make a trip there soon. I have read a lot on what to look out for when buying a bird. Is there anything you guys would like to add?

 

[MikeyTN]

I would NEVER allow my macaws on my shoulders! That is a big mistake novice makes thinking that it is ok for a parrot to be on the shoulders. All it takes is for them to get spooked and they will bite the closest thing to them which is your face! They can do a lot of damage to a person's face, even ones that was hand raised as a baby.

Scarlet are known to be on the nippy side. Greenwing are known to be a bit better. Go visit them and make the choice on your own as your the one who is gonna be living with them.

Macaws needs to be taught early on about the beak pressure and such, otherwise they will hurt you just by chewing on you.

I do not know any breeders in Australia so I can't help you there....

 

[Jett424]

I would NEVER allow my macaws on my shoulders! That is a big mistake novice makes thinking that it is ok for a parrot to be on the shoulders. All it takes is for them to get spooked and they will bite the closest thing to them which is your face! They can do a lot of damage to a person's face, even ones that was hand raised as a baby.

Scarlet are known to be on the nippy side. Greenwing are known to be a bit better. Go visit them and make the choice on your own as your the one who is gonna be living with them.

Macaws needs to be taught early on about the beak pressure and such, otherwise they will hurt you just by chewing on you.

I do not know any breeders in Australia so I can't help you there....

I would not put them on my shoulder until I have got their total trust. I am prepared for that to take as long as needed even over a year or more. Animals are all different some love attention some like to be admired from a far, some are just bat**** crazy. Im already planning to make a 2 hour trip to the Gong (Woolongong for you Americans ) to visit the Scarlet's and GW's.

 

[Mike17]

Blue & Gold Macaws For Sale

Do they look legit? I love their scarlet's and might make a trip there soon. I have read a lot on what to look out for when buying a bird. Is there anything you guys would like to add?

To be frank, it looks a bit suss to me. No physical address (well, maybe they don't want to advertise that, given how macaws get stolen) but just a picture of a car, that might even be photoshopped? If I were paying for a B&G (last one I saw in Perth was $6500) I'd want a bit more info than some pics, a mobile no. and very little else in the way of info. Of course, a visit to wherever they are might allay any fears.

 

[MikeyTN]

I had Willie's full trust when he was spooked and he chomp down on my hand and rip my skin open like banana peel. The worst part was when he hit his full hormone at 10 years old, that was the worst bite from him to date. We've had him for 10 years and I could do anything with him prior to his hormones. He's better now days unless he's ticked with me, he'll bite me hard without breaking skin. He bit my left hand Sunday night, he must of pinched a nerve, it still hurts right now. I can't hold nothing with my left hand without hurting. He was upset when I had him on my arm and the dogs was acting up, he got mad at me and bit me. I was trying to get him away from the dogs, but he wants to be near the dogs. He LOVES the dogs and they love him too. During his major hormone, he pick the dogs over me.

 

[Jett424]

Blue & Gold Macaws For Sale

Do they look legit? I love their scarlet's and might make a trip there soon. I have read a lot on what to look out for when buying a bird. Is there anything you guys would like to add?

To be frank, it looks a bit suss to me. No physical address (well, maybe they don't want to advertise that, given how macaws get stolen) but just a picture of a car, that might even be photoshopped? If I were paying for a B&G (last one I saw in Perth was $6500) I'd want a bit more info than some pics, a mobile no. and very little else in the way of info. Of course, a visit to wherever they are might allay any fears.

They have a mobile and a phone number and they are based in Woolongong. All you have to do is call and ask if you can come down and then arrange a date. I will be going to look at them first hoping in the next 2 weeks or so.

 

[Betrisher]

The only breeder I've ever heard of is one who advertises on Gumtree (which, AFAIC, is suss to begin with). This person reckons he has, at any given moment, B&G Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, Hyacinth Macaws, every kind of Amazon ever spawned and African Greys. You'd be looking at a five figure price for most of these species, although you might get a B&G for less.

I second Mikey when he says you should never let a Macaw on your shoulder. I've got Alexandrines and they deliver a pretty horrible bite: I shudder to think what a Macaw could do to my delicate flesh! Please don't be offended, but it does make me smile when you say you'd 'gain their trust'. It only takes one sudden loud noise for all that trust to go out the window and for a very powerful beak to be embedded in your flesh right up to the bone! Just sayin' - that's what happens with parrots. Like dogs, if you must have a big one, then the onus is entirely on you to teach it good manners and make it safe to anyone else who might encounter it.

The leap from a Budgie (one of the smallest parrots) to a Macaw (one of the largest) is a huge one and not much of what you already know is transferable. Macaws are extremely needy birds and will require several hours of your time every day if they are to remain happy and well-adjusted. If you have a job that keeps you busy until late most days, then perhaps a Macaw might not be a great idea right now? If you work from home and would be available to your bird all the time, then it could turn out quite well for you. There's a lot to take into account, not the least of which is that once you own a Macaw, you own it for the term of your natural life. If you can't spend that daily time with the bird, if you don't train it well when it's young, if you don't teach it good manners and feed it a healthy diet, then it could become the worst nightmare of parrot owners: a Plucker and a Screamer! If that happens, then the bird's re-sale value will plummet as no one wants a Plucker and a Screamer. You would be stuck with it, or you'd have to virtually pay someone to take it off your hands. I know I sound like a prophet of doom, but I'm just outlining the very real possibilities for you. It takes a lot more effort to keep a Macaw healthy and well with all its feathers intact than you might think! If you search through some of the older posts in the Macaw section here, you'll get a good idea of what owners go through. And, I'm sure other Macaw owners will chime in.

You're doing exactly the right thing by researching about your ideal bird and this forum is a great place to begin. We have many members who have lived with Macaws for years and who can tell you everything you need to know: you'd do very well to listen to their advice!

PS. Where exactly do you live? Central Coast? Newcastle?

 

[Jett424]

Re: Australian Breeder?

The only breeder I've ever heard of is one who advertises on Gumtree (which, AFAIC, is suss to begin with). This person reckons he has, at any given moment, B&G Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, Hyacinth Macaws, every kind of Amazon ever spawned and African Greys. You'd be looking at a five figure price for most of these species, although you might get a B&G for less.

I second Mikey when he says you should never let a Macaw on your shoulder. I've got Alexandrines and they deliver a pretty horrible bite: I shudder to think what a Macaw could do to my delicate flesh! Please don't be offended, but it does make me smile when you say you'd 'gain their trust'. It only takes one sudden loud noise for all that trust to go out the window and for a very powerful beak to be embedded in your flesh right up to the bone! Just sayin' - that's what happens with parrots. Like dogs, if you must have a big one, then the onus is entirely on you to teach it good manners and make it safe to anyone else who might encounter it.

The leap from a Budgie (one of the smallest parrots) to a Macaw (one of the largest) is a huge one and not much of what you already know is transferable. Macaws are extremely needy birds and will require several hours of your time every day if they are to remain happy and well-adjusted. If you have a job that keeps you busy until late most days, then perhaps a Macaw might not be a great idea right now? If you work from home and would be available to your bird all the time, then it could turn out quite well for you. There's a lot to take into account, not the least of which is that once you own a Macaw, you own it for the term of your natural life. If you can't spend that daily time with the bird, if you don't train it well when it's young, if you don't teach it good manners and feed it a healthy diet, then it could become the worst nightmare of parrot owners: a Plucker and a Screamer! If that happens, then the bird's re-sale value will plummet as no one wants a Plucker and a Screamer. You would be stuck with it, or you'd have to virtually pay someone to take it off your hands. I know I sound like a prophet of doom, but I'm just outlining the very real possibilities for you. It takes a lot more effort to keep a Macaw healthy and well with all its feathers intact than you might think! If you search through some of the older posts in the Macaw section here, you'll get a good idea of what owners go through. And, I'm sure other Macaw owners will chime in.

You're doing exactly the right thing by researching about your ideal bird and this forum is a great place to begin. We have many members who have lived with Macaws for years and who can tell you everything you need to know: you'd do very well to listen to their advice!

PS. Where exactly do you live? Central Coast? Newcastle?

I live in Sydney.

There is always someone in my house. I am only at work 40 hours a week and every other hour before and after will be free once I get this bird. Now I know a budgie and a macaw can be extremely different but I am willing to do anything possible to have this dream bird I have wanted ever since I was a kid. (Dad was smart enough to talk me into getting a budgie to keep me occupied for a few years hahaha.) And I know the younger you get a Macaw the more they will bond with you. I am happy to have a macaw with me from 18 years of age until death once I get this bird end of year (I hope.)

And every animal I have ever owned no matter how wild I am always able to convert. We had rabbits for many many years and even the wild ones we had to catch to stop the "Infestation" were able to be lap bunny's after patiences and a few to many scratches here and there.

When I get an idea in my head and I am passionate about it, no matter what gets in my way it will be carried out. Now I don't see my self with a macaw until very late in the year. Around Christmas time-ish maybe even early next year. All I know is in that time all I must to is research, Visit some breeders, and even construct some Toys and Purchase from some gum tree's I can cut up in the bush.

Now on a unrelated note I heard eucalyptus is bad for parrots that aren't native to Australia. But then I heard it was just the leaves so some dried out fun to jump on branches should be good right?

Anyway, thanks heaps you have been great so far and this is what I am looking for.

 

[skylala]

Edit: You posted before me and pretty much answered everything here lol. But still check out the website

I assume you're only 18 judging by your post time frames.
Do you have enough money for a large bird? The large toys to buy start at $20-$50 and I know large birds will probably chew through one in a couple of days, so it will probably be a weekly cost on top of its weekly foodbill.

It does sound like you really want one and I can understand that, but it is such a huge bird to go from a budgie. But so long as you have the time it can be fine. The good thing about getting them when you're young is you hopefully will out live them so they won't go through re-homing stress.
Also I know you say you live at home now so there will always be someone home, but what about when you move out of home? You will have to be at work more to pay for rent etc. Just something to think about.

This site is about Cockatoos but I'm sure it will be relevant for Macaws as well.
All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com
If you want the cons I think this paints a pretty good picture of it.

 

[hamza.ayub]

Hi I'm a new at the parrot forum how do I post things like a forum

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi I'm a new at the parrot forum how do I post things like a forum

Seeing you posted in the Amazon section, I think you figured it out.

 

[tab_xo]

Welcome!

I can not judge on your age, it all depends on the individual person..

From what i can tell you are very passionate about a macaw, and ASLONG as you do your research, and know what you are getting into, then you will be fine!


Just think ahead, so if you want to go to Uni, can you take your bird?




I was 17 when i got Fargo, and there were a few people who said i was too young

I am now 19, study full time, work part time, and Fargo is the happiest, healthiest macaw!

It is all about training, teaching them to be independent and playing with their toys!


I have had Fargo for about 20 months now, and i haven't had a single day where i regretted getting him..

He is honestly the most amazing creature i have ever met, he is my best friend, and i don't know what i would do without him! Have never loved someone so much haha


I am biased towards blue and golds Fargo is SOOO cuddly, incredibly social, VERY smart, knows many many tricks, and is just the most loveable boy ever!




So definitely go and check out the breeders, and see how you interact with them..

Remember.. If you are scared, then they WILL know..

You can't act intimidated around a macaw, because otherwise they will put it over you..

If you are scared of their big beak, it might not work out.... Macaws biting and aggression are one of the main reasons they get rehomed!


So interact with some at the breeders and you might find the perfect feathered friend to bring home!

Good luck!

 

[Jett424]

Edit: You posted before me and pretty much answered everything here lol. But still check out the website

I assume you're only 18 judging by your post time frames.
Do you have enough money for a large bird? The large toys to buy start at $20-$50 and I know large birds will probably chew through one in a couple of days, so it will probably be a weekly cost on top of its weekly foodbill.

It does sound like you really want one and I can understand that, but it is such a huge bird to go from a budgie. But so long as you have the time it can be fine. The good thing about getting them when you're young is you hopefully will out live them so they won't go through re-homing stress.
Also I know you say you live at home now so there will always be someone home, but what about when you move out of home? You will have to be at work more to pay for rent etc. Just something to think about.

This site is about Cockatoos but I'm sure it will be relevant for Macaws as well.
All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com
If you want the cons I think this paints a pretty good picture of it.

I have a job and have only been at it for about 4 months and now have enough for a Macaw and more if needed for a Avian vet. I will be able to pay the costs of the macaw. Thank you for brining it to my attention though. I will adapt my life to live with a Macaw even if I move out of home. I'm 17 at the moment and I will be 18 in December. Probably will buy one for myself for my birthday.

So I have about 10 months to make up my mind on what breed, if it is right for me and most importantly spent time going to different breeders and talking to them and seeing if any Macaw bonds with me or picks me.

I appreciate all the answer so far they are already a big help and I cant wait for more to come through.

Thanks.

 

[Chesphoto]

Hey Jett,

Welcome to the forum. You ask a lot of great questions.

A lot of parrot owners will say that if you are young, you shouldn't get a parrot. And for the most part, that is probably good advice. I know that when I was 16 to 20, if I got a macaw, it would have been to try to impress the girls... Yes, some what immature and not a good candidate for owning any living thing. Fortunately, I started a business, got married, had kids and grew into a responsible person.

But I have met some amazing kids at the shelter that I volunteer at and there are some great younger members here on the forum that have everything needed to be great parrot owners and are able to provide loving and stable homes. Tab raises an important question about the future of your education and will a Macaw fit in. Do you plan to travel a lot, live abroad?

Also, some say that you should start with a smaller bird or work your way up to a Macaw. I understand that they are saying that you should get experience with birds and don't get a Macaw until you know you won't be afraid of it... But the down side to that advice is that if you get a bird that you don't really want, you may be disappointed for the next 20+ years while that bird is alive when you really want a macaw. I think you should get the bird you want, but don't rush into it. Volunteer at a shelter or visit a bird store every week for a couple of months and really make sure you are getting the bird you want. Join a local bird club so you can start making friends with other bird owners. You will gain great experience and have a network of help should you end up finding the perfect bird for you.

Have the attitude that there are no returns so you only will get what you want and know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Good luck!

 

[Jett424]

Hey Jett,

Welcome to the forum. You ask a lot of great questions.

A lot of parrot owners will say that if you are young, you shouldn't get a parrot. And for the most part, that is probably good advice. I know that when I was 16 to 20, if I got a macaw, it would have been to try to impress the girls... Yes, some what immature and not a good candidate for owning any living thing. Fortunately, I started a business, got married, had kids and grew into a responsible person.

But I have met some amazing kids at the shelter that I volunteer at and there are some great younger members here on the forum that have everything needed to be great parrot owners and are able to provide loving and stable homes. Tab raises an important question about the future of your education and will a Macaw fit in. Do you plan to travel a lot, live abroad?

Also, some say that you should start with a smaller bird or work your way up to a Macaw. I understand that they are saying that you should get experience with birds and don't get a Macaw until you know you won't be afraid of it... But the down side to that advice is that if you get a bird that you don't really want, you may be disappointed for the next 20+ years while that bird is alive when you really want a macaw. I think you should get the bird you want, but don't rush into it. Volunteer at a shelter or visit a bird store every week for a couple of months and really make sure you are getting the bird you want. Join a local bird club so you can start making friends with other bird owners. You will gain great experience and have a network of help should you end up finding the perfect bird for you.

Have the attitude that there are no returns so you only will get what you want and know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

Good luck!

Thanks so much.

I have been looking for shelters in my area but have had no luck.

I have no idea where to find a local bird club apart from the internet and I would rather spend my time on these forums as they are a great help.

I have been planning to go down to a Breeder and I know that wont be the first one I visit.

And I plan to travel but it will be for only 6 months at most and it wont be for another 3-4 years at least.

Over all thank you so much. And what is your opinion on Scarlet Macaws?

Thanks
Jett

 

[Brodie]

Hi Jett,

If your planning on traveling for about six months in 3-4 years, maybe wait till you have travelled, then get a macaw. Six months is a really, really long time. I wouldn't leave my ekkie for a weekend let alone six months. We are getting a blue and gold in about six months, and decided that traveling will be out of the question forever. But we are completely okay with that. Once you get a parrot, guess who comes first? Well..its not you that's for sure..

 

[Birdman666]

I also concur that a greenwing is the bird most folks actually wanted when they thought they wanted a scarlet.

Scarlett's are generally the beakiest of the bunch. If you don't have large macaw experience, you're taking on a lot.

I also concur that you don't get a bird like a macaw and then leave it for six months. These things have the attention needs of a human toddler. Get it out of your system first, THEN get the bird...