best way to go about getting a macaw

[brianc]

Hi all, new comer here.

I've been searching more seriously the last few months but have always wanted a big macaw. I've never been afraid of the beak with the macs i've had contact with. Yes, I'd be a first timer and most ads I've seen say 'Must be experienced with macs'. I also understand why they say it too cause they can certainly scare the crap out of most people.

Anyway, onto the questions. What is a scam free way of going about getting a mac. I've tried 2-3 times through craigslist and they've all been scams.

I don't have deep pockets to pay oodles of money I don't have. A nice GW, B&G or even the bigger hycinth are all on my wish list. I've been lurking and reading websites for years so its not like this is some new found affection. I'm 49 yrs old, had 4 kids, dogs, cats, etc. Always loved the macaws and I've been ready to get one for some time. She/he does not need to be a baby, I'm not afraid of a rescue or a difficult bird. I'm just ready.

So, where should I go or seek out a mac?

 

[wrench13]

Step 1 - Have your head examined
Step 2 - get rid of anything that is made of wood
Step 3 - see Step 1

Good luck!

 

[Kiwibird]

Have you researched avian rescues in your state? Some are willing to work with you even if you live some distance, so long as you are in the same state. The rescue we found ur amazon through was 4 hours away. You can also put the word out to local animal shelters, as they sometimes get parrots in and often want them adopted out ASAP because most animal shelters have no capacity to care for large birds long term.

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

It would definitely be helpful if you could tell us where about you are. A specific state would be best, but even a general idea (southwest, east coast, etc.) could be helpful. Some members have had good experiences with specific rescues or at least know of rescues in certain areas, but as April pointed out, they usually require you to be in the same state.

 

[brianc]

I live in Littleton, Mass. Own my own house that's a welcome location and rooms to have a large cage, perches etc. I don't have to worry about neighbors or apartments. So, noise isn't too much of an issue. I took Kiwi's advice and google parrot rescues and found 6 birds within 100 miles. So was a good start I guess. Didn't think to look this way to find a bird to adopt.

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

Adopting an older bird can be an excellent way to go. An older bird already is set in their personality, and you don't have to worry about dealing with puberty. That means you aren't going to bring home a cuddly baby that turns into a teenage monster in six or seven years that you weren't ready for. Plus, as long lived as macaws can be, you can still have a friend for life even if you adopt a 20 or 30 year old bird.

Plus, just because a bird is in a rescue does not mean it is a bad bird, sometimes there are just unfortunate circumstances. I am fostering a B&G now that is a wonderful bird, I haven't found a bad habit with her yet, she is a complete sweetheart. However, one of her owners passed away a few years ago, and the other recently had a stroke. No one else in the family wanted to care for her, so she ended up being given up. Just one example of the type of adult bird you can find in a rescue.

 

[SilverSage]

A reputable rescue is the best place to start!


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[Laylatoo]

Not all classifieds ads are scammers so keep an eye out on Craigslist and be vigilant in spotting the legit ads from the scams. I found my heart bird Layla on Craigslist and she couldn't be more perfect. Rescues almost always have beautiful macaws Deserving a new chance at a happy life. I hope you find your perfect bird. BTW. I also have 4 kids.

 

[wrench13]

LOL, OK so you won't take my first advice. Go to the macaw sub forum, and once there read all the threads at the top of the page, then search all threads started by birdman666, who is one of our macaw experts. With parrots, especially big ones like macs, for warned is forarmed. Sounds like you have done a fair amount of reading already. You got some good advice already (well, except for mine), and the folks on this board are phenomenal. Good luck, and keep us in the loop in your search and hopefully new addition.

 

[Kiwibird]

I live in Littleton, Mass. Own my own house that's a welcome location and rooms to have a large cage, perches etc. I don't have to worry about neighbors or apartments. So, noise isn't too much of an issue. I took Kiwi's advice and google parrot rescues and found 6 birds within 100 miles. So was a good start I guess. Didn't think to look this way to find a bird to adopt.

I know up there in New England, states are small and close together (have family up there), so you may end up being able to adopt from out of state as well, depending on species and individual rescue rules. I had no clue there were parrot-specific rescues and shelters either when we were looking for a parrot. I called the local humane society "just in case" before putting a deposit on a baby and was told while they didn't have any birds there were numerous rescue groups with dozens of adoptable birds in other parts of the state. Just like dogs and cats, there are (sadly) just so many parrots looking for loving homes. Nice when someone is willing and able to provide one Do be aware, it is routine for a rescue organization or avian shelter to make you fill out all kinds of pre-adoption paperwork, take classes on parrot care, home inspection etc... It's a hassle, but they just want to ensure their birds are truly being adopted out to someone with the knowledge and ability to care of them properly.

Just a tip- Usually having a single bird in the living or family room (wherever people tend to congregate the most) is referable to having a bird room for a single bird. Having your own house is good for a macaw, they are LOUD. Lots of room is good too, since Big Macs have big wingspans! Kind of like a small colorful eagle in the house

 

[brianc]

That's what I after Kiwi. My living room or where I am is the birds room. I consider myself a bit of a salt (old school - not too old though). I love the salt water too so yeah, birds gotta be sea worthy, lol. I would never take this on and affect a loving animal like this. Birds are special animals or I've always thought of them in that way.

Wrenchman, My woodwork is good for eating so I wont be too upset. I can replace it easy enough. I figure birds eat wood cause they don't get enough attention. Not a problem for me...

The adoption form I filled out isn't too bad so I'm not too concerned though I'm on the far reaches of the 2 hr drive they require. We'll see...

 

[Surfincr]

There's actually a bird club up in your area, my aunt and cousin are members if you're interested i can get more info for you.

One trick i've learned with craigslist is i've put up a want ad, it's actually how i wound up with my Grey. i did get a few scam contacts but they were fairly easy to tell.

Also there is someone in NH looking to rehome a blue and gold in the adoptions section

 

[brianc]

@Surfincr - Yes, I would be interested in the bird club you've mentioned. If you could give the details or pm me that would be fine.

I didn't find the adoption details you mentioned. From the suggestions of others I search avian rescues and found some good avenues to adopting from a rescue. I'm starting the process now going through referrals and such.

I hopeful this is a god route.

--brian

 

[Surfincr]

below is the link to the macaw. i'll get the club information from my cousin and message you with it.

http://www.parrotforums.com/adoptions-re-homing/69817-looking-re-home-blue-gold.html

 

[MacawMomma]

I agree with all the advice that rescuing a bird is the way to go!!!

We adopted a 23 yr old Macaw, just be prepared to visit every few days and see what Macaw "picks" you. Older birds are so rewarding [emoji172]


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[brianc]

Update Re: best way to go about getting a macaw

I'm going on my first visit at a rescue in CT this weekend. The B&G there is 19 yrs old w/ 1 prior human companion and is in foster care.

 

[Cas27]

Re: Update Re: best way to go about getting a macaw

I'm going on my first visit at a rescue in CT this weekend. The B&G there is 19 yrs old w/ 1 prior human companion and is in foster care.

HI I'm cas27 in the past month and a half I have bought an eight year old blue and gold and ten year old green wing and have a Congo African grey and goffin cockatoo both who I hand raised. Well too pass on my experience too you the two older macaws our my favorite parrots I'm so glad I got older birds. You can really get some good birds from adopting them.