Bird owning

[haydyn23]

I am 20 and have never owned a bird, however they are peaking my inyetest vastly! I would really like to own a macaw before I turn 30 (25 if possible) I have done a fair bit of research and know that a macaw should not be my first bird. My plan os to start with a couple of budgies or cockatiels to learn the caring and trick teaching process. My question is would it be foolish to go straight from budgie to macaw or will they give me enough bird care experience to make the jump? I'm also curious as to how people care for several birds with a job, do you spend the same amount of time on several all together as you would on one or do you need more free time so each bird can get their individual love?

 

[Doublete]

I personally wouldn't equate a budgie or cockatiel to a macaw at all.
Id start with a conure. Smaller but more similar.

 

[haydyn23]

Is there anything else? Just cause I know conures are well known for being loud screamers

 

[Doublete]

Everything is relative.
But I believe suns and jendays are more
"Screamers".
My green cheek is super quiet.
However, if you eventually want a macaw. Starting with a "mini macaw" or shrunken macaw such as a conure is good practice. A macaw will have the possibility of being much much louder.

 

[Flboy]

FYI, they don't take trade in on birds! Sounds like upgrades! Remember, we are talking about 20 plus year creatures, then a macaw that could easily out live you!

 

[haydyn23]

I'm aware they are louder [emoji14] But I plan to live somewhere where I can accommodate for the noise. No, I intend to keep all the birds , that's why I mentioned the question about owning several birds?

 

[Doublete]

I wasn't thinking the op wanted to trade in... My thought was the idea was start smaller and add the second bird when ready. That's why I mentioned practice!

 

[Flboy]

I wasn't thinking the op wanted to trade in... My thought was the idea was start smaller and add the second bird when ready. That's why I mentioned practice!

I misread the op and did the typical GCC thing, overreact!

 

[haydyn23]

No worries! So how much time a day would need to be invested in ownong 4 birds (example)?

 

[thekarens]

I don't believe in starter or practice birds. If you truly want a macaw I'd learn everything you can about them. I'd meet as much as many as you can and if there's a rescue near you volunteer. Then when you're ready get your macaw. I don't see a problem with them being a first bird if you've don't the research and work.

I don't see the point in getting a bird that you're not really interested in.

 

[ZephyrFly]

I love my green cheek and think it's cute that a macaw could be in anyway similar to this guy, but i lean with thekarens. If you like mac's then go out and meet some, bird rescue's, pet shops or anywhere that will let you see and handle them. You may find you like something smaller, or find 1 bird that really takes your fancy macaw or no macaw. Do lots of research now about costs, care and diet, it's similar for most birds but get the basic's down.
Goodluck!

 

[Kalel]

Perhaps being around birds will give you a good idea. If you are in the slightest concerned about screaming from a conure, then I would try to hear a macaw scream in person. Not trying to discourage you, but it's important to know what you are getting into before rather than after. To eliminate the "if only I knew" factor. If you still want a macaw and can dedicate your time to properly caring for one, then go for it! I wish you the best of luck!

 

[haydyn23]

Thankyou everyone! You have all been helpful. I will be sure to do some primary research before I commit to anything!

 

[Doublete]

I would agree I don't like a startr bird concept. But getting a manageable bird that you are interested in is a lot easier than getting a bird that you thought you were ready for and in realiy you aren't.
Myself I have never been interested in a macaw. No idea why. But I started with an African grey and miss him dearly. I do love my flock currently. Even though I think my lovebirds only mission in life is to make pretty sounds.

 

[RavensGryf]

Hi . I'm curious what it "is" about wanting a Macaw. Why do you really want one? You can be honest here...

As everyone said, the "starter bird" concept isn't a good one. Hey, I must be going backwards lol... I'm just now, after years with parrots, getting into budgies. But then even with years of experience, I've always loved the smaller ones. My Pionus is like a very small Amazon, and he's the biggest I am interested in. So not everyone needs to go bigger and bigger .

Also, if it's a large Macaw that you really want, and you want one instead of any other species for good reasons, and not the wrong reasons... then I'd really take a lot of time to research, try to get hands on experience at bird stores, etc.

I also wanted to mention that IMHO, bird ownership isn't something that should be a "goal" to have by a certain age, like maybe how people dream about a certain car, or career, etc. Good luck!

 

[haydyn23]

I want a macaw for severap reasons, they aren't the only birds I want, but there my main choice because of the life span, I would love to have a companion for life! My plan wasn't to get a new born it was to adopt one between 10 and 20. Also the only reason I'm setting age goals is because I'm at Uni now and then going to australia after that, so I know it's not right for me to go out and get a bird now, but I'm hating the wait!

 

[Jayyj]

I'd be inclined to support the augument of not going with a starter bird unless you're just as enthusiastic about having the first bird as you are the dream bird. Lots of people told me to beware of cockatoos without a lot of bird experience, but Alice was a bird who was clearly miserable where she was and I wanted to help so I just jumped in - it was a step learning curve but I don't regret it for a second.

 

[Mekaisto]

Agree with people above, but I'd like to add something:

Spend time with as many different species as you can before deciding which bird you want, more than one of each if possible
It might surprise you which species you fall in love with!
You might spend time with conures and fall head-over-heels in love with them!

I love macaws, but I wouldn't want to own one, even if I had the time! My lifestyle/personality is more suited to black cockatoos and other 'lazy' birds, who don't mind just spending some time playing by themselves or cuddling with you.

Of course that's just me - you might meet some macaws and love them!
Of course there are differences between macaws as well, the feisty mini-macaws, the playful B&Gs, the gentle GWs, the zany scarlets - they're about as different as different gets.
Looking at life-spans is all well and good, but only if the species and bird itself are compatible with you! No use in living 60 miserable years with a bird you don't like

Also getting an older bird can leave you with a lot of baggage. There's nothing "wrong" with birds that have had a previous owner, but they can sometimes be left with bad habits and trust issues. Why is the bird being adopted out? Has it picked up behavioural problems? Health problems? Problems can be worked through, but it's difficult, and can be tough on both you and the bird.

In regards to how much time you'll need to allocate for multiple birds - it REALLY depends on both you and the birds!
Whether the birds fight when they're out together (necessitating individual playtime), how much time it will take you to get food ready, make toys, clean cages, etc.

 

[Doublete]

Also regarding life spans... Everything is relative.
If you get an older bird then it's really the same as adopting an amazon or grey as a baby. Or even a larger conure.
I do know my conure and my amazon will probably pass before I do but I'll be a senior citizen when they do.