getting a blue and gold

[jpeff]

im getting a blue and gold in like 3 months and just and just wanted to see if I got a big eough cage is 60'' H x 40'' W x 30'' D and that's inside
it came with 3 perches and 4 dish I got about 10 toys and a play stand the food a breeder told me to get
and a book on how to train macaw

I got a lot of other stuff for the macaw to and just wanted to know if I need anything else

and the other ? is I have a 400 gal saltwater reef tank that I got a great deal of money in will a macaw mess with the tank like put its head in it or some like that

 

[Mekaisto]

.
That cage size is fine, but you should still let your parrot get as much 'outside time' as possible, interacting with you outside of his cage.

Are the perches all the same size/width? If they are, I'd suggest getting perches that have a variety of properties. Natural wood perches are fantastic, as long as they are clean. Perches that bend, perches that are hard, perches that are soft - the bigger the range, the more fun your bird will have, and the better it will be for his feet.

Macaws will mess with anything and everything. I suggest setting aside a room of your house for your bird to play in, a room that's completely 'parrot-proof'. That's not to say he can't play in the other rooms of the house, you'll just have to watch him closely.

10 toys is fine for a start, I wouldn't suggest putting them all it at once, you should rotate every couple of days. You can also make foraging/chew toys out of cardboard, wood, coconut shells, etc. for next to no cost. Foraging toys made of wood will quickly be chewed up by a macaw, but that's not a bad thing - it's great for their mental and physical health.
.

 

[Mattroma]

personally I would keep my Mac away from the tank. macs are curious by nature and test things with their beaks. I would worry about him getting a hold of plumbing, lighting etc. plus I know some reef lighting systems do get warm and give off heat, not sure if it's hot enough to burn but why risk it. most importantly birds can drown it toilets. 400 gallon reef tank impose a greater danger.

 

[Kiwibird]

Hello and congrats on your new baby! I think the cage will be fine, though I would definitely "upgrade" the perches if they are just those straight wood dowels they always include with cages. Rope perches, boings, natural wood perches and a cement perch would be much better. A bird needs varied surfaces to stand on to keep their feet nice and healthy

As for the reef tank- since I presume it has a pretty secure lid or cover, I am sure any accident would be prevented by the lid (and if not, you need to get one before the bird comes home). Having a lid on the tank is the same concept of putting the seat down on the toilet- cover the open source of water "just in case" the bird gets frightened and crash lands or something. Accidents aside however, a macaw has more than a powerful enough beak to tear up an aquarium lid if given the opportunity and time to do so. You will need to start from day one training the bird that it is not allowed near the tank. That is a VERY VERY important boundary to set for your bird. Kiwi is not allowed near our reptiles, not that their enclosures pose a threat to him, rather he poses a threat to the other, smaller defenseless animals that probably look a whole lot like moving toys to him. He doesn't even go near those stands. When he does, he gets a STERN "no" and moved away. When he's just exploring in an area he's allowed (which is pretty much everywhere but that one section of our bedroom), he gets praise and toys and great fun made of the whole experience. A bird is smart enough to understand he has no reason to go near the area thats no fun for him to go near. He may not understand why, but he obeys the boundaries we set for him through positive reinforcement when in areas he is allowed while out. It may help while the bird is still new to your home to lay down a temporary tape "no-cross" line around the aquarium to provide a visual reference to the bird where the boundary he can't cross is. When he goes over that line, give him a firm "no" and pick him up and move him away. Praise and reward him when he stays and play where he's allowed to be so he eventually gets tired of that "boring area over there by the fish tank". Consistency is key here, and it will take time, but he will learn and not forget. Even after we moved and have a totally different layout, Kiwi still does not go around the reptiles.

I also strongly agree with CLOSELY supervising birds when they are outside their cage/stand/perch or if you have a designated room you have bird-proofed (and don't mind getting damaged) as "their area" to do in as they please. An unsupervised bird is going to tear up the house and may injure or kill itself, even if it is well trained. My boy is out all the time and thoroughly enjoys playing on the floor or the couch/bed, but I watch him like a hawk so I can make sure he is safe and behaving himself. If I'm not able or just don't want to keep a super close eye on him, he has a very nice play tree loaded with toys, an open top cage that is open all day long (I do close it up if I have to leave to run errands) and a portable t-perch that are all safe places for him to be that he can destroy all he wants. Get your bird used to the concept of "yours" and "his" and you will have a lot less issues with the bird causing damages or going where it isn't allowed. Best of luck.

 

[jpeff]

personally I would keep my Mac away from the tank. macs are curious by nature and test things with their beaks. I would worry about him getting a hold of plumbing, lighting etc. plus I know some reef lighting systems do get warm and give off heat, not sure if it's hot enough to burn but why risk it. most importantly birds can drown it toilets. 400 gallon reef tank impose a greater danger.

the lights are led don't put off heat and the plumbing is 2 in pvc pipe but there is no lid on tank but its not really that deep got over 500 pounds of rock in it guess I have to make a lid

 

[jpeff]

I do have a empty bed room that about 15x15 I could put him in but want to put him where ill be most of the time I don't work I stay at home with my kids and take care of my mom for 2 more years for my dad he cant afford a nurse full time so I do it till he retires and for put my life on hold for 2 more years I get the house which aint bad cause its a 2400 sq foot with 5 bed room and 3 1/2 baths but I only have the money I saved from selling my house to help my dad and mom for the next 2 years cause I cant work till he retires my mom had both her legs cut off so I been getting hobbys to keep me busy the fish tank was the first year got it done now the only other pet I always wanted was a b&g macaw

I do have a sulcata tortoises that roams the house and 2 English bull dogs so I have alittle zoo

 

[jpeff]

I didn't get a cage cover do I need one

and the perches are the plain ones so I should just get rid of those and buy some new ones like 4 or 5 diff types should be good right
just and to make sure I got everything I need before I get it that way I have it all ready the tank is in the living room down stairs which is half the size of the house and that's where I wanted to put the macaw at cause me and my kids spend most to the time there I could just set the cage and stuff on the other side of the room and just keep a good eye on him or should I give him his own room but then he wouldn't be around us as much which would be better for the macaw cause I thought he should go in a room where people are the most for some reason and thanks for the input some of my ? might sound dumb and im sorry the cage I got is stainless steal I got 2 of them on open box deal at a store my friend owns

 

[aether-drifter]

Congrats on your upcoming addition! It's great that you're coming here to ask questions so you can be as prepared as possible.

I have to disagree that your cage is big enough, though, unfortunately. B&G macaws have a wingspan of 41-45", so even if your cage was completely empty, the bird would not be able to fully stretch out its wings. I think a truly "good size" cage is one where there is enough empty space left for the wings to be fully stretched out and flap, after all the toys and perches are added. 40" x 30" is typically sold as a "macaw cage" but I think in reality they really do better in a "double" macaw cage with the divider removed.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Double-Macaw-Bird-Cage-Black/dp/B003LW0BV2"]Amazon.com: A and E Double Macaw Bird Cage Black: Pet Supplies[/ame]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Extra-Large-Double-Macaw-Charcoal/dp/B003LW0CIY/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1395335655&sr=1-4&keywords=double+macaw]Amazon.com: Extra Large Double Macaw Bird Cage Charcoal: Pet Supplies[/ame]

 

[jpeff]

I have 2 of them u can hook them together it just takes up a lot of room look to be easy to do just take the side wall out of both and drill some holes to hold them together so it would be 80x30 I got two cause If it turns out I really loved the one I was going to get another one and the cages were half price if I bought both

this might sound dumb which one is easyer to care for male or female or is it the same
meaning over all health and less likely to be just straight out mean cause u cant really count them as pet more like toddlers
one more ? someone said make some foraging toy what do u mean hide there treats in stuff to make them look for or something like that

 

[Kiwibird]

I didn't get a cage cover do I need one

Yes. A large blanket for a queen or kind bed would work, or if you want to spend the money, then a custom-cover for the cage would be even better. A parrot needs a cover to establish it is "bedtime" since there is likely to still be noise and lights on in the house after the bird goes to bed.

and the perches are the plain ones so I should just get rid of those and buy some new ones like 4 or 5 diff types should be good right

Yes. You should have it set up so the bird can move easily around the cage, while still having various types of surfaces and different heights to be at. The wood dowels that come with the cage can be cut up and implemented in chewing toys for the bird. In fact, be prepared to buy lots of wood for your bird to chew up. I believe one member buys wood in the form of 2x4s that she saws up, and regularly enough the people at the hardware store know her by name. Macaws LOVE chewing and have big beak, therefore go through LOTS of wood.

where I wanted to put the macaw at cause me and my kids spend most to the time there I could just set the cage and stuff on the other side of the room and just keep a good eye on him or should I give him his own room but then he wouldn't be around us as much which would be better for the macaw cause I thought he should go in a room where people are the most for some reason and thanks for the input some of my ?

You are 100% correct that the bird needs to be in the center of the action. He should also not spend much, if any time in his cage except to sleep. With such a large bird, it may be nice if you have a spare room to bird-proof it and set up some java trees in there so when you go out the bird can be "free" safely in a big room where it can fly and move around instead of in it's cage. My parents used to have a room like that for their birds, and even had a special door installed that had a window so the birds could see out into the living room while in their aviary room. However, it should spend most of it's time with the family whenever someone is home. Another member mentioned getting a bigger cage. It is true that for a bird who is frequently locked up that it deserves the largest cage, or even an entire aviary room. But one should not really be getting a bird so large, intelligent and social as a macaw if they cannot provide it the kind of home where it can be out and supervised most of the time. Being caged for a few hours a couple times a week is no big deal so long as the bird has toys and foraging to occupy it. Being locked up all day is never a good thing, and difficult to acclimate a bird to.

I do have a empty bed room that about 15x15 I could put him in but want to put him where ill be most of the time I don't work I stay at home with my kids and take care of my mom for 2 more years for my dad he cant afford a nurse full time so I do it till he retires and for put my life on hold for 2 more years I get the house which aint bad cause its a 2400 sq foot with 5 bed room and 3 1/2 baths but I only have the money I saved from selling my house to help my dad and mom for the next 2 years cause I cant work till he retires my mom had both her legs cut off so I been getting hobbys to keep me busy the fish tank was the first year got it done now the only other pet I always wanted was a b&g macaw

Last but certainly not least, these parrots live as long as you do (65+ years). They can adapt to changes, but not as easily as domesticated animals like dogs and cats, or animals that do not need human interaction like reptiles and fish. You should be fairly confident you will be able and dedicated to provide a home environment conducive to the long term care of this highly intelligent, highly social bird (i.e. the rest of your life). They aren't a "hobby pet", they are a lifetime commitment and very much like bringing home a curious toddler with a large beak, and even larger voice who will never ever ever be out of that "terrible 2 stage" behaviorally speaking. If you plan to go back to work in 2 years, what will you do to keep your macaw occupied all day?? Do you plan to work from home? If not, what is your action plan starting from day one to teach and encourage independent play so the macaw will not be overly distressed and begin plucking its feather, screaming inappropriately and/or biting when you do return to work? Will it be fair to the bird to get it used to people being around all the time and suddenly you're gone from 8am-6pm 5 days a week? Obviously, many people work out ways to overcome these issues and have happy ,well-adjusted birds that are closely bonded with them. But "work" is the key word there, and a lot of hard work at that!

Edit: male or female makes no different. They can both be good or bad temperament, it just depends on the individual. Though, a lot does change when they hit sexual maturity around 7-10 (i think?) for macaws. Hormones can change a sweet bird to a more aggressive one, and special measures are needed to help the bird and the family reestablish a trusting bond. And no bird is inherently a vicious or nasty bird. They are wild animals who exhibit wild behaviors which do include occasional biting and nipping. The birds who are just the most vicious things you've ever met are the ones who stay in their cage all day, alone, no toys, no mental stimulation, no connection with their human "flock" and have potentially been abused for being a frustrated bird (people yell at their birds for being loud, they squirt them with water, they beat on the cages ext...). Our amazon was like that when we got him, vicious. He wasn't born that way, people made him that way, and it took a lot of time, patience, bandaids and love for him to overcome that. The key is to make it so your bird is happy, healthy and thrives in your home and it won't ever become a mean bird.

 

[aether-drifter]

I have 2 of them u can hook them together it just takes up a lot of room look to be easy to do just take the side wall out of both and drill some holes to hold them together so it would be 80x30 I got two cause If it turns out I really loved the one I was going to get another one and the cages were half price if I bought both

Hmmm....it might be possible to do so. I'm not sure. I know people have connected smaller cages that way, I'm just not sure how you could get enough support on a heavy cage like that. If you can find a welder in your area, maybe they could connect the two for you safely and securely. Even if you have to pay for the modifications, you've saved money in the long run. A stainless steel cage at half price is awesome! I can see why you would have wanted to snatch them up.

Oh, and regarding covering the cage: Birds need 8-12 hours of sleep, but they will wake up at dawn if you don't somehow block light from entering the cage. I find covering large cages to be a drag, plus the bird can chew the cage cover from inside and it's dangerous if they ingest fibers. A lot of people will use a smaller "sleep" cage in a different room, which is easier to cover and then the bird can still get enough sleep if the humans stay up late in the living room.

My birds' cages are all in a designated bird room, and I have blackout curtains on the window so not much light gets in the room until I open them in the morning.

 

[RavensGryf]

I also strongly agree with CLOSELY supervising birds when they are outside their cage/stand/perch or if you have a designated room you have bird-proofed (and don't mind getting damaged) as "their area" to do in as they please. An unsupervised bird is going to tear up the house and may injure or kill itself, even if it is well trained. My boy is out all the time and thoroughly enjoys playing on the floor or the couch/bed, but I watch him like a hawk so I can make sure he is safe and behaving himself. If I'm not able or just don't want to keep a super close eye on him, he has a very nice play tree loaded with toys, an open top cage that is open all day long (I do close it up if I have to leave to run errands) and a portable t-perch that are all safe places for him to be that he can destroy all he wants. Get your bird used to the concept of "yours" and "his" and you will have a lot less issues with the bird causing damages or going where it isn't allowed. Best of luck.

YES! I strongly agree with this too. Setting boundaries to where the bird can be, and what the bird can destroy or reach. Many times I hear stories about someone's bird goes ALL OVER their house and gets into things the owner doesn't want it to. Even if people make the house bird safe, still the entire house has damage. Not saying anyone else's way is wrong if you want your birds to have complete run of the house, we're all different... but personally, I like knowing where my birds are .

 

[jpeff]

wasn't going to get fulltime job part time job cause ive got money and I sell coral on ebay and to some pet stories so even though I don't have a job now I still make more then people working Walmart to say the least and there always someone at my house I take care of my mom for my dad and my 2 kids and girl friend of 11 years so there would always be someone here

and another ? we have a green house that we don't use any more and its like 10x 16 my sulcata tortoises lives in during the spring and fall could I my it a bird play house its not in the sun anymore the trees grew a lot so it doesn't get that hot in there it like 5 degrees hot inside then it is outside

 

[RavensGryf]

Congrats on your upcoming addition! It's great that you're coming here to ask questions so you can be as prepared as possible.

I have to disagree that your cage is big enough, though, unfortunately. B&G macaws have a wingspan of 41-45", so even if your cage was completely empty, the bird would not be able to fully stretch out its wings. I think a truly "good size" cage is one where there is enough empty space left for the wings to be fully stretched out and flap, after all the toys and perches are added. 40" x 30" is typically sold as a "macaw cage" but I think in reality they really do better in a "double" macaw cage with the divider removed.

Amazon.com: A and E Double Macaw Bird Cage Black: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Extra Large Double Macaw Bird Cage Charcoal: Pet Supplies

If you're home a lot and the bird is able to be supervised out of the cage much of the day on a routine basis, then that would be maybe fine, but I do agree with the above.

Although I might not have enclosures for my birds as large as aether-drifter uses, I agree with her reasons. They do need room to spread and flap even with toys in there, and large, active, inquisitive species especially need the largest enclosures you can manage. That means a huge sized cage is ideally needed for a large Mac. Actually ideal for a large macaw would be time in an aviary too.
ALSO, keep in mind, some species are more active, which really compounds the issue of needing a bigger space. For example if you were pressed for space, you "could" keep a typically more sedate species like a Pionus or Amazon in a proportionately smaller cage (I didn't say SMALL ) as long as they had enough toys for foraging and adequate stimulation. A Macaw, or Cockatoo for example, I wouldn't even think of the option of a "just big enough" cage.

Think about the double macaw cage without the divider as aether-drifter mentioned, unless your Mac will be out with you a lot. You can sell the other cage, or down the road save for another bird if you have the time . Good luck.

 

[jpeff]

I was planning on let it out atleast 8 hours a day if not more like said someone always here guess u could say the cage is it bed room is what I was plan was

I seen a pic of a huge double tree with toys in a vid somewhere on here where do they sell the big ones like that if u know what im talking about

Im going to try and put the two cages to gether the trays that come with them were broke so I have to find new one part of the reason y I got them so cheap I only paid 900 for both have them both together there new just the boxes were ripped up and trays broke and one of them was missingthe screw bag just to the other screw to ace and bought new ones
www.wayfair.com/AandE-Cage-Co.-Giant-Dome-Top-Bird-Cage-9004030-AEC1007.htm
they look just like this cage but stainless steel no coating on them so if u know where I can get new trays that would help a lot

 

[aether-drifter]

www.wayfair.com/AandE-Cage-Co.-Giant-Dome-Top-Bird-Cage-9004030-AEC1007.htm
they look just like this cage but stainless steel no coating on them so if u know where I can get new trays that would help a lot

If you know the manufacturer, I would call them and ask about purchasing replacement trays. It should have been marked somewhere, either on the boxes or assembly instruction sheets...or, I'm sure the place you bought them from knows the brand. $900 for two SS cages is an INSANE deal. I am extremely jealous. Seems like that would be below wholesale cost, even.

 

[MikeyTN]

I had a couple of reef tanks before and my macaw never mess with them. BUT he sure like watching the tank. He likes to lick the glass and watch the fish swim around. Is it a topless tank??? I had canopy special made for my tank on one and the other one I leave it open top. I was running MH so that would of burn them good if they got too close. Thus the canopy for the one within the same room the birds was in. The open top was in a separate room alone. What LED system are you running??? I have noticed that the LED lighting have come down in price quite a bit. Fixing to go get the LED lighting for my new fresh water tank tomorrow. I run one in my other FW and loved it. But this new lighting is pretty awesome cause it can be programmed to do simulation, even lightning....

 

[jpeff]

the led are maxspect razor 4 of them the 160 watt one I had 2000 watt mh and a chiller running costed me 140 a month on bill when I put led on it dropped 115 month I keep lps and sps corals and sell them and the maxspect are great and im buying the other maxspect forgot there name but they do lighting storms and stuff going to cost me about 4500 for the new setup I got my tank insured


and the boxes the cages came in I didn't get none or instruction

 

[jpeff]

I live in va does anyone know a good breeder for blue and gold macaw I don't want to get one mailed ive found one so far its about an hour away said they should have eggs soon but just in case they don't I want a back up I want one just after its weaned

 

[jpeff]

where I live blue and gold cost anywhere form 1300-1500 and Ive been looking around on the net and found this site thebestbird.com and they have them for 950 and they ship think it was 1193 total
has anyone ever heard of them and are they good or bad thanks for ne input