Getting my first macaw.

[Tyler]

I'd like to get a scarlet macaw as my first but I don't know how young or at what age the bird should be at before I get it or where to get one, being that online web sites can be pretty iffy and I don't care to much for the pet stores near me. Links are very helpful and I love care sheets.

 

[ann]

Macaws are wonderful, I can see why you want one. Is this your first bird? Macaws can be intimidating and need a knowledgeable owner, so bird experience helps, but isn't always necessary. As long as you commit to your macaw with lots of research and training, you'll have a great companion. Its always fun to bring home a baby parrot, but make sure its weaned first. Macaws are harder to raise because they can take longer to wean and require a higher fat diet. A weaned baby is like a blank slate to train and work with. However if your up for a challenge, adoption is a rewarding option. Rescuing a parrot can be difficult and is not for the faint of heart, but can yield the most wonderful and grateful companions. Also scarlet macaws have a tendency to pinch a lot. They are very mischievous and beaky, which isn't a bad thing if dealt with properly. Train your macaw, especially babies, how much pressure is too much, and discourage nipping from the beginning. Good luck and welcome!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum, Tyler.

Ann said it all BEAUTIFULLY!

You can check out www.birdbreeders.com Many breeders who sell their birds via that site have feedback, so you can get a pretty good idea who you are dealing with. I'd stay away from folks with zero feedback, and breeders/brokers trying to sell you an unweaned bird.

 

[Tyler]

Well I've had a pair of Budgies before but those are very small and easy to care for and their bite isn't that bad, although my male budgie has bitten a small chuck off skin off my thumb before. I have never personally had a macaw but a very close friend of mine has one that I'd handle and play with every time I went to his house. His name was Hulio and he loved it when I gave him peanuts but he was a bit nippy sometimes.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Try to go be around more [ maybe at a shelter ] You might be able to see the difference in species. I would listen to owners and by what you experience. I wouldn't bank on what you read on the internet

 

[jery1234]

Have you decided what species of macaw you would like to get ?

 

[Tyler]

Have you decided what species of macaw you would like to get ?

I'd still like to get a scarlet but I don't know what a fair price would be for them. I've had my eye on this one bird from a locale shelter called Beak N' Wings, she is a blue and gold and her name is Layla. She's a very pretty and is priced fairly so if I get the chance I may just get her

 

[Chesphoto]

If you have some free time, consider volunteering at the shelter. You will gain even more experience with macaws and be one of the first ones to know if they get a scarlet in.

 

[Tyler]

If you have some free time, consider volunteering at the shelter. You will gain even more experience with macaws and be one of the first ones to know if they get a scarlet in.

I think I'll try to go in for a visit in the next week or two and possibly speak with them on volunteering and on other aspects of their care and husbandry. What would be a fair price on a scarlet?

 

[Chesphoto]

What would be a fair price on a scarlet?

I think a lot of it depends on where you live. Here in Phoenix, Arizona is have seen babies go for $1000 to $1500. Rehomes on craigs list for about the same, but include a cage. Rescue Shelters for $400 to $800 and also with cage. Skittles came from another shelter that I volunteer at (fallenfeathers.org). They have unique concept, you can only get one of their birds if you volunteer there and they see that the bird is bonding to you. Then they give you the bird and a cage for free. Now that is priceless!

 

[Tyler]

What would be a fair price on a scarlet?

I think a lot of it depends on where you live. Here in Phoenix, Arizona is have seen babies go for $1000 to $1500. Rehomes on craigs list for about the same, but include a cage. Rescue Shelters for $400 to $800 and also with cage. Skittles came from another shelter that I volunteer at (fallenfeathers.org). They have unique concept, you can only get one of their birds if you volunteer there and they see that the bird is bonding to you. Then they give you the bird and a cage for free. Now that is priceless!

That's awesome what the shelter does. I believe my fiance and I are going to start volunteering at a shelter called Beak N' Wings. I'm going in Friday or Saturday to meet some of the staff and their birds when I go to turn my application in.

 

[MikeyTN]

Good luck volunteering! That's a great way to learn about all kinds of birds and the care that they need and such. As macaws can be stubborn so this way you get heads up on how to approach them and such. Good luck!

 

[Kaylea]

Our blue n gold is 7 months old.we got her when she was 7 weeks old.. but she stayed at Yvette parrot shop being weaned till she was ready to come home... We went every weekend and visited and held her n spent time holding her... We did slot of research and learned how to take care of her also the shop showed us everything also...she is our first big bird... After reading and learning about birds... And having one my self... I'd have to say blue n gold's have great temperament... Also I think it depends on how much time you spend loving them..and training them... Patience is verrrrrrrrry important!!! My baby bit me so hard she made me cry once... She didn't break skin... But it hurt bad... Had I been watching her body language it might not of happen...you have to learn your birds body language Just remember be patient, give your bird time to adapt to you... And spend lots of time loving them!! ... In the end the love and friend you get back is Well worth every bit of time and money u put into loving them...cause they give back more love and devotion then u could ever imagine!...

 

[Kaylea]

Smart phones are Stupid Lol changing my words when I type

 

[jugoya]

I personally like the Smaller Macaws..

Hans Macaws make excellent pets and are a better 'first time bird' than a larger one in my opinion... but then again I'm biased as I used to own one...

But Charlie loved my sister more than he did me.. hence why I don't anymore xP.

Sometimes the bird decides and we can't change their minds.

 

[Tyler]

I think I'm going to be able to help Beak N' Wings at the Ren fest this weekend so I've got high hopes for that, but I'll be set back getting a macaw for a bit because a co-worker has a cockatiel that they don't want anymore and don't know how to care for. They said it's really fat and not hand tamed, so I'll try and work with it a bit until I can find someone that has some experience with them around here to take him/her along with it's cage and other things.