Macaw Questions

[MagicSmokeBirdKeeper]

I'm thinking of buying a Scarlet Macaw in the next few months, but I have a few questions (by the way, I plan on getting it as young as I can get it)

1. Are they loyal? Like, should I be worried about it flying away if I take it out in public with me e.g. shopping or something, or would I have to get it's wings clipped if I wanted to do that?

2. Are they as friendly as people say? Do they cuddle, are they playful, etc.

3. What are their sleeping habits?

4. I own a LOT of aquariums filled with fish of all shapes and sizes, and some tanks dont have lids. Should I be worried about the macaw trying to get into the tanks?

5. Macaws being big birds, I'm not going to keep it in a cage, but how will it...."use the restroom"? Not super fond of it "going" all over the floor. I thought I read they can be toilet trained, but I'm not sure what that means, or how you do it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[noodles123]

Welcome and please believe me when I say the following (not knocking parrots- but ...THEY TAKE WORK..A LOT...A LOT..)


1. BIRDS POOP EVERYWHERE. They are VERY smart, but they are also A TON of work...think of having a chimp...cool and very amazing (yes--- as is a chimp, or a toddler)


2. A large bird can easily send someone to the ER-- break bones etc-- so no, they are not "friendly" in the same predictable way that a dog or even a cat would be...Not kidding on this one...they can seriously take off a finger if they are motivated (not saying they always do, but with nearly 1000lbs bite force, it's easy if they choose to do so, and they have). I am not saying they are "mean" but they are literally wild animals with beaks that make a walnut seem laughable...a dog/cat is domesticated.. (parrots are not). A large parrot can also live over 100 years, and they are very sensitive to changes (including changes in your home, like a child or potential spouse, or a new couch...have you considered this? )

I would say research A lot more. They are much more difficult than a dog or cat, plus, they come with extreme respiratory dangers unfamiliar to mammals (e.g., teflon, ptfe.pfoa, pfcs and most other things with a scent...Kiss your old cleaning routine goodbye, no more candles or are fresheners, no more non-stick anything..no more scented anything..no more cleaning with anything other than anything natural .period (yes, even essential oils can kill them) . You can't just take them with you everywhere unless you know exactly what chemicals are being used-- this is no joke! I know I probably sound crazy, but Teflon/PTFE/PFOA/PFCs (which are used in a HUGE variety of products) are deadly in as few as 5 minutes, but previous exposure doesn't mean survival the 2nd or 3rd time around--it's a big deal. ..perfumes, cleaners etc- also very dangerous.

12 hours of sleep each night (for real), like a toddler..sleep is SO essential to their hormones and immune health. They also need at least 3 hours out of their cage each day, so imagine...

MAJOR NOTICE: A BABY WILL ALWAYS BE 10X NICER THAN ANY ADULT AND YOU HAVE 4 REALLY "SWEET" YEARS IF YOU GET A BABY MACAW (because then they mature sexually and all of the bad habits you start will continue, and they won't get why you aren't as willing to be with them 24/7)--- think of this as a marriage, not a pet. I am not saying they are bad, but you cannot judge an adult bird's personality based on that of a baby,



Also, "loyal" and freaking out are NOT the same. You cannot clip a bird and then expect it to stick around. If you don't want a destructive 4 year old that never dies, don't get a parrot...They are not people, but they are as smart and they do not know the same things we do...Imagine the terrible twos on crack for 80s years...minus the first 4 when your baby is pre-puberty (not saying they are bad, but your questions concern me a lot)..A clipped bird can still fly, and you cannot trust them to be "loyal" because, while they are, they are scared easily and you cannot stop that from happening in an uncontrolled environment. You also will have a VERY hard time judging how tightly they are bonded to you initially.....for real.....I'm nervous about these questions....


I am so glad you are hear and I am sorry if I come off as crazy, but I LOVVVVVE these animals, and their re-homing rates are high because, as humans, our environments really suck for them. Only get one if you have a ton of endless time and patience (and money...)....


I love that you love them enough to ask, but take this to heart, please.



Just....in general....if you couldn't handle a REAL CRAZY PERPETUAL toddler, don't get a parrot (especially a large one).. A parrot with clipped wings can still fly... parrots dislike it when you clip their wings mostly and baby parrots are very friendly compared to their adult versions


please spend DAYS AND DAYS RESEARCHING....as though you were adopting a human child...no joke!

 

[chris-md]

Well stated above.

Let me let you in on a secret that we parrot owners know: we aren’t in it for the “cuddliness” or “friendliness”. That’s the wrong way of looking at it. You shouldn’t cuddle parrots, and their “friendliness” often comes with boundaries.

They are wild animals, they are what you train them to be. It’s not like a dog where it’s 98% joy and 2% frustration in the worst of times. Parrots are hard work, and often come more like 60% joy and 40% frustration in the BEST of times.

The right question is “do they fit your lifestyle” and are you prepared to put in the work? They aren’t set it and forget it animals.

So why DO we own our parrots? Because through the constant training and interactions, the bond that forms is simply amazing. They aren’t cuddle bugs, you work constantly for your relationship with the will and drive to fight through the 40% frustration which more often comes in the form of 100% frustration and no joy at all, in fits and spurts especially during the years long puberty and annual hormones thereafter. It’s not for everyone.

So why are we answering your question in this way, rather than more directly to your question? Because the questions you asked were so rudimentary that they actually don’t in any way inform your quest to scarlet macaw ownership. Who cares if they’re cuddly...if they’re only cuddly 10% of the time while trying to rip your fingers off the other 90% during puberty, which you currently aren’t likely to understand how to help a bird through.

Research more about what it’s like to live with a larger bird. And see how that meshes with your current lifestyle. THEN start asking questions. You’ll be far better prepared approaching it from that perspective. Scarletts aren’t easy, and can actually become bullies in the wrong hands. You have to be prepared, and bring armed with a generic “yes they are cuddly” ain’t gonna get you there.

 

[bug_n_flock]

And something else about macaws... they are EXPENSIVE. Expensive to buy, expensive to house, expensive to feed, expensive to entertain. Are you prepared to spend thousands in upkeep on a bird who will pay you back by pooping on your... everything(and not little polite parakeet poops, BIG squishty gross poops), by screaming at 150 decibels whenever the urge strikes it(even right next to your face and you cannot react or it will encourage the bird to do it again), literally chewing thru your walls(ask me how I know this), and destroying your delicate things? Yes, the bird will likely try to get at your fish, they are shiny and move around and pretty colors. Plus water is SO FUN, and I bet the bird would get a hoot out of you running around frantically trying to stop it from chomping on your expensive aquarium pumps. Saltwater aquarium? Great, now the bird may have salt poisoning(they are VERY sensitive to salt). Which brings up another expense.. vet bills. Bird vets are hard to come by, certified avian vets even harder. And not all of them are happy to see a mac, especially a not "100% perfect one"(most are not 100% perfect angels). Vet bills for birds are pricy, and when something goes wrong they are even more pricey. These are ongoing expenses for the entire 70+ years the bird will live for.



Macaw toys are EXPENSIVE and hard to find one that will last more than 5 minutes with an exhuberant young big mac. Heck, our 30+ year old mac destroys toys like kids pop bubble wrap. And most pet shops simply don't have ANY toys appropriate for a destructive mac. You have to get creative if you don't want to go broke, and without access to CLEAN bird safe materials you would be forced to buy all those expensive pet shop toys. Do you live in an apartment? No good for a mac. Do you rent your home? No good for a mac who can and may literally chew holes thru your walls. Single family home in a neighborhood? Better hope you don't have neighbors who enjoy the quiet. I was not kidding about that 150 decibel thing. Macs are LOUD when they want to be. Ever plan to move? Better be okay with ALWAYS putting the bird's needs above your own. You need to be dedicated to the bird, MARRIED to the idea as noodles puts it, for the next SEVENTY PLUS years. No getting tired of it and shoving it in a back bedroom in a tiny cage never to be interacted with. People do SERIOUS harm to them like that.



Hey, if we misread the situation based on your questions, great. I wish you well. But hey, maybe slow down a little, do some solid research, and decide if a bird is right for you.



Why are you so interested in a scarlet mac? There are many great bird choices that are a little better for someone new to birds. Macs know when you are intimidated by them, and trust me they try to encoutrage you being intimidated. They lunge with those big scary beaks. A lot. And if you flinch hey what a funny trick he just taught the human! Scold him? Not a good idea at all. Let him bite? That is it's own reward. The only bite that cannot be encouraged is the one that never happens. Think your knowledge of bird body language is good enough to never be bit and never need to flinch to avoid a bite? I've never been bitten by Freedom, but I have seen scars left on other owners of big macs. They look like scars from gunshots, no joke. That beak can do SERIOUS damage if it wants.
,

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums! Three members have given you the gift of realism. Fret not, it comes from a deep love of our feathered companions and desire to educate before innocent mistakes are made.

Any large parrot is challenging for a newcomer. Do you have prior experience with birds? The good news is it is possible to acquire a scarlet given an abundance of research, soul searching, preparation, dedication, and realism.

Acquiring a young bird means passing through the juvenile and adolescent phase, fraught with initial clumsiness and eventual hormonal "teen age" years. Most critically, you'll want a fully weaned and socialized bird. This is what to avoid: http://www.parrotforums.com/breeding-raising-parrots/74363-so-you-bought-unweaned-baby.html

1- Discussing wing clipping is equivalent of religion/politics! Well, maybe a bit exaggerated but sure to elicit emotions. Even clipped parrots can manage flight and be carried away by winds. Even the most bonded of parrots can become lost. A heartbreaking example: http://www.parrotforums.com/lost-found/60914-i-lost-maggie-tonight.html

2- If you want cuddly, a cockatoo may be best bet. Some individuals will cuddle on demand and remain independent, for others it is akin to foreplay and opens the door to mayhem. Most parrots are capable of wild mood swings in seconds. As suggested above, the overall bond is complex and most rewarding.

3- Parrots require 8 to 10 hours of sleep without stimulation. Cage covers can induce darkness, providing a quiet environment can be challenging.

4- Fish and expensive hardware beware! Macaw beaks are deft and strong! All about those beaks: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

5- Unless you have a totally bird-proofed room and tolerate a bit of mischief, parrots should be out of cage only while supervised. It is possible to encourage standing on playpen or similar surface to protect the floor.

 

[wrench13]

1. Are they loyal? Like, should I be worried about it flying away if I take it out in public with me e.g. shopping or something, or would I have to get it's wings clipped if I wanted to do that?

Loyal like a dog? NO. In fact, the bird may not even like you, but another family member instead. THat happens quite a bit - a person buys the bird, feeds it, waters it, etc, yet the bird loves someone else n the family (often someone who is not particularly crazy about the parrot. Training a parrot to be in public, without flying away takes months of intense training and even then it is no guarantee ( I speak from actual experience). Best to train him to wear a harness in public, and that take a lot of training too.

2. Are they as friendly as people say? Do they cuddle, are they playful, etc.

Parrots can be very friendly and playfull if you are the one they are bonded to ( the favorite person). They may or may not be that way with all family members. My own 6-1/2 yr old Amazon was hand fed y all the family, yet when he reached puberty, he decided my youngest son was the devil, and will actively try to bite him, hell it happened again last nite at dinner. Parrots are all about training, socialization and desensitizing, and pretty much those must happen often to maintain their tameness.

3. What are their sleeping habits?

They need 10-12 hrs of quiet, uninterrupted sleep, or they get cranky and all sorts of behavior can emerge, from screaming, biting to plucking to self mutilating..

4. I own a LOT of aquariums filled with fish of all shapes and sizes, and some tanks dont have lids. Should I be worried about the macaw trying to get into the tanks?

An unsupervised parrot can get into anything, really anything that takes their fancy - moldings, woodwork, wires, cables , keyboards, furniture, and quickly reduce it to garbage. The amount of damage is often proportional to the size of the bird/beak. Budgies, cockatiels, parrotlets - takes them awhile to destroy stuff, Cockatoos and macaws, well they are like putting stuff in a food processor. Thats why a parrot out of his cage needs supervision.

5. Macaws being big birds, I'm not going to keep it in a cage, but how will it...."use the restroom"? Not super fond of it "going" all over the floor. I thought I read they can be toilet trained, but I'm not sure what that means, or how you do it.

Not going to have a cage for your macaw? I hope you have very deep pockets, friend, see the comment above. As far as poops go, aside from the points made by fellow forum members about frequency and quantity, yes, you CAN train a parrot to potty trained, BUT, that training must be done very carefully and with great consideration. If you potty train your macaw to say only poop in the toilet, What will you do if you take him out and he needs to poop? Or if you train him to poop in his cage? Parrots that are really well trained to poop in a specific spot can suffer organ damage from holding it in until the correct pooping place is available. Better is to learn your parrots body language really well, and when you see him take the "stance" to poop, bring him over to a more appropriate place for him to go. PS- parrots generally poop 3 or 4 times an hour, especially if food is readily available all day.

Like all the members have stated, please do more research on owning parrots and macaws in particular, and please stay away from sites that have the word "Pets" in it, those are generic sites that always paint a rosey, unrealistic picture of their disposition, habits and personalities.

 

[chris-md]

Unless you have a totally bird-proofed room and tolerate a bit of mischief, parrots should be out of cage only while supervised.

I cannot star/bold/asterisk this enough!

I've sort of had an epiphany on this recently, and its that much of the mischief that comes from an uncaged bird comes from lack of supervision and STRUCTURE. People sometimes compete over who keeps their bird out of cage the longest - this was important to me when I first got parker - but an unsupervised bird is the bird who chews something they aren't supposed to. People just expect their bird to sit quietly, and when it doesn't they freak out asking "How do I keep my bird from doing .... [insert undesired behavior here; screaming, chewing, flying around uncontrolled]"

They are indeed like toddlers or even dogs in potty training in this respect - they can't be left alone, they need structured and supervised at all times. If a bird is calm and quiet while sitting on a stand, great! Leave them be and do whatever you need to do. But when they are active and running around being the unruly wild animals that they are, THATS when you only pull them out: when you can structure the time out of cage which PREVENTS undesired behaviors.

Its what trainers truly mean when they say "its not about the quantity of time out, its the quality".

What does structured mean? Anything you want it to, so long as you are watching 100% of the time.

 

[noodles123]

Scott, definitely going to have to disagree with what you said about cockatoos. They may like cuddles, but it's sexual so it shouldn't be indulged...Plus, cockatoos are also extremely well known for their erratic behavior and 3 point bites...As you know, cockatoos can be even more difficult to care for than macaws....So if a macaw sounds challenging, definitely understand that a cockatoo would not be any easier..In fact, the whole cuddle thing is one of the reasons why they get re-homed so often...


If cuddling is super important, get an animal other than a parrot. We can touch cats/dogs in many places without it being misinterpreted...that is not the case with parrots.


Parrots should not be cuddled/stroked-- it is sexual..

Regardless of what a parrot allows, petting should be on the head and neck only. With cockatoos especially, this is SUPER important because they will always be trying to get you to take it further (and it seems harmless from a human perspective, and there is nothing more tempting)...Sure, they may let you wrap them up and swaddle them and stroke them, but this is a massive trigger and it's like making out with your bird... It's like leading them on sexually and it quickly leads to unsafe behavior, such as self-mutilation, egg binding/chronic egg laying, screaming, serious aggression etc.


I know there are videos of people on TikTok /Youtube etc of people cuddling parrots. Again, the issue is that 1) baby parrots do not have the same behaviors as adults (most of those videos contain clips of birds who look adult, but are not actually adult). Some species of cockatoos can take up to 6-8 years to mature sexually, and most macaws take around 4. All birds change at puberty a lot and when you take a bird who has learned all of these inappropriate behaviors and now expects them to continue as an adult, you can end up with a very dangerous situation. Lots of people make mistakes from day 1 to age 4-8, because their baby lets them (and it FEELS nice and innocent from a human perspective)...Then, suddenly, they have a hormonal, jealous, screaming/plucking mess because seemingly innocent behaviors that they have trained the bird to expect for years begin to mean something very different. When you look at re-homing stats, MANY parrots get surrendered at puberty/adulthood when they are no longer their sweet baby selves. Their hormones change, their preferences toward people can change, their behavior changes. Think about a baby human, vs a 13-16 year old...Until a parrot matures sexually, it's a lot a human infant (lets more people touch it, cries sometimes but rarely engages in the intense and defiant behavior that a teen does)...It would be unnatural for a human to stay in that baby state forever, and the same is true of parrots. It's just important to know that you should not be starting unsustainable habits with them when they are young, or they will not understand when you suddenly change your behavior and this alone can cause anxiety and behavioral issues...not to mention the raging hormones themselves. It hits people very hard when, suddenly, their one-time angel of 4-8 years suddenly starts attacking family members, pulling out feathers and screaming...which is why you should not cuddle parrots...

 

[MagicSmokeBirdKeeper]

Wow...all of this happened while I was asleep lol.

Thank you all for your information, very helpful.

A few things I should address:

I'm not yet working a 9-5 job for another maybe 3-4 years, as I am a pilot and need to get hours as a flight instructor before I get a regular job.

I'm not new to exotic pets (at least, ones that are fish). I keep piranhas, arowana, a lot of hard-to-keep fish.

Thinking about it more due to you're guy's information, when I do finally get a 9-5 job, I'll keep it in the cage while I'm gone, and every time I'm home let it out of the cage to do whatever, and give it attention.

Yes, I'm willing to put in the time, effort, and money into these. Like I said, I have a lot of hard-to-keep fish that require a lot of work to maintain their water chemistry, and other factors.

I wasn't really expecting a lot of cuddles, it's not a huge issue for me. You cant really cuddle fish (no pun intended lol) and my cat likes to be around people, but hates to be picked up, or sat next to.

Thanks for the info, let me know if what I said was "concerning" or if any of it works!

 

[noodles123]

LOL- I love your "while I slept" comment--- it's like Santa's parrot elves came to visit the forum haha!


I think you are wise to wait until you have a very set schedule and hopefully one without a lot of travel. Logistically, remember, you have to get them those 12 hours of sleep, + at least 3 hours out and it should be on a schedule, so you have to do the math as far as how that would work with your job etc. If the bird has its own sleeping room, that can help a lot, but it is still likely that your bird will wake up when it hears you up in the morning, so you really just want to plan.


Some chemicals in fish tanks may be harmful to parrots, so you will need to research that some more.



Cats can kill birds due to what they carry in their saliva, feces and under their claws. When birds are even playfully scratched by one, the infection can be deadly and very fast, even if it is not very bad/superficial.



Research like crazy and avoid general "pet" websites. If a site has pet or pets before the .com, it is likely far too general and written by someone who does not have parrots. Also, remember that anyone selling parrots is probably not the best go-to for information...Not saying they can't be, but keep that in mind...

Having a large parrot is (NO JOKE) like having a fairly neurotic 3-4 year old child with special needs as far as respiratory sensitivity and social skills, who also has a chainsaw and a megaphone and is designed to fly upwards of 40 miles a day--- but we put them in cages, so then there is all of this energy etc...but unlike a human toddler, they never grow up and they need all of that attention and care forever.... 80-100+ years in some cases. If you have the time and patience to work with them and accommodate them forever, they will bring you joy, but you will also spend hours pulling at your hair and doing weird stuff to try and figure out your bird-- also, understand that very few people will understand you when you try to tell them the intricacies of caring for a parrot...A boss gets it if you call in for a sick child, or if a kid has a bedtime...say that about a parrot, and wait for the eye-rolls.

If you get to a point where you really think you are ready, I would strongly suggest that you spend some time at a rescue around adult birds. There are so many adult birds in need of re-homing and adopting an adult who likes you can actually be less risky (in some cases) than getting a baby because with babies, it is harder to know how their personalities will change and you can also make a lot of mistakes with them. Now, adults still can take a year or so before you REALLY know them well, but what you see is a lot closer to what you get. They are 500% just as much work, but it's a bit easier to know where you stand because there slightly fewer surprises-- don't get me wrong-- you still have to have the devotion of a mother and a brain like Sherlock, with the commitment of a marriage (no divorces allowed, as they do not understand)...BUT, it can be easier to assess where they stand if the are not babies.



When I say they move slowly....I mean SNAIL slow...I know cats don't always like being touched, but a cat is far less capable of damaging your property and body lol. I know they can scratch etc, but a scared or angry parrot can do a lot and they cannot be out of their cages without supervision (unlike a cat). It can be a real challenge to bond with them without pushing your human agenda/expectations because it feels TOO SLOW from a human perspective...and they need to be out of their cages, but you can't force them to do anything without harming trust, so for many months, you can end up feeling like a prisoner in your own home. If I am being honest, if you get a parrot, think of it as them owning you and not the other way around. They can be heaven or hell in the right environment (actually, they are always both). So don't think of it as a pet, but as a child wit extreme needs and you will start to see what it is like to care for these amazing but challenging creatures in very unnatural circumstances.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Honestly, I'm even more concerned now. Cats and birds do not mix. You plan to have a cat and mac loose together? Baaad call. will result in one or both seriously injured or dead. trust me. speaking from experience here. And fish are NOTHING like parrots. NOTHING. Water chemistry, etc simply does not compare. Maybe it would compare to the physical needs of the bird, but it seems to me you are not prepared to meet the psychological needs of a macaw.


They are LITERALLY like a perpetual toddler with a powertool attached to their face. Not. Kidding. Absolutely NOTHING like caring for fish, even hard to keep species. I think you do not fully understand what sort of mental powers we are talking about here. They literally have a concept of zero. Human societies went tens of thousands of years without that. They are conversational with people. As in, talking is NOT a parlor trick where they repeat. Even birds who do not speak human words understand them. And far more than a dog or a cat does with "wanna go out?" "Dinner", etc. Ohhh no. They UNDERSTAND on a level of a young human child. Like a 5 year old human. Old enough to be in school. Many of the "training" things we do with birds are more similar to a preschool class than they are to training a dog!!! These birds can count, not like Mr. Ed, but ACTUALLY count. Tell shapes, colors, etc etc etc apart.



I really don't think you are prepared for this. Maybe in time you will be, but not now. Not at all. PLEASE do not take my comment too harshly. Our mac is a rescue from a home where no doubt the owner started out very much like you are thinking to. When it didn't work out, she was padlocked in a dog crate in a back bedroom for decades. She was rehomed several times after coming out of that home, and she has SERIOUS psychological damage, and organ damage! Because all of these comments, they haven't even TOUCHED on diet requirements. And whoooooo BOY, are dietary requirements complicated at times.



Again, no disrespect intended. I just don't want another mac harmed in the way our Freedom was.

 

[noodles123]

Honestly, I'm even more concerned now. Cats and birds do not mix. You plan to have a cat and mac loose together? Baaad call. will result in one or both seriously injured or dead. trust me. speaking from experience here. And fish are NOTHING like parrots. NOTHING. Water chemistry, etc simply does not compare. Maybe it would compare to the physical needs of the bird, but it seems to me you are not prepared to meet the psychological needs of a macaw.


They are LITERALLY like a perpetual toddler with a powertool attached to their face. Not. Kidding. Absolutely NOTHING like caring for fish, even hard to keep species. I think you do not fully understand what sort of mental powers we are talking about here. They literally have a concept of zero. Human societies went tens of thousands of years without that. They are conversational with people. As in, talking is NOT a parlor trick where they repeat. Even birds who do not speak human words understand them. And far more than a dog or a cat does with "wanna go out?" "Dinner", etc. Ohhh no. They UNDERSTAND on a level of a young human child. Like a 5 year old human. Old enough to be in school. Many of the "training" things we do with birds are more similar to a preschool class than they are to training a dog!!! These birds can count, not like Mr. Ed, but ACTUALLY count. Tell shapes, colors, etc etc etc apart.



I really don't think you are prepared for this. Maybe in time you will be, but not now. Not at all. PLEASE do not take my comment too harshly. Our mac is a rescue from a home where no doubt the owner started out very much like you are thinking to. When it didn't work out, she was padlocked in a dog crate in a back bedroom for decades. She was rehomed several times after coming out of that home, and she has SERIOUS psychological damage, and organ damage! Because all of these comments, they haven't even TOUCHED on diet requirements. And whoooooo BOY, are dietary requirements complicated at times.



Again, no disrespect intended. I just don't want another mac harmed in the way our Freedom was.

The trouble with large parrots is that they do tend to run around the house and they need so much time out of their cages (small parrots need a ton of time too, but just due to cage size restrictions, a large bird cannot fly in its cage the way a smaller bird would-- even if you get a massive, $5000 dollar cage). Macaws have killed cats and vice-versa. The bird, in my opinion, is going to face greater risk (as a playful bite from a macaw will not kill a cat, but the same cannot be said the other way around). There are parrot owners who have cats, but the risk is very real and you cannot trust them together....even if a cat seems not to care. You will hear stories of people who say, "I have had XY AND Z for years without issue" (the problem is, the same has been said by those who lost pets as a result of the pairing--it's all good, until it isn't). I am not telling you what to do, but I really want you to consider that the amount of energy it takes to supervise a parrot is huge-- especially when a cat is involved. If you step away for a few minutes, you are risking a lot. Again, I am not saying that it is impossible...but it's risky. A macaw needs a lot of space to fly etc because they are so large, but they also tend to walk around a lot and almost deliberately harass cats (whose instincts are programmed). The problem is, while they may SEEM comparable in size, a cat bit or scratch can still kill them due to microbiological reasons and not the injury itself. Cats can be super fast and quiet and can easily shove an arm into a parrot cage. That having been said, as I said before, there have been macaws who have killed cats...A cat doesn't have to mean harm to harm a parrot, and a parrot may harm a cat if it feels threatened. Unfortunately, it is usually the bird who is harmed because they do tend to bond with creatures and even the most innocent cat can introduce harmful pathogens into a bird's system through play alone.


https://abcbirds.org/article/kittycam-reveals-high-levels-of-wildlife-being-killed-by-outdoor-cats/

 

[Birdman666]

1. Macaws are pair bond birds. Loyal, doesn't even begin to describe it. Want to be with you 24/7... Overbonded birds can and often do, become a problem. They are also jealous birds... Learn how to train and socialize one before getting one.

2. Scarlett's are BEAKY birds. They one one of the beakier macaws. Greenwings tend to be the better choice between the big red ones... for that reason. "Beaky" means they are exceptionally coordinated with their beaks, and use them to communicate... sometimes forcefully. They tend to be a bit more "pinchy" than some of the other species.

3. Cuddly comes with bonding. If the bird doesn't get handled, it won't be cuddly.

4. Potty training. Yes you can potty train them. No, there will be accidents. Cleaning up after them goes with the territory. Don't want that, don't get one. Pretty simple, really.

CATS AND BIRDS DO NOT MIX. A MACAW WILL GO AFTER THE CAT... A SCRATCH OR A BITE FROM A CAT COULD KILL THE BIRD - DON'T!! JUST DON'T!!!

 

[Scott]

Scott, definitely going to have to disagree with what you said about cockatoos. They may like cuddles, but it's sexual so it shouldn't be indulged...Plus, cockatoos are also extremely well known for their erratic behavior and 3 point bites...As you know, cockatoos can be even more difficult to care for than macaws....So if a macaw sounds challenging, definitely understand that a cockatoo would not be any easier..In fact, the whole cuddle thing is one of the reasons why they get re-homed so often...

You are welcome to disagree, I speak from 33 years of cuddling six different cockatoos without untoward responses or behaviors. Three other cockatoos are/were handled in traditional manner to preclude unwanted and unhealthy responses.

I carefully worded and conditioned my initial comment, illustrating potential pitfalls of cuddling cockatoos - or any bird.

2- If you want cuddly, a cockatoo may be best bet. Some individuals will cuddle on demand and remain independent, for others it is akin to foreplay and opens the door to mayhem. Most parrots are capable of wild mood swings in seconds. As suggested above, the overall bond is complex and most rewarding.

ParrotForums prime mission is to educate, not censor, unless the topic is widely held as abhorrent. Cuddling a parrot is highly conditional, deserving of disclosure and discussion. Rationales for re-homing any parrot are complex, many cockatoos are relinquished for behaviors unrelated to cuddling as "original sin."

 

[noodles123]

An Umbrella or M2 is not the same as a Galah (although they definitely share tenancies in some respects) etc. Although galahs still rank high on the re-homing charts, they don't hold a candle to U2S and m2S...I am not trying to censor, but if someone is unfamiliar with large parrots and unsure about a macaw, suggesting the most re-homed species based on a tendency that is often the root of their problems can be problematic. I understand that there is beauty in all of these species, but I want to make sure that no one goes into this thinking that it is okay to cuddle any cockatoo-- flat out, it isn't. I LOVE cockatoos, but from my rescue work with M2s and U2s, that is generally their undoing.
The relationship has to be based on far more than cuddles and when you pet them like that (especially u2s and m2s), you send the wrong message. I am not saying that a single cuddle will "ruin" a bird, but they see their favorite people as mates, and in the wild, they are very needy compared to other parrots (which translates to problems in captivity--especially when they are stimulated)...Their social needs are extreme compared to other species because, unlike some, they bond with their mate while living with the flock (so one person has a very hard time filling the shoes of 20-100 other parrots, including a mate..when they cannot...cough..mate...)


Cockatoos are basically my life, and I love them dearly. I know you do too. I just want it to be clear that getting a cockatoo because you want a bird who wants to cuddle is the wrong mindset... BECAUSE cockatoos want to cuddle, it is all that much more important that potential owners understand the implications from the bird's perspective.


No offense intended...I don't want to hijack the thread either, but you know I can't keep my mouth shut when it comes to cockatoos because I really do care (and I know you do to).


I respect you Scott and I value your opinions as well-I just think that "cockatoo" is general when it comes to people without cockatoo experience---I know that we both speak out of love for them and that sometimes, I too use the term "cockatoo" more freely than I should.

 

[bug_n_flock]

I agree with Mark completely. I used to be one of those "sometimes it's okay with supervision" types. That was before my cat broke into a solidly shut cage and ate the precious bird within. And Pistol was eaten by caged pet rats when I stepped out of the room for just a moment and she had been distracted when I left. Forget "risking a lot", you are asking for tragedy to leave birds and predators in the same room when you are not there, even if one or the other is caged. Nope. Not worth the risk. Our cat is no longer allowed in the same room as birds. Period. Ever. End of statement. Birds and predators do not mix. Same house, different rooms can be managed, if done VERY CAREFULLY. Just not worth the risk.





FYI Scott doesn't have Galahs, but hey he can talk for himself.



We all have the same goal here: to make sure a human walks away educated and considers the future more before potentially making a huge mistake and harming a parrot. All of our comments are from a place of love for parrots and concern for their wellbeing.

 

[Scott]

I agree with Mark completely. I used to be one of those "sometimes it's okay with supervision" types. That was before my cat broke into a solidly shut cage and ate the precious bird within. And Pistol was eaten by caged pet rats when I stepped out of the room for just a moment and she had been distracted when I left. Forget "risking a lot", you are asking for tragedy to leave birds and predators in the same room when you are not there, even if one or the other is caged. Nope. Not worth the risk. Our cat is no longer allowed in the same room as birds. Period. Ever. End of statement. Birds and predators do not mix. Same house, different rooms can be managed, if done VERY CAREFULLY. Just not worth the risk.





FYI Scott doesn't have Galahs, but hey he can talk for himself.



We all have the same goal here: to make sure a human walks away educated and considers the future more before potentially making a huge mistake and harming a parrot. All of our comments are from a place of love for parrots and concern for their wellbeing.

I dearly love cats, but after joining this forum and reading horrific tragedies, will not have them in my home. My cat "fix" is volunteering at a nearby humane society cat shelter.

 

[Birdman666]

The opposite is also true.

Back in the day, there was a neighborhood alley cat that entered a bird house through the doggie door. We know for a fact that the cat was batting at the B&G Macaw through the cage... BECAUSE WE FOUND THE SEVERED PAW INSIDE THE CAGE.

Bird then put the point of it's beak though the cat's throat and pulled slicing the cat's throat...

Very messy thing to come home to.

 

[MagicSmokeBirdKeeper]

Hi again, thanks for the comment.

As for my schedule, I'm able to give them 10-12 hours of sleep everynight, and able to give them at least 3 (maybe even more) hours outside of a cage, as I'm home a lot right now (COVID).

My cat is declawed and sits on top of the roof most of the day anyways, so I dont think she would disturb the bird. I would be aware if she walked in the room with the bird, however.

As for the fish chemicals, I meant things such as pH, ammonia, kH and gH hardness, just stuff you'd find in regular tap water. Nothing that would harm a bird. Fish are sensitive to water levels, and I can say confidently, non of the chemicals in the water would harm the bird.

My parent's house is 5000 sq ft, and has a LOT of ledges and open space, so I could be wrong, but that might be ideal for the bird. I've looked up a few ways to "potty train" macaws, so I'll try those methods. If there are any methods you guys use, let me know!

I like a bit of a challenge with animals. I like to challenge myself, not the animal. If at any point the animal becomes too much for me to handle, I make sure I know someone(s) that CAN take care of it.

I personally think that I can take care of a scarlet macaw, per it's needs. I have a lot of time on my hands, and even with a job in 4 years, I should have enough time to maintain that.

It would likely be out of the cage so long I was at home, unless for just a few minutes if I forgot something when I left.

I'm very tolerant for animals and have, can, and will make sacrifices for any animal I have my heart set on.

Please, if you have any more advice, tips, etc, let me know. I would love to hear as much as I can! I need to save up for one anyways, which will take a few months. In the mean time, I will consume as much info as I can

 

[MagicSmokeBirdKeeper]

@bug n flock I'm aware of the dietary issues. My silver arowanas require a HUGE variety of foods, different for each day of the week. Bloodworms, blackworms, beefheart, pellets, live fish, heck, I sometimes feed entire mice to them haha. Diet is not something I'm worried about.

As for the cat, like I said in my previous message, there wouldn't be a big issue, I dont think. Lemme explain, as I can see you guys are concerned about it:

My cat is almost 24/7 on the roof, and only comes inside at night, at which point the bird would be sleeping in it's cage. I live in a 5000 sq ft house, so there is a lot of room for them to be separated for sure. My cat is a female, and is very gentle and scared. If the bird went after her, she wouldn't try to defend herself. She would run, and hide. The cat, if the mac didnt attack her, would keep her distance and just look. My cat is afraid of my didgeridoo, so that should tell you how afraid she is of things. She is also declawed.

Hope that clears things up. I mean, I have a ton of fish...and a cat. Wouldn't you think those two don't mix? Well, imo I think I keep things relativly under control