Should I buy or Adopt a Macaw?

[Teddscau]

Honestly, I think the best you can do for yourself and your future bird is wait until you're more emotionally mature. I'm not calling you a "kid" or saying you aren't a capable individual, but you're at a time in your life where you're experiencing a lot of change physically, psychologically, socially, academically, financially, etc. It's a huge change that everyone, regardless of species, goes through. Right now, your brain is going through big changes. Wait until you've finished high school and all that before getting a macaw. Your brain's going to be an annoying, impulsive dork for a few more years. Again, I'm not calling you an impulsive dork, I'm calling your brain that. For example, people who have a phobia of MUSTARD (this is a real phobia) know mustard is a harmless condiment, but their brains freak out and tell them that they're going to die or something.

When you're older, I'm sure you'll be able to take great care of a large parrot. For now, your brain needs to grow some more and learn to function as a "mature" brain. In the meantime, keep learning about parrots. Maybe you could see about volunteering at Phoenix Landing to get some hands on experience and learn important parrot raising skills. Mastering the art of patience is necessary if you're going to look after a large parrot.

I really want to set you up for success, so please carefully consider everything I've said. I'm 21, and I'm still not responsible enough to get to bed at a decent time, feed myself, and be left for more than one night without my parents . My friends are all at college and university, working, looking for jobs, etc., while I'm at home taking courses online and having my parents baby me.

Oh, but know what? How about you check out the Animal Behavior Institute? After high school, you could take courses online from ABI, learning about animal training, psychology, nutrition, enrichment, husbandry, etc. I've taken Avian Training already, and I'm currently working on Animal Minds and Emotions. Also, you should check out the documentary "Parrot Confidential." It really made me reconsider my entire life. It'll probably make you want to go out and adopt a parrot right away, but watch it a few times to really let it sink in.

 

[happy410]

I agree with all the above. I just worry at your age, there are to many factors. What will you do with a Macaw when you go off to college? What if your future significant other doesn't like birds? As stated above the financial responsibility is a large amount. You still have alot of changes in your life to go through to take on this huge responsibility.
Please don't take any comments the wrong way, only trying to help.

Thanks so much for the comments. As to answer one question, I have looked into Colleges that allow pets. I would ditch my significant other (assuming i've had this macaw since this summer), (I don't know maybe I wont?, you never know). The finance is hard, but my dad is willing to pay for it as of right now.
Another comment about the money. Don't you technically take that risk with a lot of things? Cars, kids, homes? (I'm only 15 so please don't be too harsh but I want honest

I don't think you would be able to find a college anywhere that would allow a Macaw. Dorms don't allow pets and most rental properties don't either. My son at college would love just to be able to have his dog with him but that's never been possible. First he was in the dorms and now in rental house, but no pets allowed. If you got a macaw now he/she would be so bonded with you that it would be so heartbroken If you had to leave it behind to go off to school. They bond with you just like a child bonds with their parents.
Yes, you take risk everyday. Just giving you example: At your age now, would you be willing to commit to buying a house right now? Knowing that you will spend the rest of your life in this house. Not knowing what your future holds. Where will your job take you? Will you get married? How many children will you have? Just trying to show you how many things may change in your life but you still have this house you purchased that is yours. A lifetime commitment.
Sure we buy/ sell houses because things change in our lives. Are you willing to rehome your macaw because things change in your life. Even as adults there are changes that are out of our control. There are many people that have had to rehome their birds for changes as adults, not saying that it can't happen just the chances are alot lower.
Also wanted to mention that birds need to be kept on a schedule. Bed at a certain time, awake at a certain time. Are you willing to get up at 6 a.m. everyday when your bird starts screaming. What happens when your friends want to go out, are you willing to be home every night at 7/ 7:30 to put them to bed?

 

[Teddscau]

I agree with all the above. I just worry at your age, there are to many factors. What will you do with a Macaw when you go off to college? What if your future significant other doesn't like birds? As stated above the financial responsibility is a large amount. You still have alot of changes in your life to go through to take on this huge responsibility.
Please don't take any comments the wrong way, only trying to help.

Thanks so much for the comments. As to answer one question, I have looked into Colleges that allow pets. I would ditch my significant other (assuming i've had this macaw since this summer), (I don't know maybe I wont?, you never know). The finance is hard, but my dad is willing to pay for it as of right now.
Another comment about the money. Don't you technically take that risk with a lot of things? Cars, kids, homes? (I'm only 15 so please don't be too harsh but I want honest comments.

Yes, most things in life are a risk, and most people are too stupid to handle that risk. For example:

I have a cousin who has great parents, an education, and good looks. She decided to marry an alcoholic man-child who was more than a decade older than her and had a daughter who he didn't pay child support for. He spent everyday smoking and drinking in the garage with his friends, and told her that his friends would always be more important to him. She proceeded to marry him, and bought this nasty little house for way too much money (she fell in love with the house, even though she could've bought a way nicer and less expensive house). Their marriage wasn't very good, so she decided to have a baby, because people with kids always have awesome marriages and never get divorced. Well, she had the baby, and the father never played with him, fed him, cleaned up after him, took him to the doctor, or anything. She was shocked that a deadbeat doesn't suddenly change their ways to look after a child.

Anyways, they hardly have any money because the husband spends it all on beer and cigarettes, and she spends money buying new cars, an expensive cat, and other stupid stuff instead of paying the mortgage on the house. Legit, she spent more than $2,000 on some fancy breed of cat that's half domestic, half wild cat! Like, who does that? The cat is constantly biting, scratching, and jumping all over the place. Then, guess what? She had her parents pay for an overdue payment on her car. Woah, so apparently buying a wild animal was more of a priority than paying her bills. Honestly, it's one stupid decision after another with her.



So anyways, things are only a risk if you aren't smart about it. Most people can't handle their money. My parents both grew up poor, and I don't think their parents graduated university. My mom's mother got married at 15 and had my mom and my aunt. My mom's parents were terrible, my mom grew up in a bad environment with a bunch of backwards racists, but today she's a university graduate who is intelligent, caring, not racist, and had a great career in nursing and handled her money well. My dad somehow turned out okay, despite his terrible upbringing. He graduated from college and got a degree or something in the sciences. He wanted to work with DNA and stuff, but long story short, he now owns a successful gym here in town.

They didn't rush into marriage (they were in their thirties), and I was a planned pregnancy. They started a university fund for me when I was a baby, and they've always worked hard to save their money, invest, pay the bills, and then spend money on fun stuff. They started saving for retirement when they had only just started their careers.

Here's something to think about: my friend's father hit their dog with his car (it was an accident, but what the heck!?). The dog was yelping and bleeding everywhere for three days before they finally took him to the vet. The prognosis was good. He'd live a long healthy life after a $1,000 surgery. They had the dog euthanized because "no animal is worth that much money." "That's REALLY expensive." They could "get a new dog for free." It was the "dog's fault for running out in front of the car." The dog "made a mess, getting blood all over the house." Just think about that for a moment. And before you say anything, they TOTALLY could've afforded the surgery. They'd rather spend it on a new tv or something than on "something" that's "just an animal."

 

[Flboy]

As to answer one question, I have looked into Colleges that allow pets. I would ditch my significant other (assuming i've had this macaw since this summer), (I don't know maybe I wont?, you never know). The finance is hard, but my dad is willing to pay for it as of right now.
Another comment about the money. Don't you technically take that risk with a lot of things? Cars, kids, homes? (I'm only 15 so please don't be too harsh but I want honest comments.

That is why you should not go forward with a mac!
Cars and homes are stuff! Kids grow up!
What if your dad wanted to expand his business, and decided the best way to do this was to use your college fund? Also to save money, and your age was close enough, he decided to declare you as an emancipated minor! Best thing? Off to the military with you! How would you feel? Quite upset! But remember you still grow up and will be independent! Also, emotionally, you are able to sort all of this out and deal with it!
On the other hand, your 'companion' gets screwed! Just another nail in the wall!

 

[ahmadses]

Well i'll tell you my thoughts and I would appreciate a comment
I'm perfectly fine with a noisy, loud, non-talking, bird. I just want something to show my love and affection to, and I am perfectly OK with having it for the rest of my life. I understand its essentially a toddler that will never grow up and can fly. I don't think my brothers like me, so it'll be a plus to hang with someone. Plus i'll be getting him in the summer which means i'll have a TON of free time. I have researched the best I could and I consider myself quite experienced. I enjoy birds, and I only have two budgies and have handled a MAC before and I am quite excited.

You have an extended list of questions. To address them will require quite a bit of time. Since you have confirmed that you have done the research and consider yourself quite experienced (your words). I would like to get a feel of your knowledge Base. This to keep from talking down to you and it would be helpful to understand your level of Parrot Knowledge. To do that I need to ask you a question:

"It's 3:00 am and by chance you have rolled-over still somewhat asleep, but, your mind locks into a sound. As you shake-off the dullness of a sleepy mind. The clarity of what you are hearing centers both directionally and in tone. Its a clicking kind of noise and it is coming from the direction of your MAC's cage. You turn on your bed side lamp and go to the cage to investigate.

The clicking is clearly coming from the direction of your MAC. You notice that on each click, your MAC is also bobbing its tail."

The question: What is likely the cause of the Clicking Sound and what is likely the cause of the Tail Bobbing? What should you do next?

After doing basic research (I always have my phone on me, and this took 5 minutes) I would assume she is catching her breath and might be sick. I'd see the vet in the mourning.

 

[ahmadses]

I think unless you have your own income/car/ample year-round free time, you will probably be overwhelmed by a macaw.
Have you ever owned any parrots? If the answer is no, I think a macaw would be a very poor choice. You can prepare all you want, but actually taking care of a bird is much different than books and videos show. You have to be ready to commit hours and hours to a large bird, not to mention large amounts of money.
If you love being around big birds, volunteer at a rescue. It will give you lots of hands on experience about how unique parrots are!
Take some time to read everything you can get your hands on about parrots. I'd recommend Of Parrots and People by Mira Tweti and Parrots for Dummies (TONS of info about the day to day needs of parrots). After you think you've learned it all, keep looking. Then you can start to think about what kind of bird you can realistically keep happy and healthy, and you both will be glad you did your research.
I wish you the best on your journey, and hope you find the right match.
EDIT: I looked back and saw you have budgies. I think my point still stands. There is a HUGE difference between budgies and macaws.

I do have a job as of right now, and my dad has volunteered to pay for the birds as long as I keep getting good grades.

 

[ahmadses]

As to answer one question, I have looked into Colleges that allow pets. I would ditch my significant other (assuming i've had this macaw since this summer), (I don't know maybe I wont?, you never know). The finance is hard, but my dad is willing to pay for it as of right now.
Another comment about the money. Don't you technically take that risk with a lot of things? Cars, kids, homes? (I'm only 15 so please don't be too harsh but I want honest comments.

That is why you should not go forward with a mac!
Cars and homes are stuff! Kids grow up!
What if your dad wanted to expand his business, and decided the best way to do this was to use your college fund? Also to save money, and your age was close enough, he decided to declare you as an emancipated minor! Best thing? Off to the military with you! How would you feel? Quite upset! But remember you still grow up and will be independent! Also, emotionally, you are able to sort all of this out and deal with it!
On the other hand, your 'companion' gets screwed! Just another nail in the wall!

Well my dad doesn't want me to go to the military and said he'll pay for the birds overall health (food, vet, living etc) I'll just pay for some extra stuff while working.

 

[Teddscau]

Ah, America. A place where parents think it'll do their kids some good to learn how to use assault rifles.

Well, I guess if you can't be convinced otherwise, at least attend some of the seminars or whatever at Phoenix Landing. Also, why not volunteer there for a while before seeing about fostering? Volunteering would really help you learn the basics, and fostering would be a great way to see if you're truly ready to care for a larger parrot.

 

[ahmadses]

Ah, America. A place where parents think it'll do their kids some good to learn how to use assault rifles.

Well, I guess if you can't be convinced otherwise, at least attend some of the seminars or whatever at Phoenix Landing. Also, why not volunteer there for a while before seeing about fostering? Volunteering would really help you learn the basics, and fostering would be a great way to see if you're truly ready to care for a larger parrot.

I plan to see if I could volunteer this summer at Phoenix landing, just don't know if they'll take a dumb 15 year old like me! lol

 

[sonja]

Great idea!!!

 

[chris-md]

Pholeonix lqnding as I understand it doesn't have a store front to work for. They are a loose connection of foster homes. To "volunteer" as I understand it would be to actually foster a bird.

 

[Jottlebot]

Hi, sorry, I also think you're too young to have a macaw. I think you should be being 15 right now and maybe in the next few years try out being 16, 17, 18, 19 and eventually even 20! I am sure there are people who have had high-need birds from childhood, but whether or not you can make the commitments needed to have a bird, I just don't think you should be making them just yet.

I also agree that you should be able to financially support the bird and have access to independent transport before you have one.

Getting hands on experience is a great idea. I was set (and I'm 32!) on having a macaw until I got the side of my finger almost bitten off by a corella cockatoo and realised I did not want that massive beak taking my finger off!

If the rescue can't help is there a local zoo where you could volunteer (that's what I did), or someone who has birds locally who might let you help?

Just another point on age, would the rescue let you adopt? I would be surprised if they did. Not because you are dumb, it's clear you're an intelligent, articulate person, but you are a child.

I wish you all the best and hope you get access to lovely big macaws and that it is the start of a lovely lifelong relationship that eventually leads to you providing a wonderful home to a wonderful creature.

 

[Birdman666]

My Sarah has been handling and working with large macaws since she was SEVEN years old. I'm just saying...

She still has all ten of her fingers and toes.

JUST UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITY YOU ARE TAKING ON, AND REALIZE THAT THIS DOESN'T GO AWAY... THESE ARE "LIFETIME" COMPANION BIRDS, AND THIS IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT!!!

There are times when they will be most inconvenient. What happens to the bird then?! Answer that question before you get one...

 

[IndySE]

Ask yourself, why do you WANT specifically a Blue and Gold Macaw ? Their appearance ? Appearance alone isn't enough to justify such a big decision. What is it that you're really looking for in a companion bird ? I see you've had budgies in the past and I think they're lovely companion animals (I plan to rescue some when I get older) so what do you think you'll get out of this relationship that you don't think you could get from a budgie ? And is it possible to get whatever quality you want in a species of bird that is less intense to care for than a macaw ?

Here's a bit of a story time. Once upon a time, I loved loved birds from when I was very little and my parents let me have budgies. I loved every single one of them dearly and with all my heart. But because I was young and inexperienced, almost all of them passed away from preventable deaths. This starting from when I was 8 to almost 17 years old... I forever carry this guilt and will always try to amend my mistakes by making sure any future birds I've taken in are well-taken care of. Don't sign yourself up for this guilt trip, and especially not a macaw. Their emotional intelligence is comparable to a human's; unlike a dog, who may still love humans in spite of being beaten, a macaw would forever carry scars like that. Even with the best intentions, you need to be VERY realistic about what you can provide. And at 15 years old, there is way too much you can't predict for a creature with a 50 year lifespan.

The only way this kind of thing would work would be if your father is 100% on board with having this parrot should it not work out with where your life takes you. Does your dad love birds and understand their commitment, beyond the financial responsibilities ? Does he want a very demanding companion for the next 50 years ? I have a "co-parent" situation with my current and only bird, a Green-Cheek Conure named Kermit. I attend university full time and my major is demanding; sometimes I leave early in the morning and don't come home until night-fall. Fortunately my mother loves the bird and provides key socialization while I am away

That said, continue to foster your love for birds. I think they're very amazing and have grown to appreciate them more as I get older I hope you consider carefully all the advice that is given.

 

[ahmadses]

Ask yourself, why do you WANT specifically a Blue and Gold Macaw ? Their appearance ? Appearance alone isn't enough to justify such a big decision. What is it that you're really looking for in a companion bird ? I see you've had budgies in the past and I think they're lovely companion animals (I plan to rescue some when I get older) so what do you think you'll get out of this relationship that you don't think you could get from a budgie ? And is it possible to get whatever quality you want in a species of bird that is less intense to care for than a macaw ?

Here's a bit of a story time. Once upon a time, I loved loved birds from when I was very little and my parents let me have budgies. I loved every single one of them dearly and with all my heart. But because I was young and inexperienced, almost all of them passed away from preventable deaths. This starting from when I was 8 to almost 17 years old... I forever carry this guilt and will always try to amend my mistakes by making sure any future birds I've taken in are well-taken care of. Don't sign yourself up for this guilt trip, and especially not a macaw. Their emotional intelligence is comparable to a human's; unlike a dog, who may still love humans in spite of being beaten, a macaw would forever carry scars like that. Even with the best intentions, you need to be VERY realistic about what you can provide. And at 15 years old, there is way too much you can't predict for a creature with a 50 year lifespan.

The only way this kind of thing would work would be if your father is 100% on board with having this parrot should it not work out with where your life takes you. Does your dad love birds and understand their commitment, beyond the financial responsibilities ? Does he want a very demanding companion for the next 50 years ? I have a "co-parent" situation with my current and only bird, a Green-Cheek Conure named Kermit. I attend university full time and my major is demanding; sometimes I leave early in the morning and don't come home until night-fall. Fortunately my mother loves the bird and provides key socialization while I am away

That said, continue to foster your love for birds. I think they're very amazing and have grown to appreciate them more as I get older I hope you consider carefully all the advice that is given.

Alright, to answer some of your questions, the reason why i'm getting a Macaw is because my dad LOVES birds and used to own I think an old African Grey. He is the one paying for the bills food etc. The reason why I want a Macaw, is well because I wan't too express my emotions, and i've heard Macaws have been very smart. Also, i've been going to a bird shelter place to take care of birds every Sunday. So if I can't take care of it, my dad says he will.

 

[haleyd]

I'm just going to keep it short and sweet, I'm 19, I go t the second most pet friendly campus in the United States, and there is no way they would ever allow such a large bird. There just isn't space. What am I getting as my first bird? A green Cheek Conure. A wonderfully adorable, EXTREMELY intelligent and lovable bird that just so happens to be a big bird brain in a small body. I did research for a year before I actually went in to make my purchase. I don't say you're too young, I say you need to rethink your bird choice and save the Mac for when you're out of the house and really can devote time to such a huge animal. There are plenty of options that are just as wonderful, less expensive and you will be able to take them with you as you move through your life.

 

[Dopey]

Ok - it sounds like your dad really wants a parrot but wants you to be the "owner" of said parrot.

Any parrot is a responsibility. A macaw just eats more and poops more.

At 15 I was spending afternoons with my friends and evenings with my parents. I didn't have any other responsibilities. At 16 I got a job, I had access to one of the family cars (as long as my parents weren't using it). I had plans to go to college. At 18 I had a kid. My parents helped. Life changes. But my parents were there for me.

It sounds like your dad is willing to help you. That's what families are for. You can plan all you want and things may or may not go as you had planned. You were responsible enough to come here and ask a question - adopt or buy. I'm on craigslist a lot. I buy.

There is a bird store in Falls Church - go there and look at the place. It's not huge but it is friendly. If you want I can bring one of my macaws in and you can play with it there. The store owner really likes for people to come in and play with the birds. It helps socialize them. Come in often. I'm there almost every weekend and I usually stay for a long time. You may find a macaw isn't for you and you like another species.

PM me if you want.

 

[DerTier]

You CANNOT depend on your parents as a resource. I have seen countless well meaning teens have parents who claimed they'd help with the pet, and then it "does something gross" or they can't take how loud it is or it bites/pees/poops on them...and then the vet trip costs, food costs, toy costs, and so much more. Parents who get a pet for a teen are not seeing it as their pet, its YOUR pet. That means its YOUR problem when something happens. That takes so much of the connection to the animal away, and the animal inevitably suffers.

Wait until you are older. The best things in life are worth waiting for. In the end, you are usually the only one you can truly trust and count on when it comes to animals...the old saying is true "If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself." Just my 02 as a rescuer and a long time person in multiple animal communities watching teens crash and burn and kill pets because the parents wont take them to the vet anymore, or they go to college and can't find a home for the exotic they took home on a whim.

Also, these guys require months of research, not mere hours, before being educated enough to make that decision of a lifelong commitment.

ETA: I highly doubt a serious bird rescue would allow a minor to adopt a bird without parental consent, and thats still an iffy situation.

 

[Kiwibird]

Would you be prepared, at 15, to become the full time parent of a toddler with limited communication skills, destructive tendencies, who likes to scream and will NEVER mature past the mental age of 2? Because that is what you'd be in for with a parrot. A very young child perpetually going through the terrible twos, non-stop, for the rest of your life. Most teens do not wish to be parents and parrots really do require a similar level of commitment. Only, a baby eventually grows up. A parrot never will. I think you'd be best off volunteering at an avian rescue, working with the birds and getting some years (yes, years) of hands on experience under your belt before thinking of bringing one home. Also, enjoy this time in life without the burden of responsibility for the care of another living being. That way, you'd get all the fun of playing with parrots with none of the responsibility of being a full time owner until you are well and truly ready

 

[MosaicMadness]

We've fostered through Phoenix Landing, that's a great way to see how well a bird fits your family life. What does a Macaw eat? A lot of lots. Pellets, pasta, cooked grains and legumes, fresh fruit and veggies, expensive nuts, sprouts, seed mix, etc... NEVER starve a bird. Yes, you can change it to meals vs free feed and try training sessions around that, but that is not "starving". Macaws are loud and messy and destructive. They can be comical and sweet and fun. They take a lot of time and energy to feed and clean up after. Their cages and play areas are BIG (those 3x4+ trays are a pain to wrangle) Babies and adults act differently and they mature around 3-4 years old, so will you still enjoy an adult? Parrots don't always stay where you put them. There are no "quick fixes". Toys, they LOVE toys, they love to shred and climb and swing. They are smart. Enrichment and foraging toys are a must, you have to replace them often and you will cry when that $40 toy you just put into the cage is destroyed by morning. DIY will be your friend.