What's a Scarlet like?

[June2012]

I've heard that Scarlets can be nippy, even the most well behaved. Is this true? I do realize there are such things such as the odd ball or a personality, but why is this? Is it simply because Scarlets are more beaky, or are they sassy and straight forward? I only have Scarlets and BGs up for adoption around my area. (Only GW breeder birds/companions that are OVER PRICED and Hyacinth scams. >P<)

And even if well socialized, tame, and loving, do they still nip you?

Is it something that can't be trained out of Scarlet like them being vocal?

Other than being beaky, do they really throw more "tanrums"?

Appreciate the advice and experience from y'all!

EDIT: Perhaps I'm coming off as too desperate for a macaw. I'm just asking this question since there are more warnings than positive signs of them. Are they really bad? I've heard someone say they're the pitbulls of parrots, having a bad rep of being very mouthy. And the CL thing I'm saying since they really are being thrown all over the local ads, that I just don't understand! Like seriously, why?!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Go visit those that are up for adoption in your area and 'feel' them out.

Yes, it IS true that Scarlets tend to be the beakiest ones out of the big macs. They love to pinch, so get ready for some bruises.

So despite having ZERO experience, you'll go for a big mac, yes?

 

[JerseyWendy]

I just realized you are a minor, and that you continuously speak of 'adoption'.

Yeah, I'm a minor so I live with my familia. Hehe. ...!

That may be a problem since most rescues will not adopt to a minor, and additionally, many rescues will not adopt a big mac to someone without big bird experience.

I'm sure you're familiar with this rescue, right?
Home - Lily Sanctuary Parrot Rescue

 

[Doublete]

Personally, I have experience and still wouldn't own a macaw.
As a minor I would think you still need to have a life and having a smaller "easier" bird may be best.
Conures are spoken of by birdman as being "shrunken macaws". I adore my GCC. And he's a manageable size and so much fun to interact with.

 

[Kiwibird]

I grew up with parrots and successfully worked with a "difficult" rescue (Kiwi wasn't always a sweetie!), but no way would I consider a big mac! The expense for starters, they are HUGE birds, and thus need big everything else. It's difficult to keep an amazon healthy and happy financially. Being a minor, how would you provide for the bird? Love only goes so far, they still need proper food, shelter, healthcare and activities (toys), all which get exponentially more expensive the bigger the bird is. Unless your parents are very well off and willing to support the expenses of such a bird until you are a fully functioning adult, theres no way you could afford one on an after school job. Speaking of, dorms don't allow large parrots and nor do most "starter" type apartments, so what happens to the bird in a few years when you go to college or move out of home? Not to mention, no rescue will adopt to a minor. Heck, we had issues finding a rescue willing to work with us and we were 19 when we adopted Kiwi, I had a lifetime of parrot experience too! Most wanted 21+.

I think it's great you are learning about parrots, and I think a big mac is definitely something to keep researching- for a time in your life when you are a stable adult capable of providing an excellent life for such a bird. For now, stick with the smaller guys to gain some real hands on experience. It's a much better way to go. Less expensive, easier to take with you when you move out of your parents home and the little guys still have ALL the personality of the big boys, just in an 'easier' to care for package And if you *really* want to help a bird in need (many of whom are challenging), look on craigslist for a smaller bird. Lots of them, especially conures, always up for rehoming, many desperately needing help. Be sure you go to meet any potential bird with your parents or another adult!

 

[Solo]

I completely agree with Kiwibird! Since you don't know how even the beginning of your life will lay out, then you don't know if you will have the time or financial stability to support a bird such as a Mac. All fine and good if your parents are willing to pay for it now, but then its technically their bird not yours. There's the initial expense of the bird, cage and accessories (getting a rehomed bird they may require more toys or larger cage as those things are usually lacking) the initial expense even on a rehomed bird is usually around $2000. Then you have a vet visit to make sure the bird is in proper health, or take care of any health issues it may have..BIG $$$..I always have at least $1000 in my savings account specifically for emergency vet expenses should one occur, it would at least be a decent start on the bill. Plan on $50-$100 a month of regular expenses (food and toy replacement). Cost of repairing your parents home should damage occur(which it most likely will) is another thing to consider. I'm assuming your looking through a place like Craigslist..because no rescue will consider a minor with no experience.. I'm 22, had owned birds but nothing big, and I didn't get a call back from rescues. This isn't to say that your irresponsible, just that there is a TREMENDOUS amount to consider. In response to your actual question..yes scarlets are nippy..I have a hybrid of a scarlet and currently have bruises and blood blisters going up my arm. Its not that she's aggressive, but she plays rough and likes to grab just a very little bit of skin then grind it in her beak. I've only had her a couple weeks, and this is a behavior that I'm trying to train out of her, but considering the scarlet in her I am prepared for this to be ongoing. She really doesn't bite 'hard' when she's being defensive, the worst is when she's playing and gets carried away or when she looses footing on my arm at grabs for stability(this one I can't blame her for and while it hurts like a MF and has broken skin, I don't get angry because its not her fault). One thing to remember...ALL BIRDS BITE! its not a matter of if you'll get bit, but more: when, how often, and how bad. Bad behavior will increase in a bird with the less attention it gets. My Mac is out 4-5 hours on week days and 8-12 hours on Sat and Sun. She is only out while I am home and actively paying attention to her and what she's doing. Most people I know don't even give their kids this much attention, so this is another thing to consider. It will be like having a 4 yr old kid for the REST of your life! Sorry for the novel I have written, but this is coming from personal experience. I had wanted a macaw since I was 12, but waited until I felt my life could properly suite one. A conure is a a more 'expense friendly' option and I have heard they have a personality comparable to a Mac. Good luck with your search, and thank you for doing research before adding a fid into your life [emoji4]

 

[dogslovepeace]

I have wanted a Mac since I was 8 or so and just got my first conure at 40. She was worth the wait. I'm still hoping for a larger bird but for now Pepper is more than enough personality for me. [emoji16]

 

[Birdman666]

Scarlet's are the "beakiest" macaws, and also one of the smartest, which means they also tend to be among the most manipulative as well...

Scarlet's are more prone to communicate with their beaks...

Pinch... I like that.
Pinch... I don't like that.
Pinch... I'm excited.
Pinch... That scares me.
Pinch... I want to.
Pinch... I don't want to.
Pinch... [Followed by goofy look] DID YOU SEE WHAT I JUST SAW?! WHAT WAS THAT THING?!

They pinch to get your attention, or to draw your attention to things.

It's not malicious, but if they aren't trained to control their bite pressure, you can end up covered in bruises and/or bleed...

It's a generalization, but I've found it to be fairly accurate.

The other thing is they are a little bit shorter tempered than most. It doesn't mean MORE tantrums. It means when they get mad, they tend to immediately let you have it...

Most people end up getting tired of the bruises, and it's the bird who suffers...

 

[Birdman666]

I have wanted a Mac since I was 8 or so and just got my first conure at 40. She was worth the wait. I'm still hoping for a larger bird but for now Pepper is more than enough personality for me. [emoji16]

A conure is just a shrunken macaw...

 

[June2012]

I just realized you are a minor, and that you continuously speak of 'adoption'.

Yeah, I'm a minor so I live with my familia. Hehe. ...!

That may be a problem since most rescues will not adopt to a minor, and additionally, many rescues will not adopt a big mac to someone without big bird experience.

I'm sure you're familiar with this rescue, right?
Home - Lily Sanctuary Parrot Rescue

My parents will actually be adopting the bird under their name, which I have no concern of. It would be a family effort but I'll just be doing the basics, such as cleaning and feeding. It's okay for it to have a favorite person, too. And about your bird experience... It's not that I don't have complete zero experience, I've never owned a bird before. I've played and interacted with birds a lot to get a feel. It's not certain if a macaw is the one, as well. It's just that surprisingly, CL has more macaws than any smaller bird. (And my parents can afford for the bird which we have discussed about. I'm just worried that something might happen, such as me turning one into a screamer/plucker.)

And adopt, I mean off CL than an organization. That rescue doesn't have smaller birds as well, even if I wanted to adopt a smaller bird. I always look at their page to make sure. Also, I'm still researching about macaws... My mom is a bit sensitive so we don't know if she'd be okay with a "hypoallergenic" bird. She's great with hypoallergenic dogs such as poodles, but we're not pushing it.

I understand your concern which I'm grateful for, since I have to admit, there are reasons why adults have more leeway -- rule wise.

 

[June2012]

I grew up with parrots and successfully worked with a "difficult" rescue (Kiwi wasn't always a sweetie!), but no way would I consider a big mac! The expense for starters, they are HUGE birds, and thus need big everything else. It's difficult to keep an amazon healthy and happy financially. Being a minor, how would you provide for the bird? Love only goes so far, they still need proper food, shelter, healthcare and activities (toys), all which get exponentially more expensive the bigger the bird is. Unless your parents are very well off and willing to support the expenses of such a bird until you are a fully functioning adult, theres no way you could afford one on an after school job. Speaking of, dorms don't allow large parrots and nor do most "starter" type apartments, so what happens to the bird in a few years when you go to college or move out of home? Not to mention, no rescue will adopt to a minor. Heck, we had issues finding a rescue willing to work with us and we were 19 when we adopted Kiwi, I had a lifetime of parrot experience too! Most wanted 21+.

I think it's great you are learning about parrots, and I think a big mac is definitely something to keep researching- for a time in your life when you are a stable adult capable of providing an excellent life for such a bird. For now, stick with the smaller guys to gain some real hands on experience. It's a much better way to go. Less expensive, easier to take with you when you move out of your parents home and the little guys still have ALL the personality of the big boys, just in an 'easier' to care for package And if you *really* want to help a bird in need (many of whom are challenging), look on craigslist for a smaller bird. Lots of them, especially conures, always up for rehoming, many desperately needing help. Be sure you go to meet any potential bird with your parents or another adult!

My parents are willing to support all the financial needs of the parrot, such as vet costs and food and etc. We've talked about it and I did tell them that we HAVE to go to a specialist, not just our regular vet down the street. Aka, more expensive. Money really isn't an issue in any way possible, unless my parents go into financial something. Dorms I don't think are an issue. My parents can take care of the bird then, but my parents aren't keen on putting me into a dorm anyway. My parents will also move to somewhere close to my college... (Ah, the life of being the youngest! XD) I'll probably live with my parents when I go to college. My father has sworn his life on being within a 50 mile radius from me.

And I've read of people taking their parrots to a dorm... :54:

EDIT: I just saw your sentence about dorms not allowing large parrots! Like I said, I'd probably live with my parents.

 

[June2012]

I completely agree with Kiwibird! Since you don't know how even the beginning of your life will lay out, then you don't know if you will have the time or financial stability to support a bird such as a Mac. All fine and good if your parents are willing to pay for it now, but then its technically their bird not yours. There's the initial expense of the bird, cage and accessories (getting a rehomed bird they may require more toys or larger cage as those things are usually lacking) the initial expense even on a rehomed bird is usually around $2000. Then you have a vet visit to make sure the bird is in proper health, or take care of any health issues it may have..BIG $$$..I always have at least $1000 in my savings account specifically for emergency vet expenses should one occur, it would at least be a decent start on the bill. Plan on $50-$100 a month of regular expenses (food and toy replacement). Cost of repairing your parents home should damage occur(which it most likely will) is another thing to consider. I'm assuming your looking through a place like Craigslist..because no rescue will consider a minor with no experience.. I'm 22, had owned birds but nothing big, and I didn't get a call back from rescues. This isn't to say that your irresponsible, just that there is a TREMENDOUS amount to consider. In response to your actual question..yes scarlets are nippy..I have a hybrid of a scarlet and currently have bruises and blood blisters going up my arm. Its not that she's aggressive, but she plays rough and likes to grab just a very little bit of skin then grind it in her beak. I've only had her a couple weeks, and this is a behavior that I'm trying to train out of her, but considering the scarlet in her I am prepared for this to be ongoing. She really doesn't bite 'hard' when she's being defensive, the worst is when she's playing and gets carried away or when she looses footing on my arm at grabs for stability(this one I can't blame her for and while it hurts like a MF and has broken skin, I don't get angry because its not her fault). One thing to remember...ALL BIRDS BITE! its not a matter of if you'll get bit, but more: when, how often, and how bad. Bad behavior will increase in a bird with the less attention it gets. My Mac is out 4-5 hours on week days and 8-12 hours on Sat and Sun. She is only out while I am home and actively paying attention to her and what she's doing. Most people I know don't even give their kids this much attention, so this is another thing to consider. It will be like having a 4 yr old kid for the REST of your life! Sorry for the novel I have written, but this is coming from personal experience. I had wanted a macaw since I was 12, but waited until I felt my life could properly suite one. A conure is a a more 'expense friendly' option and I have heard they have a personality comparable to a Mac. Good luck with your search, and thank you for doing research before adding a fid into your life [emoji4]

I do agree that researching and waiting is the best thing when considering a parrot at all times. Perhaps my post came off as "I WANT ONE RIGHT NOW!" sorta vibe. Not that in any way -- just that I would love to adopt/rescue a bird as a family effort. And yes, I'm planning on getting a smaller one. Just asking a lot of questions about macaws because I'd love one. ^^

 

[June2012]

Scarlet's are the "beakiest" macaws, and also one of the smartest, which means they also tend to be among the most manipulative as well...

Scarlet's are more prone to communicate with their beaks...

Pinch... I like that.
Pinch... I don't like that.
Pinch... I'm excited.
Pinch... That scares me.
Pinch... I want to.
Pinch... I don't want to.
Pinch... [Followed by goofy look] DID YOU SEE WHAT I JUST SAW?! WHAT WAS THAT THING?!

They pinch to get your attention, or to draw your attention to things.

It's not malicious, but if they aren't trained to control their bite pressure, you can end up covered in bruises and/or bleed...

It's a generalization, but I've found it to be fairly accurate.

The other thing is they are a little bit shorter tempered than most. It doesn't mean MORE tantrums. It means when they get mad, they tend to immediately let you have it...

Most people end up getting tired of the bruises, and it's the bird who suffers...

Yeah, bruises aren't very fun. XD If I ever get a Scarlet, perhaps I'll wear pillows for a few years.

 

[Birdman666]

Well, they need extensive socialization, and they can be taught to "beak" you gently... but they need to be worked with on beakiness issues A LOT MORE than some of the other species...

It's a training issue. You have to realize they have these propensities, and you have to train them to do this without hurting you...

IF YOU KNOW HOW, AND WORK WITH THEM FROM A YOUNG AGE... it's tolerable.

If you don't even bite pressure train them, you get scars from handling your bird.

 

[JerseyWendy]

And if you're going to buy a bird from CL, then it's more of a purchase than an actual 'rescue'.

 

[Solo]

It's not certain if a macaw is the one, as well. It's just that surprisingly, CL has more macaws than any smaller bird. (And my parents can afford for the bird which we have discussed about. I'm just worried that something might happen, such as me turning one into a screamer/plucker[/QUOTE]

There's a reason CL has loads of Macs. They are not easy. You need to be extremely careful in these cases as many will already possess physical/psychological issues. Owners will withhold information to get the bird gone. This isn't to say its impossible to find a good Mac on CL, my girl came off CL. I am glad to hear that your open to other species and not in a hurry to get a bird.

Something to keep in mind with it being a family effort. Everyone needs to be on board with everything. Consistency is key in training, so solid rules will need to be placed and enforced by everyone in the same manner. May sound simple, but its really not! There is a reason my fiance isn't handling Phoebe while I'm not at home..
As Birdman said they can be quite manipulative, and she would bulldoze over him.

 

[Doublete]

So are your parents retired? I wouldn't base your bird decision on the assumption that your parents will take care of it through college unless a) you know you are going locally or b) your parents can and will move however far you decide to go and either get a new job or are retired. That affects their financial ability to help.

A smaller bird wouldn't be as big of an issue if you have an apartment. Also realize that some colleges require freshman to live on campus. And in that case you will NOT have your bird because animals are usually not allowed due to allergies in your fellow dorm mates.

Unfortunately it is hard to know what life holds at your age. I would start small. If you want a macaw get a "shrunken macaw"- a conure. Trust me they're cool as heck.

 

[Birdman666]

There's a reason CL has loads of Macs. They are not easy. You need to be extremely careful in these cases as many will already possess physical/psychological issues. Owners will withhold information to get the bird gone. This isn't to say its impossible to find a good Mac on CL, my girl came off CL.

BINGO!

When taking on a rehomed mac, you need to assess the bird yourself in person. You need to see how it responds to you. You need to have the ability and the patience to do the behavior mods, because the odds are pretty high that this bird has not been handled in years... or it has some other behavior problem that you will find out about shortly after the bird arrives in your home...

And the former owner, if s/he even speaks to you again will play dumb virtually every time. Even if you catch them in a lie, they'll pretty much take the position of "it's your problem now."

Raised correctly I don't see macs as difficult birds.

Problem is, more often than not, people don't raise them correctly.

My Maggie had not been handled in eight years when I got her. She's been with me at least that long. The next time I have a problem with her, will be THE FIRST TIME I have a problem with her...

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BEING I KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THEM SAFELY, AND SET AND MAINTAIN BOUNDARIES WITH THESE BIRDS...

If you've never done that, then chances are you're diving into the deep end of the pool the day before you start swimming lessons...

Maybe you'll float.

Maybe not.

Either way, chances are high that there will be some serious flailing around going on, especially at first...
with a macaw, this usually involves some deep puncture wounds and bruising.
Because what you don't know, can get you bit. They don't know what you don't know.
They know what they will, and will not respond to, and tolerate.

With a Scarlet, that would be LESS than a lot of the others...

 

[June2012]

And if you're going to buy a bird from CL, then it's more of a purchase than an actual 'rescue'.

I need to redo my terms...

 

[June2012]

So are your parents retired? I wouldn't base your bird decision on the assumption that your parents will take care of it through college unless a) you know you are going locally or b) your parents can and will move however far you decide to go and either get a new job or are retired. That affects their financial ability to help.

A smaller bird wouldn't be as big of an issue if you have an apartment. Also realize that some colleges require freshman to live on campus. And in that case you will NOT have your bird because animals are usually not allowed due to allergies in your fellow dorm mates.

Unfortunately it is hard to know what life holds at your age. I would start small. If you want a macaw get a "shrunken macaw"- a conure. Trust me they're cool as heck.

My parents can work all over the USA, so getting a new job isn't an issue at all. And even if I do have to go to live on campus, my mother has had experience with smaller birds. Plus, this would be a family effort if we ever did get a bird -- any bird. We're not rushing into this at all, truly. I don't trust anyone at the moment when it comes to another life. I also have a dog so I mean, why would I add another, right? I'm still looking and researching at this point aka the sponge stage. Soak up that info!!