What's a Scarlet like?

[June2012]

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

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.[/QUOTE]

I am aware of some having psychological issues, but there are some genuine macaw owners out there... Just takes time, but again, macaws aren't my only candidate to what fits. I'm taking into account of where my parents might move in the future, will we have space then? Besides my parents, I already found someone to take care of him or her in the future.

 

[Solo]

I know there are genuine Mac owners rehoming, and that you're not set on a Mac, but a lot of the info provided is not specific to Macaws but also smaller parrots like conures. May I ask why you've found someone to take care of the bird in the future? What do you think will happen that will require the bird to be cared for by someone else? I don't think any of us are trying to deter you from a bird. Just trying to provide the personal experiences we've encountered so that you can make an informed and educated decision, and provide the bird best suited to your life style with a loving forever home. Anything less is unfair to the bird.

 

[Doublete]

I don't think you are being realistic is all.


Case: my best friend and her husband live in Boston. He works for a food distributor and makes 3 x what she does. Her dream is to rehab horses and own a farm. She and I could do that together. Hubby's company offered to allow his transfer to dc. But cannot offer same pay.
So we tabled that idea.
Because they would have to cut their pay for her to pursue her dream.


So realistically can you work anywhere and live anywhere? YES. With the same quality?

NO.

So plan for a bird that YOU can afford and care for NOW with minimal parental help. Life happens. Changes happen beyond your control.

 

[June2012]

I know there are genuine Mac owners rehoming, and that you're not set on a Mac, but a lot of the info provided is not specific to Macaws but also smaller parrots like conures. May I ask why you've found someone to take care of the bird in the future? What do you think will happen that will require the bird to be cared for by someone else? I don't think any of us are trying to deter you from a bird. Just trying to provide the personal experiences we've encountered so that you can make an informed and educated decision, and provide the bird best suited to your life style with a loving forever home. Anything less is unfair to the bird.

If we need to go on vacation (a place that does not allow birds), we can drop our bird off to a trusted family member instead of boarding. Plus, it can be for when I might be gone for the whole day, and might need a friend, then I'll drop off my parrot to her. I'm home schooled for the most part, so the time we would spend together would be all day. I love home but I don't go out much rather than to go play sports or eat out, which does take out of my time, but not really. My parents work on a similar clock as me. Staying home for the most part than a meeting that pops up. I've heard that parrots need interaction just as they did when you aren't home, so looking for someone to play with your bird when gone is great. (My family doesn't trust boarding since we've had enough bad experiences...) Of course, a couple hours alone is fine I think.

Oh, and feel FREE to provide any advice possible. I came here to learn anyway, so what's the point of not listening?

 

[June2012]

I don't think you are being realistic is all.


Case: my best friend and her husband live in Boston. He works for a food distributor and makes 3 x what she does. Her dream is to rehab horses and own a farm. She and I could do that together. Hubby's company offered to allow his transfer to dc. But cannot offer same pay.
So we tabled that idea.
Because they would have to cut their pay for her to pursue her dream.


So realistically can you work anywhere and live anywhere? YES. With the same quality?

NO.

So plan for a bird that YOU can afford and care for NOW with minimal parental help. Life happens. Changes happen beyond your control.

My parents do have that kind of job because my dad already earned his license to work in multiple states of the country that are profitable. We could move almost anywhere in the USA and have the same quality of life that we have right now. I mean, it's not what might be your best friend and husband perhaps, but I consider it well off... I'm also paying for the bird (I'm not getting one from a breeder since all are so far away, so I'm getting an adult off CL or rescuing. I'll be paying the rehoming fee), half of the cage, and food costs. (All vegetables, fruits, sprouts and pellets.) I find that pretty minimal. Other than a few times I could be short, my parents can help me. I do the same for my dog, except I pay half of it since she's eating 60 bucks a bag, which lasts her two months. I also pay for her toys, treats, and shampoo. Again, I home school so I have a ton of time. I'll also be doing what they're doing which is just a Bachelors and done. They'll be paying for tuition so I can use my extra time studying and playing with my parrot. It could be required that I have to stay at the dorm for Freshman year, which is when my parents or trusted sister could take care of him or her. Yes, life could change and have so many turns and twists. Even at my age, maybe tomorrow the world will come crashing or we'll go bankrupt... I'll be an adult in just a few years. But I'll still have twists and turns, the possibility of bankruptcy and the world crashing down at 37, right?

I understand where you are coming from though, which I do understand. I guess my post came off with that desperate, impulse vibe. (Yes, I would instantly buy a macaw on impulse if my conscience was not holding me back!!) I hope I don't sound too offending as I truly appreciate all sound arguments, advice, tips or even warnings that could come my way.

EDIT: "Other than a few times I could be short, my parents can help me." Sorry! Meant to say:

"When I'm short a few times, my parents can help me."

 

[Solo]

I too was homeschooled my entire life. But a few years till adulthood then another 4 on a bachelor's? 7 years till you know what life is really gonna be like on your own? I was better prepared then all of my friends to handle what would be thrown at me, and it still wasn't easy adjusting. I bought my own vehicle and motorcycle, paid for my show dog and all of his expenses (I feed raw) when I was a teenager. Everything changes when youre on your own. It was hard enough without having a Mac that depended on me.. I love my mom, and she would do anything for me, but I refuse to be dependent on her because she won't always be there, or may not have the finances to support my needs..nor would I ask her to. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a Mac, but maybe now isn't the time. If it were me, I would wait until my bachelors is completed and secure in my career.

 

[June2012]

I too was homeschooled my entire life. But a few years till adulthood then another 4 on a bachelor's? 7 years till you know what life is really gonna be like on your own? I was better prepared then all of my friends to handle what would be thrown at me, and it still wasn't easy adjusting. I bought my own vehicle and motorcycle, paid for my show dog and all of his expenses (I feed raw) when I was a teenager. Everything changes when youre on your own. It was hard enough without having a Mac that depended on me.. I love my mom, and she would do anything for me, but I refuse to be dependent on her because she won't always be there, or may not have the finances to support my needs..nor would I ask her to. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a Mac, but maybe now isn't the time. If it were me, I would wait until my bachelors is completed and secure in my career.

Not a few years, since I'm going to college early. But true. Being on my own is a scary prospect I'll have to face head on, and you're a wonderful daughter by the way. (I think you're female, correct me if I'm wrong...) ^^ Unless she decides she wants a mac all of a sudden, then I have no say. Haha! I'll keep dreaming I guess.

EDIT: Sorry to sound like I'm messing up this great moment of education, but should I wait for a mac or any bird? I just don't know!

 

[chris-md]

You are reminding me of myself twelve years ago. I was a big orchid collector as I was entering college, and I was torn between continuing my orchid growing (60+ plants) or suspending it, because my mom and dad would be forced to care for them against their will. They were also stuck caring for my red throated conure,mwhich neither liked. But they did because they loved me.

I wound up continuing, and if I had it to do over again I would have held off until after college. I probably wouldn't have had a bird either.

The point here is that you're life is going to be chaotic, unstable, and unpredictable for a number of years. While I have never owned a macaw, even I know that this is not an ideal scenario for that kind of bird. Getting your life together is far more important, I would wait until after college before getting a larger bird.

Maybe get a green cheek conure if you must have a bird now. something less demanding of you and space in cramped quarters shared with roommates.