[The Outlaw]

Welcome to Birdboard.

I'm gonna tell you exactly what I think, so please understand that its because of a recent series of events that I'm gonna pull no punches. Handfeeding a baby macaw is NOT for amateurs. There are way too many variables and it only takes one bad shot down the wrong pipe and you will have killed that baby. They don't sit still, the jump up and down and can pack quite a wallop when they start pumping.

A good breeder would NEVER sell you an unweaned baby. They care too much about that bird and want to place it in the BEST and SAFEST environment they can possibly find. A BAD breeder will happily take your money and leave you twisting in the wind when things go to hell.

Consider the following scenarios:

The baby your describe will require handfeedings round the clock for many months. Greenwings, especially, take longer to feed out. It may be as long as 8 or 9 months before they are satisfied to eat on their own.

The risk of bacterial infection is quite high. Either due to incorrect temperatures, bad formula, improper handling, poor hygiene, etc.

You will need to weigh this baby daily and know what to look for should symptoms develop that could prove fatal. Do you have access to nystatin, Diflucan, Baytril, etc?

Do you have a brooder? Can you consistantly maintain the proper temps round the clock?

Do you know how to safely fledge a bird? Trim wings and nails? Pull broken blood feathers?

Is your home truly birdsafe? Do you use scented candles, cleaning products that emit toxic fumes, use Teflon products, smoke, have dogs and cats?

How close is a certified avian vet? How about a second vet should the first one be unreachable?

Can you set aside AT LEAST $2000 more in the event of medical crisis?

If you cannot provide for everything listed here, then you are not qualified or ready to take on an unweaned baby macaw. However, if you decide to let a breeder do his job and present you with a baby ready to happily join your family for the rest of your life, then congratulations for being unselfish enough to deserve a sweet baby macaw. The reason that healthy baby birds cost more than less desirable birds is because some dedicated and caring breeder took the time out of his life to properly raise that baby. If it costs you $500 more, that is frankly, cheap. Would you work for $3.50 and hour? Round the clock?

I have 10 birds, 5 of which are macaws. I love them more than I can possibly set down in writing. Seeing people take shortcuts always makes me nervous. It ALWAYS winds up biting them in the butt. And its very hard on the bird.

Here's how I look at it: if you're prepared to take the family's housepayment money and roll the dice at Vegas, then and ONLY then should you consider taking in an unweaned baby bird.

THE OUTLAW