thinking of a macaw in North Texas

[areveha]

I spent an hour in a pet shop today staring at and touching a blue & gold macaw...I have always been interested in birds, but now I think I'm in love with him. He was on sale for $1599.00 plus cage/accessories. With back-to-school expenses and the generally crappy economy, my sweet bird will probably not fit in the budget.

Maybe someday...meanwhile, I think I will visit him and learn as much as I can about his kind.

Please tell me what you know about these birds so I can plan (dream) for him to be a comfortable and well-cared for part of my family.

Thanks!!

Areveha

[huntress]

First thing to say is WELCOME and the birds say thank you for coming here first. There is so much to learn. I too became enamored by a pet store baby (who Lives with me now,lol) but I have MANY birds and Much education since. I even opened my own bird boutique at one time.
There is so much here on this forum you can learn a wealth of information from before making your decision.
My first bit of advise is that a PET STORE bird is double the price from a respectable breeder depending on your location maybe even triple! Even pet store cages will rob you of cash very quickly so do yourself a favor and STEER CLEAR of that baby you saw.
That said - I have a pet store baby I paid out the &$$ for because I was uneducated at the time and she picked me and I couldnt get her out of my mind. NEVER again,lol.
Get the lastest annual yearly copy of BIRDS USA from your local big chain pet store and maybe pick up a copy of Bird Talks monthy issue.Bird keeping has changed so much in the last several years and its all in the best interest of keeping the LEAST domesticated animal (that is most popular) happy and healthy for the next possibly 50 -60 years!! Are you up for having a two year old who never grows up, and never moves out?? Its kinda like having a special needs child.....for ever.
Welcome to BB and ...Happy Learning!!

[my-africangrey-echo]

Very well said huntress. & a welcome from me too. Chris

[areveha]

a two year old that never moves out??? WOW...what a sobering thought!
Thank you so much for your info...I will get the publications you mentioned and keep visiting my birdie sweetheart...Like I said, maybe someday.

you sound like a bird whisperer.

Areveha

[ndeben]

Welcome !! :)