I'm getting a macaw soon, any advice?

[funkypotatothings]

Hey, me and my family will be getting a Yellow Collar Macaw soon (right now we're looking at cages and toys and stuff) and any advice would be good! Also I wanted to know, should we clip our parrot's wings? And should we get our parrot a companion? Thanks!

[loyallyroyal]

you might want to start with one bird first and see how it goes,
but for the clipping it depends, you definitely want a bird that has learned to fly well before it is clipped, flying is good for the bird, but not if you dont/cant take the proper precautions to keep it safe,
Here are some precautions:

show your birds the windows and mirrors around the house

these are also amazingly helpful
Stop Birds Flying Into Windows, Yard & Garden at old-fashioned-values.com

window clings are also cheaper and work just as well, plus make a nice decoration during the seasons until your bird learns where the windows and mirrors are

never lets your bird out with the ceiling fans on, have a no open door/window policy when your bird is out so dont have people coming in and out of your house (better safe than sorry).

bird proof your home, think what can a flying bird get into, maybe dont give your bird the run of the whole house, mine only has access to his room, the hall, the family room, and the kitchen.

use common sense, put your bird away when you are using the kitchen...
avoid those lamps that get really hot, if your bird landed on one it wouldnt be pretty, if your bird is good at oppening its cage put locks on

train your bird a reliable come (i use pine nuts as a reward) in case of an emergency, only take your bird outside using a harness or travel carrier,

give them a designated spot to relax outside of the cage where they can play, hang a boing from the ceiling ect. my boy likes to sit on top of the fridge with his toys

make sure there are no bodies of water they can drown in, ex. water in the sink, open toilets, bath water, ect.

if you dont have the time/energy to supervise your bird put them in their cage for their safety"

How very exciting to be getting a new bird!

[funkypotatothings]

Thanks, that's really helpful. I'll definetely let our bird's wings grow out at first and by then, I really doubt I would have the heart to clip his/her wings!

Also if I get our parrot a companion, when should I? I mean, what would be a good age to introduce a new parrot and would it be a good idea? I've heard many stories about birds being happier with a companion but also how some birds don't do well with a another bird around. I will be gone for school from 8:30am to 4:15pm on most days and I wouldn't want our new family member to get lonely at home! Once I leave, my parents will spend time with our parrot too, but after around 10 o'cock am they will leave and they won't come back until around 6 o'clock pm.

[loyallyroyal]

the tricky thing with getting another bird is there is no gurantee they will like each other, and you have to spend more time because you have 2 birds

I would really only get another bird if you want 2

For being alone during the day, when I go to school I leave Dewey (my ekkie) a movie on his movie player that shuts off automatically after it is done, you could also leave the tv low or the radio to keep him occupied

You can also leave him foraging toys like the following
The Beakery ~A Bakery "For-The-Birds"!
or
Phoenix Foraging Rolls
and
Foraging Toys for Parrots

Plus lots of toys and a big cage always help =)