Macaw Advice?

[pinfeathers]

Hello all,

I just joined birdboards because I was looking for an active bird community I could get some advice from fast.

I recently was offered a free B&G Macaw from someone who can no longer take care of it due to old age. None of his children want it and he doesn't want it to go to a bad home when he dies. Some people in my community know I adore birds and so I'm being asked if I want him!

What I know is that the macaw is tame and in it's teens. Cage, everything with it, free. It's not sexed, it's kept clipped, and it likes going outdoors.

What I don't know... is... well... anything about macaws!!

Now before you give me stern advice along the lines of "Don't take the bird you ignorant dolt!!" let me give you some background information on me.

I am currently owned by two lovebirds that have the run of the place when I'm home. They're the extent of my bird experience. I'm currently working on a little biting problem with one, but we generally all get along very well and have no major problems. But macaws are a far cry from lovebirds. Going from 6 inches long to 30+ is a big deal! I'm only 5yrs older than the macaw so I figure by the time I'm 80, if he/she hasn't died I would be able to find another inheritor for him/her by then.
My mom (I live with her) has a bit more bird experience- some with amazons.
My late grandmother used to live in south america and handraised wild parrots she pilfered from nests. So maybe that give me some sort of inherited bird-nuturing advantages

But on a more serious note...

I only got this offer around 5mins ago and I'm just starting an extensive research session.

I'm not going to make this decision blindly. In fact, I find it terrifying. Not just because I know how strong those beaks are... because it took me a few years to research before I felt I could take good enough care of a pair of lovebirds (those two are a cinch now!) and I don't want to take this bird and have it go crazy or have to rehome it because I missed some crucial detail in my research.

If anyone could give me advice on what to research in particular or any really great macaw websites that would be much appreciated. Particularly, macaw-specific behavioral issues that could develop and how to curb them.

I believe I have the potential to be a good macaw owner if I get myself well-informed, and I'll accept any and all help with that

[milkevi]

I would start with a good book or two....check here:

Bird books and bird DVDs from Avian Publications. Bird books and bird DVDs about the keeping, care, and breeding of parrots and other birds.

With big caws you need to learn their body language which is different from most other parrots. Some people just seem to click with them, others not so much LOL.

[becca623]

There is a message board just for macaws and their people (pm me for the link) that I think can give you a lot of help. Plus, they have a library of articles about birds some only about macaws that are a good source of information. Personally, I would want to meet the bird to see if s/he likes you. Some people may disagree but I think whether or not the bird responds well to the individual makes a big difference in the relationship. It's much easier to care for a bird who doesn't want to eat you than one who does. The fact that you are doing a ton of research and asking for advice are good signs that you are a responsible person. Many people take a bird just because it's offered to them and they know it's worth money. How sad that none of his children want to keep the bird for him. Best of luck!!!

[jjones1719]

Hello, and welcome to the message board first of all.
My name is Joe and I own a 3 year old SI Male Eclectus and 1 year old Green Wing Macaw. I am also on the board of directors with the Baltimore Bird Fanciers Club here in Maryland. You are heading in the right direction by posting. It is true that Macaws and Parrots take up much of our time, however, owning a Macaw or other Parrots are very rewarding. I would advise you to learn as much as possible about the B&G. I would also advise you to meet with them, believe it or not, most Macaws will pick you instead of you picking them. If this B&G comes to you when you call them or offer a treat. Or keep eye contact with you without lunging, this means that they like you. If they run to the rear of their cage or lung with wings spread, this is not a good thing but with lots of work, they can overcome it. If the B&G put their foot in the air, this too means they like you and perhaps wants to step up onto you. Being in my club, I have seen Macaws adjust in a matter of minutes to days, weeks, years before the Macaw will step up. It all depends on you. Before bringing the Macaw home, i would spend lots of time with them, playing, giving treats, leaning their body language temper, and so on. Learn their diet and favorite foods. Always move slow around the macaw until they get use to you. Talk to them with a soft voice.
Macaws can be very loud, so make sure you don't have neighbor issues.
You will need to spend no less then 3-4 hours everyday with the Macaw. they need to get out of the cage to stretch their wings and play. If this amount of time seems to be too much, i would adv you to look into another parrot that does not need so much attention.
If you have the time, love, money, I would say go for it. If you decide to take on this B&G, find an aviary Vet before hand that knows about the B&G and make an appointment to have all test done before bringing the B&G home. The Vet bill will be between $200.00 and $300.00.
Macaws are very rewarding birds and amazing so don't rush into this decision to fast. Best of luck, keep us posted. Thanks Joe

[Congobongo]

I have a Blue and Gold and a Green Winged. The B&G can be a total monster at times. But she is as they are, a big bluffer. The will try to act like they will bite or so but they don't. They can however provide a good pinch.

My Lola is pretty feisty and she also thinks I am her mate so she may be a bit more on the cranky side.

You get over the beak thing. But don't ever forget the power of it. If you take them into a strange environment or where they are not comfortable and afraid they can and will bite. And it is not pretty when they do.

Not to scare you. Just to make you aware that in a strange environment never keep them close to your face.

[kellywess]

All good advice up above... "The Parrot Problem Solver" by Barbara Heidenreich is an excellent read for someone contemplating taking on a Macaw for the first time. You can probably pick up a gently used copy on Amazon.com for a few bucks. It goes over body language and such. The important things to know about Macaws is that they are better at reading our body language than we tend to be at reading theirs. They are very sensitive, inquisitive and intelligent. Showing any fear or hesitance can and most likely result in a nice "bite." You must be confident in your handling them or they will take advantage of you. Forget about the beak, smaller beaks do a whole lot more damage where pain is concerned IMO. Time and patience is key to taking in an older Macaw. It can be a very positive experience for both you and the bird if you are willing to spend the time and give the patience and respect that is needed. I too would suggest visiting with the bird in familiar surroundings, however understand that once you relocate the bird, you will be starting from square one. The bird will need time to settle into its new, strange surroundings. Of course, there are a lot of experienced Macaw owners on this board who will more than willing to "type" you through it, should you have any questions or need any advice. Until then, we can't wait to hear what you decide. Good Luck with your decision. Welcome to Bird Board.

[SDavid]

Research, hmmm. You might want to start by having someone blow a foghorn off in your house several times throughout the day. If you and your family members (including the other birds) can handle that noise then, well, it's a start.

Then get a hammer and proceed to chip a piece off of every piece of furniture in your house. Scatter some seeds and wood shavings on the floor in about a five to ten foot radius of where your macaws cage and play stand would be, you might want to throw in some bird poop and feathers as well. Clean up every day and you'll have an idea of the cleaning involved. Macaw poop can smell pretty bad depending on diet or if you leave it too long without cleaning. Having more birds means more dust in the house too.

Seriously, no theory or book or amount of research is ever going to prepare you to deal with the reality of having a macaw. By all means reasearch but I would talk to people who rehomed their birds as well to get that perspective if you can. Unfortunately they're usuallly nowhere to be found. Be carefull about the internet as a tool for research. You're likely to hear either too many positive stories or too much theory. In other words it's not so balanced. Just remember that alot of people who research also end up rehoming as macs can be tough to handle. The screaming and volume these birds can generate can drive people nuts and you need to discuss that noise with other members of your household. Yes, people will tell you they can be trained, yadda, yadda. Theory is just words but putting it into practice is not as easy. The truth is that any behavior modification can take years and most people loose patience well before that happens. The "I can't take it anymore" pops up frequently when it comes to the larger more assertive birds. I think success is due more to environment than training.

You can end up with a sweet bird but I can't read your post and not let you know that they can be difficult. Not trying to be negative just realistic. The best research is first hand, hands on. Find people who have experience (in person, see how they live and what they do). I wish you luck.

[kellywess]

Its not that bad. I took in my Miligold... I am around. I do agree that the best research is "hands on" however reading up on body language and the causes for aggressive behavior and such is necessary most certainly helpful for those about to experience a big macaw for the first time. You can never do any harm by reading and researching too much!

[SDavid]

Of course not, and yes, it's not that bad for me either. BUT, having a macaw in your house is an entirely different dimension than seeing them at the store, a fair, or elsewhere. You've seen the same threads I have on here where well meaning owners reach the end of their patience (there's one at the top of the macaw section right now). I'm trying to say what I don't think anyone else will say so as to not paint a "fairy tale" for people. The good things about owning a macaw come at some compromise and lifestyle adjustment.....I think we could all agree. It's hard to show someone that. I wasn't trying to contradict anyone else's post just add to it and give the OP some things they might not consider and find out too late.

[kellywess]

I agree with you completely with the point you are trying to make.