Best Macaw for me

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Best Macaw for me

by Connor
(Cairns, QLD, Aus)

I would really like a Macaw but I don't know which one would be the best. I would like one that is hand raised and very playful.

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Best Macaw for me

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Jan 20, 2012

Finding the best macaw for home
by: Tracie

There are many places to research on the Internet, but you can start with our Parrot Profile Pages and also look at our Parrot Species Comparison Chart that gives some generalizations about birds.

Please note how long these birds live. You have to plan for not only today, but will you be able to care for this bird properly 20 years from now, and will you find someone to care for your bird if you pass away 40 - 50 years from now?

Jan 20, 2012

Best Macaw for you...
by: Anonymous

The best Macaw for you... Well thats not something that is always a garranteed thing. As each bird does have a personality of its own.

I would suggest however, since birds "typically" (not always) bond with a human of the opposite sex before they will someone of the same sex.

You need to ask yourself first:
Do I have time EACH day to spend with my bird?
How much time each day do I have?
Whats my preferred breed's intellengce level?
What kind of toys, or stimulation will he need?
What Type of food is best for him? (which is pellets, not seed)
Can I afford a vet should he get sick or injured?
(I'd suggest routine wing clippings to prevent injury)
If anything happens to me, is there family to take the bird?
Can I deal with the noise level, and mess?

Secondly, look at several Aviaries before buying, not private breeders. Aviaries in US most times give a 1 year trade in time, incase the bird doesnt bond, or becomes nippy, or developes behavior issues. Tho' I suggest you pick a bird very carefuly before buying, as it is stressful for a bird to be moved around from one home to the next. Ask the breeders questions. Information is powerful.

At the aviary, you want to make sure you're not picking a breeder bird, they typically are not handled much. You want to find a bird whose about 5 months old. At this age they are less likely to be afraid, and will take easier to a new home, and bond almost right away. Make sure the bird will step up at the aviary to you without fuss. This means he's well socialized by humans. Breeders typically hand feed all their babies.
DOnt get a bird that is not weaned. You sound like you're new to larger birds, so unless you have experience, I would not suggest a baby that is not weaned.

Introduce him to one NEW thing preday. Weather it's a new room, new place, or a new toy. Make sure your bird is always supervised when out of the cage.

Any bird will work for you most likely, it's about how much time you have to invest WITH the bird each day that will bring out a playful, loving nature. Remember your bird will out live YOU. Make sure you want this life long commitment before buying. Having a bird like a Macaw is like having a 2 yr old in the house. Remember they do CHEW and tear stuff up. Never punish your bird, this will teach him that negitive things bring about attention, encourages him to do it, & makes him mean. I only reenforce behavior I want with treats. If my bird is doing something I dont want, I ignore it 100%.

Also, look at it's bum, make sure it's clean. A dirty bum is a sign of a possible sick bird.
Hope this helps in several areas.

Jan 20, 2012

Best Macaw for me
by: Linda

Unless you're experienced in handling the large birds like Macaws or Cockatoos, there are none of them for you. Regardless of them being hand-raised or not, all parrots are exotic wild animals and they will behave in many of their natural ways most of the time. In other words, parrots are not toys nor are they warm, fuzzy and cuddly all the time. Sometimes, any of them can become dangerous if not handled correctly by experienced handlers.

So, if you have no experience handling the larger birds, your options for a Macaw will be limited to one of the mini-Macaws, and I highly recommend the Hahn's Macaw who is very small with the heart and soul of a Macaw. A perfect bird for you to learn more about the Macaws with and he will fit into a much smaller cage than the large birds.

Other considerations for any parrot are caging, safe wood natural branch perches, wooden toys for chewing and a healthy diet that is provided by feeding organic pelleted diet like Harrisons found here. The reason for pellets over seeds is all seed diets are slow starvation diets for birds with or without fruit and veggies. Organic over other types of pellets is because there are no preservatives, dyes, sugar and other chemicals that can harm your bird.

Cages even for the small Hahn's Macaw have to be roomy with bar size correct for size of bird. By roomy, I mean bird has to be able to spread wings out to the sides and flap without hitting sides of cage or anything else. For a larger bird, this means a very large, very expensive cage.

So, if you want to get into the Macaws, you have to start small because as I said earlier, parrots are exotic wild animals and the larger they are the more potential danger. Do not be fooled by labels like "handfed baby" because those babies grow up and for the inexperienced person, can become dangerous as they need guidance, direction and firm yet loving discipline. You must learn the ropes of having parrots, and this is the only safe way to do it for you and your family.

Take a look at the Hahn's Macaws by doing a search on them and getting a book. The Half Moon Conure is also a good choice as they look and act somewhat like the Macaws. Start small and learn all you can before ever thinking about a larger parrot for your AND the bird's sake.

Linda

Jan 20, 2012

Best Macaw for me
by: Anonymous

Have you ever had a Macaw before? It doesn't sound like you have. When I read your message I realized I didn't know anything much about these magnificent birds, so I did some quick research. there is a site called "avianweb.com" . . .there are many others, but this one had some instant information you need to start your education.

Start reading about them, then find a breader and call them, visit them if you can -- join a macaw owner site if there is one out there. This is not a decision you can take lightly. These are highly intelligent big birds and can live for around 80 years; require lots of attention, toys and living space, and, as a horse trainer once told me: what it doesn't teach you, you can teach it.

Good luck.

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