does anybody have have a care sheet for a macaw.

[MrsP]

Love the ring squashing Hyacinth story -have a similar one of my own!

Macaws are not birds for kids. They are feisty and grumpy and have big beaks. Even the so called "easy" blue and gold has a strong personality and needs a firm hand and lots and lots of attention. My boy is my baby and won't let anybody else near him - not through lack of trying - he just prefers me. Our greys also have specifice preferences.

I would suggest you start with a smaller bird, budgie or cockatiel and get used to working with birds before you even consider a macaw. Ok, you can't show off at school with a pet budgie, but I suspect that's the main reason you want a macaw to be honest.

[rach666]

Originally Posted by MrsP

Love the ring squashing Hyacinth story -have a similar one of my own!

Macaws are not birds for kids. They are feisty and grumpy and have big beaks. Even the so called "easy" blue and gold has a strong personality and needs a firm hand and lots and lots of attention. My boy is my baby and won't let anybody else near him - not through lack of trying - he just prefers me. Our greys also have specifice preferences.

I would suggest you start with a smaller bird, budgie or cockatiel and get used to working with birds before you even consider a macaw. Ok, you can't show off at school with a pet budgie, but I suspect that's the main reason you want a macaw to be honest.

people underestimate how much hard work parrots actually are

[Zoo-Man]

Blue & Gold Macaws might be easier than Scarlet Macaws, but they are still a major handful & still capable of wittling your dining table to splinters in minutes & removing your finger nail in a second! Seriously, think about a smaller less demanding parrot species!

[Pimperella]

I agree. A smaller, less demanding bird would be better as a first choice.
Macaws are very vocal. VERY VOCAL. I have known many owners whos neighbours have complained about the noise.
What you need to ask yourself is, do you have the constant time and attention to devote to one? Simple question. Have you got time for a toddler? If not then a Macaw is really really not for you. It's ok SAYING you have time but...

Would you leave a Toddler alone?
Would you be willing to give up nights out etc?
Are you prepared for the bird turning and hating the very site of you, regardless of how much you love them?

I know you REALLY want one but, do your parents truely understand what is involved?

Are you planning on Uni? If so, what will happen to the bird?
If the bird gets stressed, pulls all it's feathers out and refuses to stop due to seperation, are you aware that this does happen?

Best thing to do is to visit a parrot rescue (not a pet shop who will WANT to sell you a bird regardless of suitability) and see birds that previous owners have messed up. That way you and you parents, would have a better understanding.

Are you wanting one cause of the one on Corrie?

[Pimperella]

So? You've gone through everything then that was suggested on here?
Since as your now looking for breeders

[tH3 r3PtIle gUY!]

yes i have thought of every angle and have talked to many breeders and have decidied to go for a blue and gold macaw as even breeders say as long as you put in the effort there as hard to keep as anyother parrot.

[rach666]

Originally Posted by tH3 r3PtIle gUY!

yes i have thought of every angle and have talked to many breeders and have decidied to go for a blue and gold macaw as even breeders say as long as you put in the effort there as hard to keep as anyother parrot.

good luck,and i hope you find your perfect bird

[Ssthisto]

Originally Posted by tH3 r3PtIle gUY!

yes i have thought of every angle and have talked to many breeders and have decidied to go for a blue and gold macaw as even breeders say as long as you put in the effort there as hard to keep as anyother parrot.

Yes, they're as hard to keep as any toddler.

Are you *really* ready for a toddler at your age?

Are your parents ready for a toddler?

As others have asked, what happens when you go to uni - are you going to leave the bird with your parents? What happens if the bird loves one of your parents and attacks you?

I hope you find the right bird - but I'm not convinced that the right bird is always "right now". By the time my life is ready to have a parrot in it again, I may be too old to entertain the idea of bringing something into my life that will outlive me by a good forty years.

[Zoo-Man]

I can't help but think that you are going to make a mistake in getting a B & G Macaw!

[9Red]

Originally Posted by Zoo-Man

I can't help but think that you are going to make a mistake in getting a B & G Macaw!

I agree completely - this is almost certainly going to end in tears and yet another parrot with behavioural problems winding up in a rescue centre.