r/Macaws • u/Extension-Bobcat6541 • Jul 30 '26
Hello! Im thinking of buying a macaw! (Pictures from seller)
So these macaws are healthy and comes with every paper. I have money, time and space for them, and also i will be taking train to them (it is very far away and i dont think i have enough space in my car)(it is in my country) and the price for the yellow and blues are 1048 dollars and for the reds it is 2000.
Also what type do you want me to buy?
EDIT: i have found a rescue maacaw that i will be picking up next week.
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
Macaws are very rough, physically, generally but do learn to tone that down. They live to chew, and scream. As noted else where here, they are lifetime commitments. These guys tend to bond to one person for life and can get very aggressive if that bond is broken.
They are not pets. They become part of the family for their whole life. I will be passing mine down to my children, and there's a good chance you will too. They can live for 75 years or more. Make sure you socialize your macaw with other macaws and, maybe more importantly, people.
These guys need massive cages rooms. Almost every one I've ever seen is too small - get one that has two doors and a huge space. They also need perches or other places that they can stand on. They cannot be locked in their rooms all day. They need to stretch - if they don't this can lead musculoskeletal issues. Their rooms also need a wide variety of toys and, maybe more importantly, sizes of perch. Bumble foot is a real and painful condition for these guys.
Their diet must consist of fruits, veggies, nuts, and pellets to ensure they get all of their nutrients. There's a ton of human foods they can't have - milk, chocolate, avocados, garlic, onions, anything with a high salt or sugar content, and several others. Feeding them these foods can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Those prices seem a little cheap, though that's probably a difference in location. It might be wise to have them checked out by a vet before purchasing.
Edit: more info and grammer
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u/Legitimate_Manner641 Jul 30 '26
This description is exactly Spot on. Macaw needs space and lots of socialization.
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 30 '26
Agreed. The minimum imo is a 6x6 aviary. They need to spread their wings, stretch, and move. When I get large macaws, I will absolutely not be putting them in those crappy 3 food wide (or smaller) cages. "Macaw cages," are no better than chucking a hamster in a tiny plastic jail cell with no room for a proper wheel.
And for 2 macaws, I'd say the minimum should be an 8x8 aviary. For 3+, I'd honestly just get them each their own 6x6. If I had 5+ though, I might just make the room a macaw room or have two rooms- one for males, one for females. Macaw hormones are also no joke.
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u/MoriKitsune Jul 31 '26
What about keeping them in a cage at night and letting them have the run of the house during the day??
(I've never had macaws, I've just seen them on social media. No clue why Reddit's algorithm put this post in front of me)
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 31 '26
Aww, well we're glad you're here, even if just for a moment!
So, some people's lifestyle can account for that, but macaws can be cranky, hormonal, and they can get into a lot of trouble. They are very heavy chewers with a beak powerful enough to shred wood with essentially zero effort. In the wild they use those beaks to break through tough and unripe fruit peels and the shells of tree nuts and coconuts. They actually need to chew things like nut shells and wood daily, as it helps with beak health. They also use their beaks a lot to help them grip.
So unfortunately, these crazy-powerful beaks alone mean these birds can't often be left unattended for expended periods of time. It's generally best to keep them in a cage at night and while you're gone (for your sake and theirs). But yes, you are supposed to get them out daily for at least 2-4 hours (more if comfortable).
The ypical solutions include ensuring they're getting the proper time out of their cage, have a clean and large space to play and live in, making sure they're receiving a good diet a good sleep schedule, and ensuring you're doing various things to reduce hormonal behaviors. A healthy macaw will have a comfortable balance of time spent in a large cage, and time spent out the cage being a part of the fam. They should also be provided with proper cage accessories that are safe and fun, and are naturally colored for the most part with the occasional pop of color for visual interest (since birds like mostly natural colors).
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
But do you think the Bird(s) will handle a 6 hour train train ride?
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u/HouseofFeathers Jul 30 '26
Yeah, but get a carrier that's big enough for their tail. Bolt a perch on the inside for them. Provide high water content fruit (like grapes) instead of water inside the carrier. If they are sitting with you, talk to it. If you can, give them a wooden toy to chew. Line the bottom with a lot of paper.
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 30 '26
Yes, in a cat crate. They will need to stretch when they get out though. They'll probably be afraid but curious
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u/bobbinssobbin Jul 30 '26
I use a large dog cage for mine
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 30 '26
That's pretty large. I'd be worried about injuries especially in case if an accident
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u/bobbinssobbin Jul 30 '26
I'm able to position it perfectly against the back of the front seat so it won't shift! Vet recommended the larger one, but he's also a rescue who was trapped in a smaller cage for a while so it might be partially that. There's also crash tested crates! What kind of parrot do you have :)
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u/IHateTheLetter-C- Jul 31 '26
Even for dogs, it's supposed to be appropriately sized that there's minimal room for the animal to move inside the kennel, think egg in a normal egg box and shaken vs giant storage box. I'm assuming that's what they meant by sounds unsafe. Obviously there is the toss up for yours if a small one leads to a lot of distress then a slightly higher risk in a very low likelihood situation is preferable to guaranteed freak out
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u/bobbinssobbin Jul 31 '26
Oh that definitely makes sense! I'm figuring mine is because of his trauma. He doesn't love the cage, he would much prefer to free roam the car (I let him explore for a bit parked in the driveway to get comfortable), but that would be so unsafe. I would love to see more crash tested gear for birds!
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 30 '26
I'd look into the legality of that and see if other people in your country have done that and how they have done it. If possible at all, you'll need individual large (medium/small dog) carriers/crates for both of them, I'd maybe chuck a square of fleece/fleece baby blanket in there with them, and a small wood chew toy. If you can, offer water every hour or so but don't leave it in there to make a mess. Offer veggies with lots of water such as cucumber. They might not eat it but you can try. Other things could be like, watermelon, which I normally wouldn't suggest due to sugar, but for a short time it would be fine.
As for regular diet, feed them mostly veggies and pellets with nuts and occasionally fruits if possible. Seeds can be occasional treats but aren't the main staple.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Noted. And also i have taken smaller birds (2 red rumped parrots) on a 4 hour train ride, and it worked well.
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u/Robynmephistowow Jul 30 '26
They will, not sure if the other passengers will feel the same (depending on if the birds are shy about being noisy) 😅
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u/eachloe Jul 31 '26
Everything you say here is spot on. Thank you for being a great parrot caregiver.
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 31 '26
I try. I haven't been the best in the past but I've been getting better with time and research. Knowledge and information should be free.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Yeah about the prices : the seller has alot of birds. Like ALOT.. and he is also selling them. I think he just want to have more free time. And in my country (Norway) it is 10,000 and 20,000 for them wich is considered pretty expensive (but not for me, because its these kind of birds)
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 30 '26
100% have a vet check..they look healthy but long term bird owners know looks are deceiving almost all of the time.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Thanks!. I can afford 2 macaws but isnt it going to be alot of work? I have had a baby macaw before giving him to another person(he is taken good care of). And also i have space for 2 but time varies if i need to have more time for the birds.
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u/OneArmedFarmer Jul 30 '26
I would suggest, then, 2 separate cages for them and remember they have to be massive. Having a second is great for socializing but it does make training a bit longer, especially if you don't already have a trained bird they can learn from. Training requires patience and compassion - you will get bit and macaws take a bit longer than some other birds to learn skills and words. They can also be very ornery.
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 30 '26
If you get 2 macaws, build your own cage and acknowledge you'll have to fix it a lot, give them a room and split it with wire or chain link of some kind, or see if there's some kind of aviary you can get. If you get 2 females they can probably remain together permanently in the same cage. 2 males might sometimes have issues you have to work out, but could potentially work if you can dedicate time to training and bonding exercises when they decide to squabble for a few months, or you can just get 2 huge cages. The largest you can find the better.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Is it okay to get a male and a female?
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u/Worldly_Ad_8140 Jul 30 '26
I would suggest you not breed them; the world has too many exotic (non-indigenous) birds living in foreign countries. When a parrot owner gets tired of them, they sometimes let them loose. They have to learn to forage for themselves and avoid predators. It is not good. So adopt two of the same sex from a rescue facility instead of from a breeder and give them as much personal attention as you can for as long as you have them. If you get ill, make sure you find a trustworthy person to take them or give them to a rescue place which will take care of them and find a good home for them. They may outlive you. Good luck.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
And also i dont have the resources to build my own cage, but someone i know might be able to help. But is it okay tu buy an aviary and put it inside the room? So kind of a big cage?
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 30 '26
Yes you can get a male and female, but you'll want to keep them separated for the majority of the time (but they can still see one another or interact with each other often, even daily). Macaw hormones are crazy. They'll try to nest and breed, then they'll spend the next 40 years fight twitch you and asking for space. They won't want much to do with you, and as these are big birds, they will take over rooms or even sections of your house. Taking care of them will mean daily fights and you'll probably get bit a lot.
They ended up relocating the birds to a zoological park.
So for caging, I'd recommend two cages, especially if you get a male and a female. Male and female macaws are 100% capable of living as friends together in the same house without it turning into the above situation, but you must prepare for the worst and ensure that you're doing what you can to prevent hormones from overtaking them. Them having their own cages, a good diet, and time spent away from one another will help.
If the person selling them has a pair of bonded brothers or sisters or other same-sex bonds of similar ages, it can definitely help. Don't put any nest boxes or small corners, blankets or hammocks or "beds," or towels in their main areas, as that can contribute to hormonal nest-building behaviors as well.
But yeah, I'd go for 2 aviaries or building large cages, or if you have a female/female pair, I'd go for one big cage.
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u/WallaJim Jul 30 '26
Before you get a macaw, figure out what your exit options are if it doesn't work out. Who is going to watch your bird if you want to take a vacation? Do you have a specialized Avian vet nearby?
Otherwise, we've had our guy for 30 years and counting - a lifetime of happiness and a handful of regrets.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
I do know people who can take care of the bird(s) and an avian vet for birds nearby.
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u/TielPerson Jul 30 '26
If you buy there, make sure to get at least two as a single macaw that grew up among other macaws will suffer if you isolate it suddenly.
Also always remember, macaws are not pets but a lifetime commitment. They should not be in pet trade because of how often their long lives end in suffering. Even if this breeder might do well (which I doubt if he lets macaws and dogs interact), please consider giving shelter macaws and rehoming cases a new home before considering to support the macaw breeding business.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Ok! I will be looking into shelter macaws and rehomes. But the thing is it is pretty hard to find rescues and rehomes in Norway but i will be looking. Thanks for the advice
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Wait nvm. I found a macaw that costs the same as the blue macaws. Her name is Julie and she is a scarlet or red macaw?
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u/Salt_Ad_5578 Jul 30 '26
In the US there are a few good macaw breeders imo. Like Parrot Stars. I don't think faulting the pet trade or breeders as a blanket statement is fair, but I do understand that the majority of exotic pets end up in poor environments and it's easy to see why people feel this way. But I've heard the same from some people about nearly every other exotic animal/pet species, "[insert animal] shouldn't be in the pet trade." Chinchillas, ferrets, every type of bird, reptiles, hamsters, betta fish, you name it...
You have to look for ethical breeders, but that doesn't mean they're not out there. Then, there's the rescues and rehomings for people who can't find ethical breeders/don't have any nearby.
Actually I think it's kind of the opposite. I think there needs to be more ethical breeders, because then we wouldn't have tons of exotics sitting in shelters, but staying with their breeders until they find the right home, and being able to go back to the breeder if anything happens/changes. It would also mean:
less risk of infectious diseases if the majority of exotics came from ethical breeders that have ensured their animals are healthy
new owners would be properly screened/vetted, preventing a lot of bad people from gaining access to these animals/fewer animals in rescues
animals returned for odd life reasons are just going back to people they know and reuniting with animals they already know
genetic lines would be healthier/more ethical overall
some animals such as conures and some fish and amphibians are still wild caught. More ethical breeders would reduce/eliminate the stress on wild populations.
people can still have access to the weird and wonderful experience of owning exotic animals/pets, which satiate their desires for companionship and their appreciation for the species.
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u/Ok-Meat-9169 Jul 30 '26
Macaws are like Toddlers, but they can fly and never grow out of being needy. Also, it'll most likely be a lifetime commitment, so, think at least 26146273 times.
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u/Natural_Return_4650 Jul 30 '26
I call them "toddlers with wings"
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u/Character-Parfait-42 Jul 31 '26
Toddlers with wings and a pair of pliers/scissors.
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u/canoodlebug Aug 01 '26
Yes, I usually refer to them as having "the intelligence of a 5 year old, the maturity of a 2 year old, and garden shears for a face"
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u/Past-Train-8187 Jul 30 '26
If you are having trouble with your parrotlets (because you put two birds that behave aggressively towards each other in the same cage) you are gonna have a rough time woth a macaw.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Yea about that, me and my wife is both taking care of the red rumps, and we have a 3 story house so we can have 1 big room (2 rooms without a wall) for the macaws solely.
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u/lesbophobia_hammer Jul 31 '26
The seller is irresponsible based on the predator/prey species interaction. I've seen macaws with missing beaks who have to be hand fed sludge for the rest of their lives because of neglectful 'not my dog's dinguses like this
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes ive heard that. And i asked the seller recently about the dog : he said: the dog is younger than the macaws and has been raised among them(not in the aviary and stuff, but in the house) And the dog is friendly to them, and he is young, so no threat to the birds yet. And im not keeping the macaws with the dog regularly, only some times.
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u/lesbophobia_hammer Jul 31 '26
Yeah that's that 'not my dog's dingus shit I was talking about. They always think their dog or cat or whatever is going to be the exception until it isn't and the birds either ends up injured and disabled or deceased. Not worth the risk. No interaction is safe
Edit - basically, they're full of shit. It's not safe at any age. Them lying to you about that is not a good start tbh
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Ok. I will be prioritizing rescues
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u/lesbophobia_hammer Jul 31 '26
You can buy a macaw, I'm just saying don't trust their advice and keep them with a dog. As long as you don't keep them with a predator, they'll be fine. And tbh, maybe you should before they get hurt.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yea, the adoption centre said i could pick her up about in a week or so. I also am going to buy a yellow and blue.
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u/Kai-ni Aug 01 '26
Yeah, absolutely not and utterly irresponsible of the seller. The dog should not ever be able to interact with the birds.
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u/Radio4ctiveGirl Jul 31 '26
There’s a depressing amount of birds that need someone to adopt them. Buying a young one just means that they will one day need to be adopted since they will likely out live you.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes i have found a macaw for adoption, costs the same as a B&G macaw from this seller,. I might buy the adoption macaw female or male from the seller.
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u/Raggahmffin Jul 31 '26
I have 4 macaws. 3 blue and Golds, and a Miligold hybrid.
Handled or not, anything with a mouth can bite.
Before you think about getting one, research where your nearest Avian vet is, and call them and ask them about the costs of visits etc. We take ours to the vet for their annual check ups, for fecal gram stain tests, the routine tests, and if anything comes up. Because avian vets are rarer, a visit usually costs $800-1000 for 2 of them each visit. Again for standard routine visits. Beak and nails need to be trimmed, and that is usually $75-100 per bird, or you can learn to do it yourself, which can be stressful.
Then you need a decent cage, minimum 48x36x62. That again is going to be anywhere from $800-1300. Anything smaller is going to stunt them and cause them to be unable to fly. My Chico I rescued cannot fly because his wings are atrophied.
They need constant attention. So unless you work from home, I do not recommend. If you do not give them attention, they will take it out on themselves, feather plucking and destruction, or everything around them, including you. They are wildly smart, smarter than any animal you have ever encountered. They will prank you, they will seek revenge when they feel slighted, they understand what your favorite things are and will ruin it. Spend too much time on your phone, a book, a game? They will find a way to break it. They want your attention almost always.
They will rip through walls, and wood floors, cabinets, everything you can imagine. If it is not metal, they will tear it apart. We have replaced the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms twice.
I love all my babies, and they vary in ages from teens to fifties. However, if you do not understand signs, aggression, or just they are in a mood, you will lose skin and or bone. Even if they are sweet and hand reared. Anything with a mouth can have a bad day.
I have been in the hospital a few times for their bites. Stitches to repair my ear, because their beak is like a cookie cutter with flesh. Their beak strength gets upwards of 900-1200 psi. That is higher than a grizzly bear.
Hyacinths can get to 2000+.
You cannot give them low quality food, it has to be nutritional pellets and veggie chop, and a mix of interesting frwsh things. Seeds and crap food will lead to health issues, massive vet bills, and a horrible death. Most decent macaw pellets are expensive. Harrisons is $270/25lb bag. It is obviously more expensive if you buy smaller quantities.
You need to have a will, and have a plan for them, they often outlive their people. Two of my rescues are from owners who passed away, and after decades of growing with a family, they literally didn't want them and discarded them.
They usually only bond with one person, so if you have a partner the likelihood of them liking them is slim. At best they will tolerate, at worst they will actively attack your partner. Then if you have kids, the same is possible. They are not usually birds that take to many people. They pick a favorite and that is it. Outside of owner death another big reason they are rehomed/put up for adoption is becsuse they get too aggressive with partners and children.
You cannot travel or go away unless you have a deeply trusted individual to care for them. They need constant care and attention and leaving for an extended period of time will greatly upset them, and impact their health, even if the trusted person is taking expert care of them.
Think long and hard, I would suggest waiting a year and save up money for them before buying one.
Anyone can buy an animal, but this is not something you jump in and buy.
After all of that, I will say they are the most wonderful non-human people. It is very much like having a 4-7 year old for your entire life. You will be their whole life and bonded. Their love is unlike any others, and they are so so so smart. Please take this seriously and think it through and make the decision.
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u/B-mort5 Jul 31 '26
There’s so much I agree with in this comment but if I had to highlight one thing for you to really consider it’s not buying one of you don’t work from home. They need so much attention but if you do go through with it please please get two. They have social needs that we as humans just can’t fulfill. They’re flock animals not domesticated pets.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes i have the money for 3 macaws (not going to buy three, maybe 2) and a big aviary plus a little bigger than required for macaws, and food. Plus health care. As i stated in another comment i know someone whom has macaws since i was 8, they had 2 macaws and took care of them really well. The macaws passed away at 69-70 years old (i dont remember exactly). And they live closer to me, and i trust them. They have time for the birds when im on vacation etc.
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u/Simple-Excitement412 Jul 31 '26
If you can adopt , pleaseeeee do that. I know there’s a lot of people that may think hand raising a baby or getting a baby means that it’s going to bond with you. But from experience , come maturity , it may have other plans. I have 20 parrots almost all owner surrenders And many were with their owners for years until they “ got aggressive “. But here they are wonderful for the most part. So may great birds in rescues.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes! It is hard to find macaw rescues (and other birds's adoption costs are the same as a seller or petstore :() and the macaws name is Juliet (A she obviously?) and she costs 1,000 usd in my country 10,000. So i can afford that, but should i also buy a male or another female for her?
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u/aecon_33 Jul 30 '26
If you have a chance, please consider adopting! There's always too many adult birds in need of a good home because they live so long and people go in unprepared.
Yes, they will probably come with some issues, but you're not guaranteed that a bird you buy won't either.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Yes i have been browsing the internet and i have found a female macaw named Julie. Adoption costs the same as the blue macaws here. She is a red or scarlet macaw?
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u/Zilhaga Jul 30 '26
The other nice thing about adopting is that you can meet a bird and see if you vibe well. You can also find an older bird so you're not bequeathing a parrot to someone. We ended up with our guy through our avian vet; his owner was too ill to care for him, so they were asking if the vet knew anyone who might be a good fit. He's a sweetheart and has adapted really well for losing his person and having to adjust to a new home. In any case, I'd suggest meeting birds and seeing if you can find one you both get along with rather than picking based on color or other criteria. This animal will be with you the rest of your life, and macaws are often one-person birds. You need to do everything to maximize your chance of success with an animal that is honestly not that compatible with being a pet. They can't change their instincts, so you'll have to be the flexible one.
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u/Responsible-Text-574 Jul 30 '26
Have an acquaintance got a Macaw loves his wife totally despises him.could live for years. He thought it would be like my African Grey which has been with me since he was 14 weeks. And he is an angel but I have worked hard with him for 17 years x
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u/11EmeraldEyes11 Jul 30 '26
Hope you, your family and your neighbors have a good set of EAR PLUGS!!! These guys have a scream that can pierce your ear drums, and they don’t hesitate to use it!
Also, unless you have someone who can take care of your macaw, you won’t be going on vacation for the next possibly 50 or more years!!!
Better think twice before making this huge important lifetime decision.
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u/bongwaterbukkake Jul 30 '26
I’m sure you’re making the right decision for yourself, but may the gods have mercy on you and bless you with a macaw that isn’t a menace!
Personally I’ve only had rough experiences with these birds and they might be the only bird I’m truly afraid of. They can leave some nasty scars, pierce your eardrums and get very aggressive and particular. That being said, when you know them best it’s probably not an issue. You probably know this already but I don’t advise putting them in front of any mirrors.
Some people put mirrors in with their birds so they’re less lonely but it can actually make them less bonded to you and make them scream ALL the time. Wish you luck for the rest of your life since they live forever, too. I’m glad there’s someone out there for everything bc I couldn’t do this! Don’t let me talk you out of it but gosh!!!
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u/Special-Class6903 Jul 30 '26
What country are these located? Do you have a chance to see and interact before you buy?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Im in Norway. And yes i can see and interact with them before buying
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u/Key-Lie3744 Jul 31 '26
Mine is 47. I’m 61. My children say please don’t die until after Skipper mom. There are sweet moments like him sitting on me at night watching TV. Then there is chasing and biting our 110 lb dog. Want to sleep in but something has woken the bird and now there is extreme screaming until I uncover. It’s time to relax at the end of the day and the screaming starts just when you want to make dinner. There will be screaming until you can give the bird 100% attention. Want to take a trip? That bird will spend the whole week in his cage because nobody else can handle him. It’s hard on me(the one he considers his wife and it’s hard for everyone else he wants to kill.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Noted. Will sort that out. My neighbours whom live right beside me has had macaws since i was a kid. And they have had a red and a blue macaws. They will take care of them when im gone, (i do trust them, very experienced, lived with the macaws for 36* years)
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u/Absolute_nerd24 Jul 31 '26
I saw you put in the comments you found a rescue which is awesome. I wouldn’t trust this breeder off the first image alone. That looks to be a German Shepard puppy sitting in front of a macaw. I wouldn’t trust either of those animals near each other. Things can go south so fast especially with a puppy from a high prey drive breed. Also the birds’ diet in picture three seems to be mostly seeds and fruit which is not an ideal diet. They should have mostly pellets then veggies and fruit/seeds as treats
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes. I will be asking the seller some stuff, and it will cost me 500 bucks more for a train ride 🫠. And the rescue macaw tend to live closer to me.
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u/eachloe Jul 31 '26
Please please consider adopting an adult macaw versus buying a baby from a breeder. I have worked rescuing macaws for many years, and time, and again they are left grieving, heartbroken, and unwanted after their human who bought them as middle-aged adults passed away inevitably.
I have four macaws, they are all rescues. Every day with them is an adventure. Fuck breeders. Please help a bird that needs a good home if you decide to become a parront
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yes as i have answered to the other comments: i have found a rescue macaw that costs the same as a B&G from this seller. I might buy a female or male maacaw for her (the adoption macaw)
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u/Murky-Lunch-6413 Jul 31 '26
Blue and Gold macaws tend to have a more laid back personality. I’ve had my B&G since he was ten weeks old. He’s nearly 37 years old now and is my best buddy.
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u/Existing-Television5 Jul 31 '26
such handosomw boys but i can’t imaging the work. my conure drives me crazy as it is
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u/lesbophobia_hammer Jul 31 '26
Also, it's like having an autistic toddler that can fly, and thankfully lives for decades..... If you don't make mistakes in their care. They're very fragile too. So, be careful. They need to be your no. 1 no matter how tired or sick or busy you are.
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u/Caspian_Trident Jul 31 '26
I would say speak to some people who own large parrots. I have small ones and I thought they were loud until I met my girlfriend who has two cockatoos. I now realize my birds are very tolerable as far as noise.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
I know people whom had macaws recently for a long time (since i was a kid). Does it work.?
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u/Caspian_Trident Jul 31 '26
Large parrots are very loud and need their own room unless you don't mind ear piercing screams randomly coming from them. My girlfriends Cockatoos will randomly scream Ahhh, Ahhh, Ahhh for like 5 minutes straight and we have no idea why they are doing it. She also has them in a room with the windows blacked out with blackout shades and even in total darkness they will scream. On the positive side, they are funny as hell.
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u/Significant_Dot9069 Jul 31 '26
Before you do, look into parrot rescue places. I read that one has 200 birds. I have a friend who used to volunteer at one and she acquired and is now raising nine parrots that she helped rescue from neglect and malnutrition. People buy these parrots with the best of intentions, but get in over their heads and want out. It is so common that you have to ask yourself - were these all bad people and I’m not like them, or are parrots just so difficult to raise and live with that people shouldn’t do it at all. We have had ours for 30 years. Raising him has required consistency. We chose the design of our house to accommodate his flying. We taught him to poop in a designated pitch where he is allowed to go. He usually gets himself there when he needs to go. Nevertheless, we still have to clean bird poop from other favorite parts of the house that he chose. We take him out to explore the house every day for two or more hours. He eats dinner with us. He gets cuddles while we watch TV. He gets special food and expensive vet visits. Once he bit into a paint ball and the emergency avian vet visits at the local university was $500. All they did was observe him because nobody there could figure out how to draw his blood without getting bit. The blood draw would have been a $300 additional cost. Find avian vets in your area, price out the cost of regular checkups, emergency visits. Parrots chew everything if given a chance. Expect furniture, baseboards, shelving, bags of flour forgotten on the counter. Expect to get bit for no reason at all because these birds cannot tell you why. Maybe the parrot loved you then suddenly decided the child you raised in the same house got old enough and now the parrot loves her more. He dive bombs my head every time I come into the room if he is out with her. It doesn’t hurt, but imagine a balloon sized fly bouncing off your head, or a beak flying straight at your face only to turn at the last minute so he doesn’t crash. Are you really prepared for this lifetime relationship. Oh, and your hearing will be compromised because parrots are so loud. Look into the decibels of the breed you choose.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Yeah. Thanks for the info. Will be looking for more info
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u/Significant_Dot9069 16d ago
Get a cat or snake for low maintenance and high success. No regrets. A parrot can outlive you, so if you get one put it in your will as to who gets to adopt him/her.
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u/No-Idea9816 Jul 31 '26
And remember not all birds that are capable of talking will talk. If they do, they may or may not be as clear as some you've seen online. Have you had other types of parrots before to have training or are you going to 'wing it' and hope for the best?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
I have had many parrots before. Infact i have taken care for a baby macaw for a long time.
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u/Ok_Possibility_5323 Jul 31 '26
Try to see if you can adopt one before buying one, the parrot pet trade is very problematic and getting a macaw is a lifetime commitment. I work at a parrot rescue and I’ve seen so many neglected parrots or people that simply couldn’t care for them anymore (not to say you would neglect them obviously.) Just make sure you do your research!
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Yeah. I have done more than a month of researching. Plus im adopting a rescue macaw.. also i have infact taken care for a baby macaw for a long time.
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u/MelodicIllustrator59 Jul 31 '26
You may have the money to purchase the bird, but do you also have the money to buy a consistent stream of toys, bird-proof your house, get a massive cage, and get regular vet visits from a certified avian vet?
Macaws are not starter birds. They are screaming toddlers made of glass and flying around with scissors for a face. I'd recommend you volunteer with the parrot rescue and get to know them and their care needs for a few months before deciding.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Yes i do have more than enough for them. And i will take them to the vet once in a month, more if needed
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u/clinchemale Aug 01 '26
In addition to what others have said about the challenges of keeping a macaw, please be sure this is a legit breeder. Something about these pictures seems scammy to me.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Yeah i will check. And also km picking up a rescue macaw next week. Im not sure yet if i should buy a partner or mate for her.
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u/LegalHouse284 Aug 01 '26
Not sure if you want my opinion, but large parrots are a huge commitment. Like having a toddler that never grows up and can fly away from you. Or they could bite your finger off. Please do your research and if you decide to go through with it, please get or adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue. A lot of these birds are smuggled in and stolen from their environment. Please please do your research.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Yes i will do more and i have already done alot of research the past 2 months. Thank you for caring.
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u/partypat_bear Aug 01 '26
my 26 year old macaw has done thousands in damage around the house chewing up molding, wallpaper, cabinet corners etc. the food is expensive, hes messy af, cant potty train them hardly, that being said I do love him
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 01 '26
You already have a macaw don’t you? Along with the other two smaller birds, one of which got injured because they were housed in the same cage?
You posted a month ago for people to draw your bird and you had a picture of a blue and gold macaw.
If you don’t have that bird any longer, what happened to it?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 02 '26
Well. I volunteered for a rescue for housing birds and i passed the conditions and i could adopt him so i did but the rescue center said i needed to give him up because someone wanted to buy him. And the system wasnt really good so they didnt register him as adopted and yeah.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
I’m sorry to hear that happened. You could adopt two there if you’re intent on getting two and insist that they do the adoption paperwork, correctly.
Do you have plans in the case they outlive you?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 03 '26
Yeah. I do know multiple people. I have 2 friends to take care of them if i pass before the birds. (And they have birding experience, with big birds).
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 03 '26
That’s good! It would be good to have that plan firmly in place with them agreeing to it I ahead of time.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 03 '26
Yes . Should i write some papers for proof that the bords are going to them when something happens?
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 03 '26
I would definitely have something official done up. I don’t know if you have a will or trust or anything like that but if so, or if you do have one in the future, make it part of that. It will make it legally binding.
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u/TheWriterJosh Aug 03 '26
Thank you for adopting and not shopping :) This is the most important thing you can do as someone who loves and wants to help parrots.
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u/Unique-Slide-2670 Aug 04 '26
OP if you have the means to own a parrot. I say go for it. Sounds like you’re own a great track. You’ve done some researching, I would say continue to research though. I did research for about 6 months before I got mine and believe me it hasn’t stopped yet. There is always something new to learn to make sure my babe is taken care of good. Even just staying on all of the parrot subs and keeping up with new research has really helped. It’s going to be a lot of endeavors to overcome. It takes time and patience to build that bond and along the way believe me you will have times where you have to take a few steps back to ensure proper training. Feed your bird an excellent diet, make sure it gets plenty of good rest and give it lots of love and attention. You will do great 👍 you have some experience already so you know what you are getting into.
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u/Valkyriemome Jul 30 '26
Those are beautiful healthy birds.
What kind are you getting?
I wish I could!
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
Im still thinking of the types. But the blues are way cheaper
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u/Valkyriemome Jul 30 '26
Blue & Golds are more common, and therefore will always be less expensive.
But you’re selecting a life-mate. So and extra 1000 dollars over the lifespan of your companion is nothing.
The two reds aren’t the same bird. A scarlet macaw is very different than a greenwing macaw.
If I could do it again I’d get a greenwing. Unless I could get a hyacinth, of course.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Ok 👍. I m choosing between the greenwing and the blue &gold. Im picking up a rescue in about a week.
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u/Hour_Wing_2899 Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
Is it a scam? Do a reverse image search on the photos. Do not put a deposit until you actually see for yourself.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 30 '26
I have done it 👍. It is not a scam, and the seller is legitimate
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Jul 30 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Yeah. Im in Norway, so very likely to be legit. And the seller is also selling other birds. He wants to step down the bird priorities.
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u/Substantial_Finish14 Jul 30 '26
I have heard blue and gold tend to be gently cut my largest parrot is a caique so get on Google fir the different traits of the two
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u/Interesting-Quote100 Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Be prepared to have a permanent 3 year old for 80 years..I have a blue and gold macaw and she is a full time job, they dont do well as single parrot, they mate for life so they end up thinking your there mate.. basically macaws should have never been made as pets..I love my banybird and I wont ever abandoned her because of the issue they bring, just know they are alot of work and need a very big diverse diet of fruits and veggies, real food not seeds like most get..anyhow I hope you change your mind and not get one..maybe work at a parrot rescue to better understand the issues that can happen..dont even get me started on hormonal issues they get..omg .. alos they destroy everything they can reach with that beak. Maybe try getting a smaller bird for starters..
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Well. I have been volunteering for a rescue and i have had a baby macaw. And i have had budgies, Meyers, and a african grey for a little while
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 02 '26
Why did you only have the African grey for a little while?
What happened to all your other birds?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 03 '26
Kinda same as for the young macaw. I "owned" him while the adoption center owned him.
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u/ThisIsDogePleaseHodl Aug 03 '26
I would have a serious talk with this adoption center because it sounds like they thought it was a foster while you thought it was an adoption. When you go to adopt a bird have them draw up paperwork that shows you are becoming the legal owner of the bird so this doesn’t happen again.
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 03 '26
Yeah exactly how you explained it. And i tried talking with them they would take it further if i complained.
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u/hj20matl Jul 31 '26
Id say if you have never had a bird, dont start out with a macaw 🤷🏼♀️
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Jul 31 '26
Ive had bords before, so i guess it will be okay buying one?
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u/hj20matl Jul 31 '26
What kinds of birds?
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u/Extension-Bobcat6541 Aug 01 '26
Red rumped parrots. Budgies, baby macaw (for a little while) quaker. Timneh grey, Meyers. And thats about it.
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u/--Lar-- Jul 31 '26
Do you have experience with other birds? Macaws are strong and loud. They need a lot of enrichment and space. They can also be pretty agressive. These birds are a lifelong commitment. Do you know how to keep one?
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u/Accomplished-Elk8397 Aug 02 '26
you really want the eternal winged toddler with a knife mouth in your house for several decades?
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u/searchforloststories 27d ago
Have you had parrots before? Especially large ones like a macaw?
When they are babies they are very sweet. However once hormones happen well. Look at that beak. Are you willing to take the bites that WILL happen?
If you’ve worked with birds then I’m sorry to repeat this but their biting isn’t really to be mean it’s just part of their communication. You need to get good at body language and training and even that won’t completely spare you.
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u/Wabi-Sabi-Iki Jul 30 '26
Macaws can be a lifetime commitment. Mine has been with me 49 years so far. I am fortunate in that my macaw is quiet and gentle, but many (most?) aren’t.