I'm thinking about getting a macaw within the next year and 1/2, probably a chestnut-fronted (severe) or blue and gold, and wanted to see who else has them. I'm not a first time bird owner, I've always had some sort of bird when I was younger, and I currently I pet sit a 17 year old african grey who is convinced he's a human. I guess I'm mainly curious about what size cage I'll need, and what sort of things I'm going to need to look out for as far as care and training go.
Any macaw owners out there?
- Thread starter Jolseen
- Start date
I had an awesome miligold macaw that I really miss but I live in a one bedroom apt and it was not working out for her. I think if she had her own room, it would have been fine. They are as sensitive as 2 year olds and will throw tantrums like them too so be ready for that. Also don't expect to keep you hearing for long, they are deafening. Overall though, they are excellent birds and very loving. My Maya was absolutely adorable and loved to play with me and never bit or screamed when I was with her but as soon as I left the room, she would freak out and pitch a fit for about 10 minutes before quieting down. Again, I would still have her if I was not in an apartment. I miss her very much. Just dont make the mistake I did and be sure that you are ready for one.
Imagine giving a hyperactive 2 year old one of those compressed air horns and you have no ability to take it away from him.
I have a green wing... well... no.. my moms bf has a green wing... if it was mine he would be well behaved...
You cannot let them get away with things. They make great wonderful social pets if you train them right. Pitching a fit inside the cage till you get him out... and you ALWAYS get him out... will not work.
Ideally the cage should be in it's own room with little traffic so the bird has a quiet place to go for some alone time or to sleep at night. also so you have a place to put him when he's acting up... because he will want to be out with the people and putting him away for bad behavior will help to train him. It is the same thing as a dog and it's crate or a child and it's room.
But because they are social you should have a perch or play gym style thing out in a high traffic area where he can be out and spend time with the family on a daily basis.
One note... a macaw proof cage is only macaw proof when the bird is behaved... we have a cage that was a couple thousand dollars and he has broken bars out of it... but this is due to behavioral issues.... because he is used to getting his way so when he doesn't (when moms bf isn't home) he throws a fit and destroys things.
They will generally destroy things anyways.... but when they do it's is, ironically, in a more productive way... because it is a positive thing to destroy toys...that is what they are there for..to keep em busy when you aren't around. Thats another thing....be ready to spend a fortune on toys...the ones strong enough for macaws are expensive... and they never last very long.... go ahead and splurge on the $40 toy that has huge wooden blocks and such...that is the only type of toy we have had that remains for more than a few weeks lol.
Socialize it as much as you can with as many people as you can... chances are he will still get attached to the primary care giver but if he is exposed to many different people on a regular basis he will at least not be aggressive towards others which is a big plus with a bird that can potentially take fingers off....
do not yell..... yelling is a game to them and it does absolutely nothing to stop unwanted behavior.
The same goes for hitting...this isn't a game but hitting is a big no-no with training birds. it will only make them fear you which will in turn make them aggressive and nuerotic.
um... if I think of anything I'll go ahead and post it here....
Just be sure to do lots and lots of research. They are expensive, messy animals with a mind of their own and they are intentional *******s when they feel like it.
BUT they can be loving, adoring and entertaining animals in capable hands.
Always know what you are getting into to.
You cannot let them get away with things. They make great wonderful social pets if you train them right. Pitching a fit inside the cage till you get him out... and you ALWAYS get him out... will not work.
Ideally the cage should be in it's own room with little traffic so the bird has a quiet place to go for some alone time or to sleep at night. also so you have a place to put him when he's acting up... because he will want to be out with the people and putting him away for bad behavior will help to train him. It is the same thing as a dog and it's crate or a child and it's room.
But because they are social you should have a perch or play gym style thing out in a high traffic area where he can be out and spend time with the family on a daily basis.
One note... a macaw proof cage is only macaw proof when the bird is behaved... we have a cage that was a couple thousand dollars and he has broken bars out of it... but this is due to behavioral issues.... because he is used to getting his way so when he doesn't (when moms bf isn't home) he throws a fit and destroys things.
They will generally destroy things anyways.... but when they do it's is, ironically, in a more productive way... because it is a positive thing to destroy toys...that is what they are there for..to keep em busy when you aren't around. Thats another thing....be ready to spend a fortune on toys...the ones strong enough for macaws are expensive... and they never last very long.... go ahead and splurge on the $40 toy that has huge wooden blocks and such...that is the only type of toy we have had that remains for more than a few weeks lol.
Socialize it as much as you can with as many people as you can... chances are he will still get attached to the primary care giver but if he is exposed to many different people on a regular basis he will at least not be aggressive towards others which is a big plus with a bird that can potentially take fingers off....
do not yell..... yelling is a game to them and it does absolutely nothing to stop unwanted behavior.
The same goes for hitting...this isn't a game but hitting is a big no-no with training birds. it will only make them fear you which will in turn make them aggressive and nuerotic.
um... if I think of anything I'll go ahead and post it here....
Just be sure to do lots and lots of research. They are expensive, messy animals with a mind of their own and they are intentional *******s when they feel like it.
BUT they can be loving, adoring and entertaining animals in capable hands.
Always know what you are getting into to.
