Macaws can provide a lifetime of feathered friendship.If you have spent time learning about parrots and have decided to get a macaw, the next step is to narrow down a species.You can choose from a range of sizes, colors and personality.Once you have chosen a species, evaluate the health and personality of individual birds and look for breeders or pet stores with clean, humane conditions.
Step 1: The Blue and Gold Macaw is fairly inexpensive.
Blue and Gold Macaws are easy to find and inexpensive.They can grow up to 36 inches from beak to tail and are part of the macaw family.Like all macaws, they require a lot of attention and are high maintenance.They can still cost thousands of dollars, even though they are less expensive than other species.
Step 2: The Green-winged Macaw is a more tamer one.
The gentle giants of the macaw family are known as the Green-winged Macaws.They require a lot of space because they are larger than Blue and Golds.It's better for these and other large parrot species to use an entire room as an enclosure instead of a cage.If you, members of your household, or your neighbors are sensitive to noise, acquiring a green-winged Macaw might not be the best choice.
Step 3: If you are an experienced bird owner, you should choose a Scarlet Macaw.
The scarlet Macaws don't like small children and are more aggressive than other species.It takes a lot of experience with large birds to keep a pet.The scarlet macaws get meaner with age.With powerful beaks that can snap a broomstick in half, lots of training is needed to prevent potentially dangerous aggressive behavior.
Step 4: There is a smaller, more manageable species that you can look for.
The mini-macaws are popular because of their size.They are a fraction of the size of their larger cousins.They are manageable and less demanding than larger members of the family.They are prone to aggression and feather plucking.Helping to prevent behavioral issues by providing lots of space, toys, and opportunities will help.
Step 5: Take the costs into account.
When selecting a macaw species, cost is an important consideration.The price of Blue and Golds can range from $1,000 to 2,000 in the U.S., but rare species can cost up to $12,000.In addition to being prepared to pay thousands just to purchase a macaw, keep in mind its enclosure, toys, food, veterinary care, and other expenses can add up to thousands more.It costs an average of $1,275 per year to care for a large parrot.Make sure you have enough money to pay a vet that specializes in birds.The best care for your bird will be provided by an avian specialist.
Step 6: Make sure your eyes are bright.
Look for eyes that are alert and bright.The eyes should not be wet.Adult birds should be active and alert during the day and around people at night.
Step 7: Clean, healthy feathers should be looked for.
A healthy macaw has bright, shiny feathers.Black lines are a sign of stress.There should be no dirt or droppings in the feathers.Younger birds with long tails can have broken tail feathers.A macaw can take up to two years to learn how to manage its long tail with pride.
Step 8: Observe breathing and behavior
Someone should hold the bird so it flaps its wings.Look at how it responds to this exercise and observe its breathing.It might breathe quickly at first, but it should slow down after a while.You should not be able to hear wheezing or other noises.It might have respiratory issues if its tail feathers bob up and down with its breaths.
Step 9: Choose a bird that is more trainable.
Older birds are more difficult to tame and socialize.While an older bird might not socialize well, you can acclimate a younger bird to your friends and family.If you want a younger bird, make sure it is weaned.If you want to bond with your bird better, you should hand feed it and wean it yourself.It takes years to master these processes.
Step 10: Ensure your bird isn't caught in the wild by finding a breeder.
If you want to purchase a bird that is raised in a humane way, you need to find a breeder in your area.Selling or trading wild-caught birds is against the law for all macaw species.Buying from a breeder will help prevent illegal trade.Ask a local vet for a referral to a good breeder.Don't buy a macaw online.You don't know anything about how it was raised, its health, or its status as a captive-bred or wild-caught animal.
Step 11: There are well maintained facilities.
The facilities of a pet store should be cleaned daily.Food and water bowls should be changed several times a day, and you shouldn't see excessive amounts of droppings.Visitors are not allowed to enter the enclosure to protect the birds from diseases.They should provide a viewing window or photographs of their facility.A good breeder will ask a lot of questions to see if you're a good fit for their birds.If they don't, that could be a sign that they're not good breeders.
Step 12: Ask for a guarantee of health.
If you have a health problem with your macaw, they should allow you to return it within a certain period of time.If you can't get a health guarantee from a store, look for another vendor.
Step 13: There are pros and cons to adoption.
macaws are often abandoned by their owners.They can outlive people since they're so long-lived.There are macaws available for adoption at a local animal shelter.It is admirable to rescue a macaw, but neglected or abused parrots can be very demanding.If you don't have a lot of experience with parrots, it's best to start with a younger bird.