What is it like to live with a macaw?

[Shelby]

I've always been interested in learning about different species of birds, even if I know I will never own that species of bird. Mostly I liked reading about the smaller species. My best friend had a cockatiel (I say "had" because he recently died from injuries sustained during a night fright ) and I saw what it was like to live with a small parrot by visiting her. But lately I have been watching lots of videos of macaws and I am quite curious about them now.

I was just wondering if any of you who own macaws (especially flighted macaws and the larger species) could share your experiences and tell me what it is like to live with such a large bird? Keep in mind that I'm not planning on actually owning one. I'm just curious, because it seems like they are quite popular but I've never been able to meet one.

Thanks!

[Pajarita]

I had two, a B&G and a BT, both were rescues and aggressive because they came from bad situations (one of them had lived for 8 months in a small dog crate in a corridor with not a singe perch in it) so my experiences are not what you would call 'typical' although both of them were relatively easy to rehabilitate and switch to a better diet (well, compared to other birds) but, for what I have read and heard, it depends on the species because although they are all late risers and bond very deeply with humans, some are very laid back and some are not.

[Nir]

what happened to your macaws? do you still have them?

[GreenWing]

I agree with Pajarita. I've never owned a Macaw personally, but I do know they're smart and sensitive, and won't be happy unless they feel bonded to its flock. They need a lot of interaction and stimulation.

[Pajarita]

what happened to your macaws? do you still have them?

No, they were rehomed and still live in their respective homes very happily. I don't have enough room for a macaw (they require flight rooms of more than 30 ft in length) and I will not keep an animal I cannot provide a good home for...

[Cedardave]

Well,Im new to this board but I will put in my two cents anyway.we have several macaws.To be more specific 8...as well as a variety of other parrots.We breed alot of them...everyone has there opinion on breed or adopt...another thread.For us all our birds are an important part of our family.Although the macaws are the largest of the bunch, they can also be the sweetest.They each have their specific personalities,like any other pet.The biggest thing I find with them is they are amazingly strong and incredibly smart.One our guys can almost disassemble himself out of his cage.I mean litterally take parts of his cage apart.Its not a crummy cheap cage....he just loves the challenge.I am forever tightening things up.As for those that feel its wrong to have macaws or any other birds flighted but in areas they cant fly for distance...I agree.However,most people who want the companionship of these birds or for those who just want to say Ive got one of those are unable to offer much more than the biggest cage they can get and all the love they have to give.Of course meeting all the nutritional needs etc must be in place.I seem to have strayed from the question.Bottom line is my macaws are my family.They give back to me each day,make me laugh and each day we grow together.

[Nir]

i personally doubt i can ever coexist with a macaw. they are just too loud and 2 big for me. i would never have a home big enough to accomodate a flighted macaw. biggest i would ever go is the size of a african grey or cape.

[Shelby]

Thanks for the replies!

I have heard that they are gentler than some other species as far as biting tendencies (for instance, I often hear about how GCCs can be quite nippy). For those of you who have macaws, do you think this is true? From pictures and videos, macaw beaks definitely seem like they would be intimidating in person. Cockatoos (my aunt had a sulfur crested a while ago) can be pretty crazy and have such fast mood swings that I would never trust myself to be able to avoid a bite from one and those beaks can definitely cause damage... Are macaws generally more emotionally stable and/or give more warning before bites?

[terri]

Hi Shelby ,at my house the nips that hurt the worst is my conures!! Is not that their being mean [I just read somewhere its because their so excited] I think its the shape of their beaks .My Macaw [and my friends that have them ] have similar experiences. If your lucky enough to have one bond to you [their love is like no other] . My macaw [is pretty easy] . I spent the time training her [and include her in our family life . Shes happy ,not that loud , [like you would think]. Macaws are bluffers . So your confidence is a must [you need to be around some].Once they know your not going to be intimidated .They are easy to read. Not a moody bird . I absolutely love them!!