Backyard free range

voodoochild · Sep 14, 2012

I posted this in the macaw forum but then realized it would be better suited here.

Last year my wife and I went to Peru. In Puerto Maldonado we stayed at a jungle resort on a river. There they had pet macaws and amazons. They could fly but chose to stay for the food. They were very tame.

I'm wondering if anyone allows this in their home but with clipped wings. Their birds would fly off and join other flocks occasionally so I would definitely clip the wings. I have a secure PVC fence and I have redfoot tortoises free ranging in my backyard.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

triordan · Sep 14, 2012

Many people do the "no cage" thing if that is what you are talking about, I can't because of the dogs, but he is out of his cage whenever possible!

JerseyWendy · Sep 14, 2012

I take all my birds outside whenever possible for sunlight, but only under super close supervision due to birds of prey. Hawks wouldn't hesitate to grab one of them.

voodoochild · Sep 14, 2012

But would they take a large parrot like a macaw?

JerseyWendy · Sep 14, 2012

I honestly don't know. I've heard stories about large hawks and eagles grabbing small dogs, so I wouldn't chance it.

4theBirds · Sep 14, 2012

You didn't say where you live. In Montana, there are several species of large raptors, including eagles. A macaw in flight might be a nice snack. Certain species of hawk stun their prey in mid-air; then once on the ground they go in for the kill.

There are a number of Flight Suits and Harnesses which allow your Macaw to fly, but you still have control.

DebsFlock · Sep 14, 2012

Birds get stolen, too, I fear. Free ranging outside is not something I'd do, the risk would be way to great for me to take! I'm thinking of getting some chickens and even they will/would be penned in runs, possibly moveable runs. But we've seen a golden eagle in our back yard and watched hawks take quail from there.

voodoochild · Sep 14, 2012

I'm in Tampa FL. Theft is a concern but what can you really do? It would be just as easy to take it out of a cage. I keep a lock on my fence and have security camera though. So it sounds like hawks would be the biggest threat. I've never seen really large hawks here but I don't know if they could wrestle down a large parrot or not. Pry be a challenge.

Molcan2 · Sep 14, 2012

Hmmm, i saw your post and responded under the one you put in the macaw section, check my response therr, it might be helpful to you.

henpecked · Sep 15, 2012

I'm just south of you,south side of tampa bay, hawks and eagles are a very real problem here, them and the owls do get the chickens so a macaw wouldn't be a safe.

Mare Miller · Sep 15, 2012

I think a flighted bird would be more safe, out in the open, than a clipped bird. That would require recall training and a special bond between you and your bird.

My umbrella cockatoo lives, mostly, outside and there is always a fear of predators grabbing him but because he can fly, I feel his chances for escape are better. His personality is such, that he would be a tough customer for most hawks!

OtterKin · Sep 15, 2012

You could always put up aviary netting over your whole yard and sides.

Backyard free range

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Pet Sitting trade- anybody in Tallahassee, FL?

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