I'm 13 and very into birds and have been researching parrots a lot. Especially macaws. I know the requirements and I know they can live up to a 100 years. I know that they can bite and I know how serious it can be. I know that they make TONS of noise. I've found a good breeder in my area. I've read good things about both species. I can't make up my mind so I would like to ask experienced bird lovers about which one would be better for my family. I have younger siblings but they wouldn't interact with the bird if I wasn't there. Please don't rant on and on about how I'm not ready. I just would like some good stories or some bad ones about each and a little bit of input for each species. Thanks to everyone.

The only thing I ask you to consider about your age is if you plan on going to college, a lot of college's barely allow fish. So PLEASE keep that in mind when getting a pet, especially a long lived one like a parrot.


Experience: Parrot in college. Junior in college. Have own apartment off campus lol

Other than that, everyone here, especially the macaw owners are fantastic, I'm sure one will respond to you soon

I'm not trying to rant about how you aren't ready, but do you have any prior bird experience, like what other pet birds have you had?

__________________
You will always be in my heart Buddy! http://www.kiwimacaw.com

And if you do see the breeders, just check out the personalities of the birds, because both macaws are almost the same, the only big difference is the color!

__________________
You will always be in my heart Buddy! http://www.kiwimacaw.com

You need to have prior bird experience before getting a large intimidating bird like a Macaw. I also would prefer to see a post like this from your parents who I hope is fully on board with this. Unfortunately, kids tend to gravitate towards the shiniest thing in the box such as a macaw rather than fully understanding the commitment required to care for one of these birds. Yes, they can live 60+ years, but they also require regular vet care and that can get expensive. I tell folks when asked, make sure and keep at least $500.00 on hand for those unfortunate vet visits that aren't routine. They also require not just a cage, but a BIG CAGE that alone can set you back $1000.00, not to mention toys, which can run $25.00 each and up. They go through toys like a Buzz Saw through butter. They are also quite messy and require daily clean ups.

But you also need to look at your living conditions like do you own your own home, rent, apartment, condo???? Because the older you live the more you realize that people become less tollerant of noise than when they are younger. So if your neighbors are fairly close by, a Macaw WON'T WORK FOR YOU. You see, it's not you that I worry about tollerating the noise level of a large bird, it's the people around you. If more people were considerate enough to look at animal ownership this way, there would be less re-homings or animal in shelters because owners could no longer care for them.

But I applaud your love of birds and doing your homework regarding birds before making that final commitment.

But for my vote, I would go with the Blue & Gold Macaw.

If you decide to get a bird, you must think YEARS in the future. What happens when you go off to college? Most colleges require you spend at least one year in the dorms, some even more so. They do not allow animals in dorms. For the birds' sake, you must fully & realistically think about future plans. I would also not suggest buying a macaw (unless a mini macaw) if you have never owned a bird. Please, think!

(the info on the link changed, it Had said the owner was 18 and was getting ready to go to collage and couldent take her bird with her, and her parents werent going to take care of the bird)
Alaska's List : Umbrella Cockatoo


Look at the link, This May happen to you. That poor bird is being rehomed because shes going to collage, whats going to happen when you turn 16 and suddinly have a life? They need attention, and cant just be ignored if your busy. or when you turn 18 and you need to get out of the house and go live on your own?

a bird costs EASILY 2000 dollars a year. Whats going to happen when your parents are nolonger going to support you and your parrot addiction?

I Dont have a parrot of any kind, I have to wait.... AGAIN, because my living situation has changed and I am 31, I have been researching parrots for the last 8 years, TAKE YOUR TIME. you dont need one today, it wont be the end of the world.

__________________
(me): kitty?
(kitty): hhhm? -wide blue eyes meet mine-
(me): I love you.
(kitty): hhhm? -turns to clean a paw-
(me):do you love me?
(kitty): -blank stare and slow blink-

you definately need your parents on board with getting a macaw, or any pet. but blue and golds are super cute!

__________________

I've raised many baby birds that had fallen from their nests. I raised a crow, a robin, and some kind of sparrow. Many of my friends have birds and I interact with them at least twice a week... My parents aren't the type to give away a pet. Especially after they've had it for a while. It'll be like part of the family. Everyone will pitch in and help...

Also I don't want to get a budgie or a cockatiel. They can't really show how much they care for you and love you like the macaws. I also go to a drive thru animal park often. I handle a cockatoo they have there every time I go. I feel bad for it though because it normally is just screaming its head off sitting inside a tiny cage.