Good or Bad idea?

sssaucey · May 6, 2012

I had a thread about this a while ago, about a women I know who wants to sell her scarlet macaw, the bird is 19 and plucks her stomach and legs.(she has been known to stop when her owner spends time with her). They want $800 for her and her cage and a separate stand. I really want to help this bird, because they are just looking for anyone who has the money to buy her. I don't have any experience in owning a large parrot like a macaw, but recently came into contact with a man who would be willing to help with any questions I had. I don't want to be one of those people who says they are doing it for the bird and just ends up making it's life worse. I have permission from my family(I still live with my parents)so now it's just up to me.

I really want everyone to know that I am taking this decision VERY seriously and truly want to make the best decision for this bird, I would be her fourth home I believe if I took her in.

anyways just looking for some opinions and advice

ann · May 6, 2012

well for starters, you clearly have lots of love to give, just what this bird needs. you have a guy to help you, and you have permission. if you have the time and money, not just now, but later in life too, then i think you should definitely get her. scarlets can be 2,000$, for 800$ there are allot of people who would buy her, whether they know about birds or not. you are loving, knowledgeable, and care about whats best for the bird. i think you should get him :0) you will be a great macaw mommy!

sssaucey · May 6, 2012

Well I have been talking to her current owner about her, and she isn't a scarlet she's a GW and she's 15 not 19, I'm trying to not think with my heart right now(it's really hard)

I just don't know

Mike · May 6, 2012

Well, your changing the bird from a Scarlet to a Greenwing is pretty important. It makes the $800 even better. Greenwings are more expensive than Scarlets. Greenwings are also usually considered to be easier to get along with than Scarlets.

About the bird being a plucker. If I were you I would assume the current owner is not being on the level with you when they say the bird stops plucking when they spend more time with her. You should assume the bird's plucking will continue regardless of how much time you spend with her. Ask yourself two questions: 1) are you willing to spend a few hundred dollars having an Avian Vet check the bird out to see if the plucking is treatable medically, and 2) can you look past the plucking and love the bird for what it is beneath the feathers? If you think your desire to have this bird is based on it's feathered beauty, then you might not be satisfied with the plucker. But if you want a gentle giant of a parrot, a GW is the way to go, because the next larger parrot (the Hyacinth) is 5 times more expensive.

My Mardy is a 1.5 year old GW. She is a wonderful pet. She's the first bird I've ever owned and I am completely happy with her. She's as playful as a puppy.

sssaucey · May 6, 2012

I don't mind that she plucks, and I'm not interested in her because the price is right. I just want to get her out of the situation that she's in.

and around here people usually just get "interesting" pets to show off, so it worries me that she will go to someone who knows nothing about her basic needs.

luvmytooo · May 6, 2012

I'm happy you are seriously thinking this over and not making any rash decisions you aren't prepared to handle.
Think about the vet bills you can rack up if this bird is sick. Bloods must be drawn during your first visit and he tests aren't cheap. But if you are prepared to pay for vet bills now and whenever they do arise , and of course the yearly checkups , then you are getting closer to becoming a macaw mommy

Is your family prepared to deal with the screaming , and possibly bites from such a big
bird ? Feeding and caring for him should be done by everyone in the household so he accepts everyone as his new flock.
If all is on board with it , then go get him !!!!! lolol.
And post pictures immediately

KatherineI · May 6, 2012

Mike said:
Well, your changing the bird from a Scarlet to a Greenwing is pretty important. It makes the $800 even better. Greenwings are more expensive than Scarlets. Greenwings are also usually considered to be easier to get along with than Scarlets.

About the bird being a plucker. If I were you I would assume the current owner is not being on the level with you when they say the bird stops plucking when they spend more time with her. You should assume the bird's plucking will continue regardless of how much time you spend with her. Ask yourself two questions: 1) are you willing to spend a few hundred dollars having an Avian Vet check the bird out to see if the plucking is treatable medically, and 2) can you look past the plucking and love the bird for what it is beneath the feathers? If you think your desire to have this bird is based on it's feathered beauty, then you might not be satisfied with the plucker. But if you want a gentle giant of a parrot, a GW is the way to go, because the next larger parrot (the Hyacinth) is 5 times more expensive.

My Mardy is a 1.5 year old GW. She is a wonderful pet. She's the first bird I've ever owned and I am completely happy with her. She's as playful as a puppy.

I agree, think that if you've done the research, are willing to make the commitment and willing to spend a few hundred dollars more at the vet (not to mention toys toys toys and food!), then I say go for it. My first "exotic" bird experience was with a B&G. I'd take a GW any day of the week after that experience and having dealt with a few Macaws via rescue! You sound like you have the birds best interest at heart, aren't really worried about whether or not the bird will ever look "pretty" (pluckers can do permanent damage). Not to mention that, yeah, if you're looking for a gentle giant, the only true option is a Hyacinth and they're easily $12,000 USD!! You seem to have the blessing of those around you, someone in person to help and you have this wonderful forum of which you can come to for concerns, question and if ever needed, to vent.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

sssaucey · May 6, 2012

I made sure everyone's well aware that she will scream at times(showed clips of macaws screaming)and told everyone that she could give a nasty bite. The biggest worry is the possible vet bills. I don't have a job atm(using my savings) but I am looking for one, I may not be able to get her into a vet right away(this is what's holding me back)but will get her in as soon as I have enough, I will have about 400 left over, and that won't be enough for all the blood tests. That's what I meant by I don't want to "save" her than end up putting her into a worse situation.

luvmytooo · May 6, 2012

sssaucey said:
I made sure everyone's well aware that she will scream at times(showed clips of macaws screaming)and told everyone that she could give a nasty bite. The biggest worry is the possible vet bills. I don't have a job atm(using my savings) but I am looking for one, I may not be able to get her into a vet right away(this is what's holding me back)but will get her in as soon as I have enough, I will have about 300 left over, and that won't be enough for all the blood tests. That's what I meant by I don't want to "save" her than end up putting her into a worse situation.

That may be your downfall honey. If your family isn't on board with helping out with EVERYTHING , then it just may not be a possibility right now .
Vets can be expensive , and if you don't have the money now, it just doesn't make sense. I hate to have to say that too , but , if you can't take him to the vet now , can you afford the food , toys , cage , and any other items he may need ? If you know for sure your family will all be responsible paying for the birds needs , then there shouldn't be a problem.
Maybe , if this doesnt work out , save more , get a job , save more , keep the job , then look for another bird

It will work out , just maybe not with this bird

Good luck

sssaucey · May 6, 2012

I really appreciate the honesty, and I'm gonna tell them I can't take her. It just wouldn't be fair to take her out of one poor situation, and bring her into one that would only be slightly better. Yes I can provide her with love and a proper diet, but I can't say for certain that I will find a job quickly and get the money that I would need to get her vet care.

It makes me sad that I can't save her but hopefully someone else can

KatherineI · May 6, 2012

sssaucey said:
I really appreciate the honesty, and I'm gonna tell them I can't take her. It just wouldn't be fair to take her out of one poor situation, and bring her into one that would only be slightly better. Yes I can provide her with love and a proper diet, but I can't say for certain that I will find a job quickly and get the money that I would need to get her vet care.

It makes me sad that I can't save her but hopefully someone else can

realistic of you but still sad. I hope that baby finds a good home even if it's not with you.

luvmytooo · May 7, 2012

It is sad. I sure she would be a great momma too.
But , maybe this just isn't the right time. Have you talked to your family about the
vet bills ? Can't they help since this is a family decision ?

Look at it this way, this experience leaves you with something to look forward to.
Save that money , get yourself a good job , and before you know it ,
you will have your parrot. And you have more time to educate yourself , go volunteer at a rescue , and soak in all the knowledge you possibly can. This way when the time comes , you will be set

.

sssaucey · May 7, 2012

I just wouldn't feel right if I took her and than she became sick and had to wait to see a vet, those doubts were in my head while I started this thread.
It made it even more clear when lumytoo pointed that out. Which I am thankful she did.

One day when the time is right I will help another macaw in this situation but for now I'm just hoping she finds a good home

Molcan2 · May 7, 2012

I'm sorry sssaucey but I think that is a really responsible decision. Birds can get sick even in the best environments. Rome was given to me, she looked healthy on the outside. Her initial vet visit was $380 for blood work, turns out she had liver problems and was malnourished. Re-check for that was around $200. Then she got a nasal infection $280. Then she injured herself, got a chest wound another $180. And I've only had her for a year. This doesn't include the hundreds and hundreds spent on toys. A GW is going to require a lot of toys (even if you make them your self it can still be quite the expense). If you got the bird and he was sick and you couldn't afford to take him to they vet you would feel worse than just walking away from him now.

MikeyTN · May 7, 2012

The thing with Scarlets is they're nippy. Very much a one person bird and have a major temperament issue!!!!! More so then some of the other types of macaws. So make your consideration carefully.....

sssaucey · May 7, 2012

I feel I made the right decision for her and me, but I still feel bad too lol

here's a pic of her

sssaucey · May 7, 2012

She ended up being a Greenwing MikeyTN and I decided not to take her just because lack of funds for the vet bills im sure she would rack up.

Molcan2 · May 7, 2012

Oh you had to show a pic of her

. Its a good thing I'm far away, I have the hugest soft spot for GWs.

sssaucey · May 7, 2012

I wish I was in a position to take her, and would gladly pitch in if anyone around my area wanted to give her a home

MikeyTN · May 7, 2012

That's very unfortunate....BUT I know with some good owners IF they see your good with the bird, they're willing to negotiate or give the bird to you for free. But overall I think you've made the right decision with the GreenWing. I've heard too much bad things with Scarlets.....

Good or Bad idea?

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