Talk me out of getting a large macaw!

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

Okay, so those of you who have read some of my posts know by now that I am trying to decide on which macaw would be best for my family. I've narrowed the choices down to a Hahns, BTM or RFM.

Every time I go with my reasonable/practical side, the Hahns is my final choice. I think I've made my decision "final" about 5 times now.

About 3 days after I've made this "final" decision, I start having doubts because my irrational desire for a big macaw returns. I guess a large macaw is really my dream bird. I start to think, "Why do I have to be practical? Why can't I have my dream bird?"

And that's the problem.. a dream isn't reality. I'm worried that I'm only considering the BTM and RFM's wonderful qualities while conveniently ignoring the downside associated with large macaw ownership.

So please, all you big macaw owners, remind me of those downsides...

talk me out of the big macaw...

thekarens · Jun 10, 2015

I had a hahns years ago that went with my ex when we divorced and subsequently passed away. IMO, there's nothing more practical about getting a hahns as opposed to a RFM or BTM.

I also have a hard time thinking of BTMs and RFMs as large macaws

That was helpful, don't you think?

EdgesofTwilight · Jun 10, 2015

GreatBlue320 said:
I've narrowed the choices down to a Hahns, BTM or RFM.

Why not get all 3?

thekarens · Jun 10, 2015

EdgesofTwilight said:
GreatBlue320 said:

I've narrowed the choices down to a Hahns, BTM or RFM.

Click to expand...

Why not get all 3?

I like this idea even better!

We are extremely helpful!

Christinenc2000 · Jun 10, 2015

Get what ever you want. Life is to short for shoulda coulda woulda.

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

Thanks for the "help", EdgesofTwilight and thekarens - LOL!

If I could build a sunroom (that would have screens on the windows in the summer), I think I would have multiple birds!

So thekarens... you really don't feel the size difference between the Hahns and Zoe makes much difference? By the way, Zoe is one of the reasons I can't let go of my "dream"!

Doublete · Jun 10, 2015

I don't have either so can't really help.
Just from observing, keeping a larger macaw is expensive lol. They go through toys and eat a lot.
My Amazon has only destroyed one toy. But it was a $24 one. And my conure has gone through a couple $11 toys. But macaw toys are $35-60 and they destroy them quickly.

Christinenc2000 · Jun 10, 2015

I disagree to a point. If you buy toys yes but My Macaw is just as happy if I cut up a 2 x 4 drill holes and attach to a chain. Color them and he is happier. Tie a Phone book to the cage and watch him go nuts.
Speaking of nuts. Drill holes and string that up and he is busy for hours
Put a bell up 20$ and even more entertainment.
Shop goodwill and buy toys . Clean and yup more cheap entertainment
'
As far as food. He eats just about what we do. Less the seasoning.

I bought one $30 toy... lasted one day. Lesson learned

OOPS mine is a B & G so might not be the same

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

What size cage is your B&G in, Christinenc2000?

And what size cage is Zoe in, thekarens?

Kiwibird · Jun 10, 2015

Unfortunately, this is a forum of enablers

As long as you have the room, time and money, then there really isn't a reason NOT to get a big mac. It sounds like you really have your heart set on one. I'm not a big mac person, but when I was looking for a bird, I 'entertained' the idea of many different species and tried to keep an open mind. Truth was, I always had my heart set on an amazon especially the 'hot 3' zons, . I just love them, and while I'm sure I would have loved ANY bird, an amazon was the perfect fit. Go with the species you feel a strong connection to

thekarens · Jun 10, 2015

And then there's Zoe who won't chew anything unless it's soft. I know other BTM owners who say theirs is a buzz saw, but Zoe still has the first wooden toy we ever got her.

I'm more afraid of the bite from My sennies than Zoe and Gwen (our hahns) also bit a lot more and more painfully than Zoe. I actually think as far as handling goes Zoe is easier than any of them, BUT she requires more attention and she's a definite escape artist.

One of these days I'm going to video wrestling with her. She's not more like a puppy than a bird.

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

"a forum of enablers" - LOL! Maybe that's why I posted the thread - to have everyone tell me to get the dream bird!

RavensGryf · Jun 10, 2015

If you have your heart set on a certain species, and you have done the research (I know you have), and you know you have the time and resources and willingness and ability to cater to the demands of the species, including the neediness factor, then I don't see why not. The Macs, while beautiful, aren't for our household and particulars personally, but you and your family might be perfect for a Macaw. Keep researching, asking questions, and thinking about it. If you are honest with yourself and it feels right to you, then I think we will be hearing about your new Macaw soon lol!

thekarens · Jun 10, 2015

What Julie means is 3 is the magic number [emoji5]

Just kidding! Zoe is currently in a cage we got at the shop that's 40x30x78. She has taken off every door, so I will be getting a new bigger cage. It may take a few months, but I like the locks on Christine's B&G cage. I could put padlocks on the latch with that one.

Kalel · Jun 10, 2015

Yup! After reading this I'm even MORE convinced to one day get a mac lol.

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

Ah yes, thekarens, that is one thing I need to remember about BTMs... they are escape artists!

What did Zoe have to do to take off the cage doors? How are they attached?

JerseyWendy · Jun 10, 2015

I just consulted with my crystal ball....I foresee a BTM in your near future.

.... for starters...... :54:

1500 · Jun 10, 2015

Well I have had my Macaw for 5 days and he has gone through $40 worth of toys. But I only purchased them because he came with nothing and I wanted to give my self some time to get set up to make him toys (namely clear out some space and get my radial arm saw set up). But even with out a electric saw making toys is very easy, get a 2x4 or a 1x4 a hand saw and a drill and you can make a number of different toys. Pick up some wood dowels cut them to different lengths and drill holes into them and you have even more variety. Add string and you can increase your number of configurations. There are a lot of toys that are easy to make with some basic tools and a little time. Take some time and check out the different toys, buy a few of the basic wood block kind and look at how they are made. And even if you don't want to go down that direction, you could purchase the parts and assemble the toys your self, I think its a little cheaper.

Kiwibird · Jun 10, 2015

thekarens said:
What Julie means is 3 is the magic number [emoji5]

Just kidding! Zoe is currently in a cage we got at the shop that's 40x30x78. She has taken off every door, so I will be getting a new bigger cage. It may take a few months, but I like the locks on Christine's B&G cage. I could put padlocks on the latch with that one.

When Kiwi figured out how to take the (breeder box) door off his cage, I just gave up locking him in and let him 'be free'. I didn't have the heart to put a padlock on the cage to keep him in:31: But I'm betting BTM's aren't (as a species) good candidates for being 'free' out all day:09:

GreatBlue320 · Jun 10, 2015

I really like the idea of making toys - it's creative and crafty.

Plus, I'd get to use POWER TOOLS!

Talk me out of getting a large macaw!

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