What made you chose to buy a macaw?

I don't know if it's different in the US but here macaws seem to go for about $6,000. What made you all choose such an expensive pet?

Most people I've met and read about say that they're worth their cost because of how cuddly and playful they can be. They are sweet, lovable companions that can last a lifetime.

Depending on the species, they aren't quite that expensive. We picked out Jade because RFMs are so cuddly and playful. Jade has the most amazing personality.

I bought Max because we wanted a big bird we were going for CAG so we looked and looked on craigslist, aviarys, and pet shops then one day we came across max. we went and looked at him and he stepped right up on my arm, stepped up to my shoulder placed his beak to my cheek(not knowing his personality i was scared i was gonna have a scar) and started licking my cheek. i knew then he was the right one for us. we love him dearly. i paid $300 for him, a large collapsible cage and many toys. he is now a very loved member of the family

militarymax

My family doctor is a close friend who sings with me in church choir. He gave me his Catalina hybrid macaw free when he was 5. Doogie is now 16. A girl saw how I took Doogie to the beach and everywhere and had a B&G macaw named Kayko she had inherited from her late mother and really didn't want. She gave me Kayko. Clifford my Scarlet was really only the second Scarlet macaw I had ever seen for sale. They wanted $2,700 for him when he did not sell for Christmas 2003. They knew I had two other macaws and had what it takes to own one. They made me a very special offer of $1,800 and on January 6th 2004 I brought Clifford home. I "became" a macaw person after my association with first Doogie and then Kayko... they certainly are not a dog or a cat and many people have a hard time accepting that they usually are a "one man bird" and would readily bite anyone else. People around here are easily paying $1,000 for a dog that might not live to be 15 years old. I consider a macaw that costs $1,800 and may possibly live to be 120 years old and be a lifelong companion quite a buy. Here in Florida I have since been to birdmarts where I have seen Scarlet macaws for sale for as little as $800. If you have one macaw, I have found you will eventually be approached by someone who wants to give you another one. Right now I would have 9 macaws if I had accepted every one that has been offered to me.

I have always thought macaws were beautiful. I had my mind made up to buy a greenwing, but I ended up rescuing a B&G (~20 years old). I've only had her for a few weeks, but she is adjusting well.

I believe Alwese is right about them being one man birds. My Lucky is not ok with anyone but me petting her. Thankfully, though she will step up for my wife and allow her to take her from perch to cage, etc., so she is not an agressive bird--there's a difference.

On another note, I have a problem with the economics of buying these long lived birds. I think the government should require a permit or something that drives up the cost a few thousand dollars. Many times you can purchase these birds for less than $2,000 and people can readily get instant credit in stores or on their credit cards. Also, as Alwese says, these are not dogs that live to be, at best 15, these birds will probably outlive you AND macaws (et al large parrots) require a lot more specialized care than a dog.

my 1st macaw was a stretch financially for me but we fell in love (chuckle) across the pet shop. whenever i visited, she would spy me out and call out to me and then i just eventually had to take her home....one of the best moves of my life. my 2nd macaw ....that was financial foolishness....but again, she reached out to me and that was it.....i must be "macaw easy"