Never owned a macaw, is adopting one from a rescue smart?

Hey guys. I've researched owning macaws for a few years now but never actually owned one. The only experience I have with birds is I owned budgies a few years back but those can't even compare I'm sure to a macaw.

Now I know rescuing a macaw is probably the kindest thing to do, but as someone who has no experience is this smart? Because it might take time to build a relationship with this macaw compared to dealing with a young one.

Age doesn't really effect the level of bonding at all. In fact with a young macaw you have to be the one to set al the ground work of boundaries, training, socialization, etc.

As a breeder myself (not of macaws) I actually prefer that first time owners of any species start with adopting an adult bird. It's much easier to really know what you are getting with an older bird. Besides, with the lifespan of macaws, even adopting a 30 year old bird leaves you with 40+ years to spend with them hopefully.


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I am happy that you are asking this question as far to many Humans tend to Fall In Love with the beauty of Parrot and rush head-on into bring one home. You have clearly and honestly defined your abilities and are correctly searching for the information.

The MAC family covers a very wide spectrum from smaller mid-size to the largest of the Companion Parrots. And, as you have and are figuring out, there is a ton of knowledge needed to have a long and successful relationship.

If you haven't yet visited the Sticky Threads at the top of the MAC Forum, please do so. They are the Threads highlighted in light blue and provide insight as to the Loving and Care of a MAC. Also, take the time to read everything in the MAC Forum that has been written by (Threads) or commented to (Posts) by Birdman666. His knowledge of working with MACS is very insightful. By doing this you will develop a foundation of knowledge as to provide you more insight into being owned by one of these magnificat Parrots, but also the down falls. This knowledge base will also help in developing a relationship with a Rescue Facility and a MAC.

Developing 'Hands-On' experience is worth every moment of effort you place into in! Near every Rescue is operating in a 'Hand To Mouth' format, i.e. they need 'free' help to start at the bottom, by cleaning cages, then to feeding Parrots and onwards as your hands-on knowledge grows. This will provide you face to beak experience with a wide cross-section of Parrots. BUT more importantly, provide you enough time in and around Parrots to see that they do and will, in fact choose Humans.

If you open your heart and mind to allow yourself to be chosen by the Parrot that Falls In Love With You! You start far in front of everyone else that simply states: I WANT that one!

Understand, that near all Rescues are Looking for "Forever" homes and an individual with little to no experience is not going to be seen as the best candidate for one of their Parrots. But, if you are willing to do the work and learn. You will earn their respect and being chosen by a Parrot.

Warning: The Parrot that in fact chooses you, may not be the one you first believed that you WANTED! Can you be open to that occurrence?

I had never owned birds before, and got my two conures as adults that were being rehomed. I have a great relationship with them , and am actually quite happy I went that route.

I volunteer at a parrot sanctuary and am constantly surprised by some of the amazing birds that come in. Parrots are surrendered for such a wide variety of reasons - owners pass away, family situations change drastically, etc. Many would make amazing companions in the right person/family. I am always surprised how birds "choose" people - I have great friendships with some birds that won't allow others to hold and scratch them. There are others that prefer not to get their attention from me. Parrots are unique individuals, and I think you'd be pleasantly surprised if you are open to taking your time - meeting and getting to know a few birds before settling on your new family addition.

Good luck and I look forward to hearing what route works best for you!

I can post as both an Adoption Coordinator for a parrot rescue and having adopted a macaw... actually he adopted me...

I would suggest finding a rescue near you and volunteering for a short time, you gain valuable hands on experience and knowledge, along with the reality of macaw behaviors and start to learn a bit about body language...

With a macaw, let the bird pick you, if you let the bird choose literally the bond is almost immediate. From the moment Max stepped up on my arm, it was clear to everyone in the room that I had a macaw whether I wanted one or not. And more then 3 years later, he is still my big baby boy... He was 25 when he arrived at AHW, so very much past his sexual maturity and an adult.

I've posted videos and pics in the past of Max and I together, but he is a great example of letting the bird choose! A good rescue / shelter will want you to come for multiple visits and get some hands on experience - what I joked was Macaw 101 training Even as the Adoption Coordinator for the shelter, I had never had a macaw, nor was interested in one, and I went thru the hands on 'Macaw 101' visits too... and it was invaluable for preparing me to bring home a big guy. Between body language, nutrition specific to macaws, and how to deal with a hormonal monster with a can opener on his face - truly those visits are beyond measure valuable!

This is Max the other week after I got home from a community education expo day...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_B90f809jQ"]Max - YouTube[/ame]

I used to TEACH Macaw 101 to the prospective adoptors... and yeah, pair bond birds, but especially big macs who pick their people... that's it! AND YOU CAN TOTALLY TELL...

That was always something I looked for in the interaction factor between bird and human.

We just adopted a 23 year old macaw that was surrendered and can definitely tell you that it was the best decision for us!

We visited our Katie every other day for about a month to see if we could build a trust bond but once we did it was such a glorious feeling!!

I believe with mature birds, patience and quality time is key. And just think, you get to avoid some of the teenage mood swings