could i handle a macaw?

hey, i am new on here and just had a few questions. i have wanted a macaw since i was 8 years old, and have been researching them ever since. i have not owned a bird myself but have lots of experience working with them. im 16 years old now and my dad and i are looking into taking on a macaw, a blue and gold or a green winged. my first concern was how will the macaw be while im away at school, but upon researching and asking macaw owners, they are okay being left alone as long as you are with them when you're home, which i could be. i would be able to let my bird out for a little bit in the morning and from 5pm onwards every day. i live in a large house which is unattached, and my dad works at home a couple days a week so would be able to have the bird out then too. the cage would be in a large corner in my bedroom next to a window, and we have a big lounge where the swing and perch would be. the main concern is i have two cats. theyre very small and not largely aggressive, but i dont know how they would react, so it would be great if anyone has any info on birds and cats living together. the other thing my dad raises is what happens if i go to uni? currently im not planning on it but at this point in my life big changes could happen. im studying at an animal collage currently. i would love more than anything to be able to take on a macaw as i think it would benifit my mental health greatly, but just wanted advice on my concerns as i wouldnt want to raise an unhappy bird.
thanks, Dan x

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

First, let me say that it's great that you are reaching out with your concerns before getting a bird. That makes all the difference in the world.

That said, your father raises some excellent points. First, as regards the cats, predatory animals can never be trusted around birds. Ever. I know that you may have seen cute pics or videos of birds with cats, dogs or ferrets, but the truth of the matter is that those animals are simply repressing their hardwired instincts. It's not that they no longer have the predatory impulse, it's just that it is being actively sublimated. So this means that predators and prey are always one slip away from a tragedy not of their making.

Now, people do keep predator and prey pets, but to do so responsibly there needs to be a definite separation of the two. So your cats and your macaw should never be out in the same room at the same time.

And as for your father's second point about college, that is right on the money. As you said, at this point in your life big changes could happen. Given the possibility of such potentially huge upheavals (especially should you go away to college), this really isn't an ideal time for you to get a parrot. Now, I'm not saying it can't be done successfully. I know of one member in particular who got her bird at around the age you are now and has had that macaw successfully by her side throughout her uni and now into her grad school years. It can happen, but it's not ideal. And there's a lot you'd potentially have to sacrifice. Not to mention that your macaw would have to factor into every such decision that you made.

Here is a link to a thread that I posted specifically for students considering getting a parrot. Take a look. Maybe it will help in your ultimate decision.
What Students Should Ask Before Getting a Bird. - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

Be sure to give this video a watch! Don't mind the title but be sure to watch the entire thing.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA6QjVRBMh4"]Don't buy a Macaw! [/ame]

just do not do everything that guys does.
(I exploded when I found out he ties string to their legbands when he walks around with them...if you want to break your parrots leg/ tear every ligament the bird has in its leg - do just that!)


Always use your common sense plze


A macaw can easily live longer than you do, but they need a good socialisation when they are babies & youngsters (aka the first 8-10 years)

Are you looking for a baby or a rehomer?


I had to leave my CAG with my parents when my studies got serious-- it broke my heart (and his as well), not something I wish on anyone.
A smaller parrot you can take almost everywhere- but macaws are ungainly giants (and pretty loud when they want to be).


If your dad wants a macaw (fulltime carer) and you are sharing with him, that would be okay- so if you have to leave the bird will have a flockmember left.
But if you are really the only one that wants one (and your dad is just being a good sport about it) ... maybe wait a few more years till you are more settled.



Going places with a CAG (I still have 2) is "traveling with luggage", taking my macaw anywhere is more like "moving house" / "going camping".
Everything gets a lot more complicated because they are so large.


Finding a dormroom/place to stay with something that 'only' needs a suitcase-sized cage is a lot easier than something that requires minimal a cage the size of a double bunkbed.

Given your age and future opportunities, best situation would be a macaw as general family pet. B&Gs and GWs are quite capable of bonding to multiple people of both sexes.

As far as "handling" macaws, one needs to understand their psychology as strong willed minds coupled with oversized beaks can be intimidating. My experience with both species was hugely positive; they are less likely to give a serious bite than others. IOW, a properly socialized macaw can be easier to live with than some more "bitey" choices. Noise a potential concern depending on your housing arrangement.

One of my favorite macaw threads: http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/56384-big-beak-o-phobes-guide-understanding-macaw-beaks.html

itzjbean said:

Be sure to give this video a watch! Don't mind the title but be sure to watch the entire thing.

Don't buy a Macaw!

Click to expand...

I commend them highly for making this video !!
Excellent information and agree completely about the leg tether.

Great thread, and I have saved that Anansi-thread above to pass along when the ANANSI isn't on hand!