macaw hopeful

[macawhopeful]

Hello fellow bird lovers! I have a problem I so badly want a macaw and have for many years, my problem is my husband doesn't! He has never owned a bird before and is really weary about owning one. His biggest fear is that it will make our house stink. I have never owned a macaw before so I cannot tell him they wont in full confidence. I am a stay at home mom and have researched macaws for the past year and feel very confident that I will make a perfect macaw mother. I have thought about telling my husband that we need to meet in the middle since we cant seem to agree I want to get the bird and let him then decide if he can live with it love it or hate it. If he decides he cannot live with a macaw I will re home the bird don't worry I already have all the details worked out and my aunt down the road has agreed to take the bird if my husband wont let me keep it. Any advice on how to sway my husband towards becoming a bird lover like me would be greatly appreciated. Any other advice on becoming a new macaw parent is welcome as well. Thanks for your time and I hope yall have a wonderful day.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forums.

OOH, you're in a tough spot with your hubby not being on board about a big mac. :54: I can assure you that they do NOT stink in the least (that is providing you keep the cage clean). In fact, I LOVE how my birds smell (the Amazons in particular).

Have you been around macaws much? Have you handled them? I know you said you've been researching them and reading lots about them, however, nothing beats getting some 'hands-on' experience before taking the plunge.

Do you have rescues near/around you that you could visit and possibly learn to handle these big guys? What about nearby bird stores?

Are you looking to get a young bird or a rescue? Please, if you have no previous bird experience, do NOT make the mistake and get an unweaned chick, no matter what the breeders/stores tell you. Please leave the handfeeding and raising to those with experience.

So now that I got that off my chest, what is your noise tolerance level? And what is your husband's? Macaws CAN be quite loud, quite destructive, and quite boisterous. No, not all of them are, but I'm living with 2 toddler big macs, and let's just say it's an adventure. :32:

I haven't even addressed the issue that macaws CAN be testy, in fact, most WILL test you at one time or another - throughout their lives, too.

Ok, I think I just gave you an earful, my apologies. :54:

 

[macawhopeful]

Where im located there is no rescue or bird stores other than petsmart and petco and as im sure u know they don't have macaws. I actually have never even held a macaw before but I am confident I can hand one. The city of Jackson (tn) holds an exotic bird fair every few months and I attend those every time they are in town. A very nice man has helped me a couple times with handling an African Gray but the only macaws I have ever seen there are breeding macaws and not to be handled. I have also researched quite a few breeders and I have decided to use a company called the best bird out of Florida I have spoke with the owner Mark a few times and he is very informative and has great reviews. I am going to buy a hand fed weaned baby from him im still waiting on the egg to hatch he said it will be around 14 weeks after hatching before the bird is ready to be homed. My step dad has been battling cancer for the past year and recently passed away he left me a gift in life insurance and he knew my love for macaws and told me I should buy one with his gift. So I am currently waiting on that money to come in. I have already picked out the cage I want and figured in the price for toys and food. I have also been watching videos and reading about how to make my own macaw toys. I feel completely prepared for my new baby. If only I can get my husband to accept. I am certain that once he experiences the love and beauty of a macae he will be hooked! About my noise tolerance level I would say its pretty good considering I have a two year old little boy who is all boy and a doberman who at times is very vocal when she wants something lol.

 

[sonja]

I completely understand the allure of a macaw. They are wonderful, beautiful birds. But, they really are not beginner birds. And, it would be so sad to have any pet in a home where he is not fully wanted. A macaw changes the lifestyle of the whole family. They can't just be set aside when a member of the family doesn't want to deal with him. In my opinion, unless the whole family is on board for a huge undertaking like a macaw, then it is unfair to put a bird in that situation. You wouldn't have another kid if your husband was opposed, would you?

Another factor to consider - you mention that you have money now to get the bird and get started, which is of course a big expense. But, macaws are expensive for the next 80 years. One vet visit can be $500 easily. Once the inheritance money is spent, it sounds like your husband's income is what supports the family. I also think it is unfair to obligate him for a large expense for the rest of his life if he is not fully on board.

Finding a rescue group, or even a bird owner who may like some extra help, sounds like a great way for your to get your bird fix, as well as learn more about what it is really like to interact with a macaw. Maybe you can arrange to work or volunteer at the bird show?

 

[macawhopeful]

Well sonja you make a good point but like I said before my husband has no idea what having a macaw is like he cannot make a decision until he experiences it. If he hates having a macaw my aunt who is experienced with birds is more than happy to home it. I actually think she secretly hopes he will not like it so she can have it lol. And no I would not have another kid without his consent but that is another issue I have been wanting another child with him and he refuses says there is no way he wants one child and that is all now how is that fair to me? How is it fair to neglect me of things I want so badly? If I can't have another baby I figured I could fill the void with a feather baby instead but again it is a no! In my eyes its unfair to me! He works 7 days a week and is out of town alot leaving me here alone more often then I like. About the cost of owning a macaw I can honestly say we can handle it. I have a vegetable and fruit garden that will help on cost and I am very creative and im sure if I have to I can make all the toys it needs myself cost is not a concern.

 

[MacawLoverOf3]

First off, I think you need to at least handle a few Macaws. Some people think the beaks are really big after meeting one. You are not far from Bon Aqua that has a bird store. Looks like they would mostly have babies but maybe that would be a start to meeting a few of the big guys. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adventure-Birds-of-Bon-Aqua/143442955674225

Now you really need to consider the What If's you did have a (human) baby. Generally, it is not wise to have a large bird around little ones because things can and do happen and it is not fair to a bird to join a family when it can be rehomed on a whim, and that is what it would turn into.

Start with going to this shop, meeting some babies then meet some adults. If your hubby is not on board after that, maybe it would be best to wait, at least until you know you will not be having any children and then reevaluate your situation.

 

[Birdman666]

1. The first thing you should do is learn how to handle them. Don't get one, and THEN learn how to train it. Learn how to handle one first... most rescues have bird handling classes. [So that would be step one.] Macaws know who can, and who can't... They will take full advantage of you if you can't. Then you will have behavior problems.

2. Stink depends on cleaning the cage. Don't clean it, it will stink, and it will attract bugs. Parrots can be (ARE!) messy.

3. Macaws are jet engine noise loud at times.

4. I have two and couldn't live without either one of them.

 

[kimn818]

I completely understand the allure of a macaw. They are wonderful, beautiful birds. But, they really are not beginner birds. And, it would be so sad to have any pet in a home where he is not fully wanted. A macaw changes the lifestyle of the whole family. They can't just be set aside when a member of the family doesn't want to deal with him. In my opinion, unless the whole family is on board for a huge undertaking like a macaw, then it is unfair to put a bird in that situation. You wouldn't have another kid if your husband was opposed, would you?

Another factor to consider - you mention that you have money now to get the bird and get started, which is of course a big expense. But, macaws are expensive for the next 80 years. One vet visit can be $500 easily. Once the inheritance money is spent, it sounds like your husband's income is what supports the family. I also think it is unfair to obligate him for a large expense for the rest of his life if he is not fully on board.

Finding a rescue group, or even a bird owner who may like some extra help, sounds like a great way for your to get your bird fix, as well as learn more about what it is really like to interact with a macaw. Maybe you can arrange to work or volunteer at the bird show?

I have to agree that a macaw is not a beginner bird. I recently (a week ago) purchased my first parrot, hes a yellow-sided conure...hes definitely a lot of work and I can only imagine that a macaw demands ten times (if not more) work and attention than a conure. (Although Loco, my conure, thinks hes bigger than he is..lol)

Everyone knows their own capabilities though. So if you think you can handle the demands of a macaw.. go for it!

 

[Birdman666]

Actually believe it or not, conures and macaws are closely related in terms of behaviors and attention needs. A conure in many respects is a shrunken macaw with less "control problems."

The biggest difference are the bite pressure, and the ability to control the bird, and the extent to which macaws are "gifted" in the birdie manipulation department.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Actually believe it or not, conures and macaws are closely related in terms of behaviors and attention needs. A conure in many respects is a shrunken macaw with less "control problems."

The biggest difference are the bite pressure, and the ability to control the bird, and the extent to which macaws are "gifted" in the birdie manipulation department.

Funny you say this about the conures . Ive always thought the same thing [being that if you can do a conure ] Macaws believe it or not are similar .

 

[MikeyTN]

Why don't you meet a breeder closer? There's a macaw breeder I know in Dickson, TN. He breeds a variety of macaws. It can take longer then 14 weeks to wean an macaw!!!!! Hand feed is needed!!! If your hubby is not on board in getting one why get it and then turn around to give it away? It's stressful enough for the bird to move into once place then having to readjust to another. They're not like cars that you can test drive to see if it would work or not. It's not fair to the bird to put them through it.

 

[GW.Joe]

We all know the feeling of longing for a bird, its even stronger once you have had a bird and then lose one, there is something about the relationship between a parrot and owner that is not like any other pet, maybe it is their intelligence, or the way they "love" us, I'm not sure....

So just maybe if you took your hubby to see a tame medium sized parrot he would fall in love with it too !! (like if he held one and got kisses)

Maybe an African gray, or a Senegal?

Does he like animals in general?

BTW: No parrot that I know of "stinks" as a matter of fact when I was 6 years old I had my first close contact with a parrot, it was a "Gentle Giant" Greenwing Macaw, like another person here said I like their scent, very lite

Its a scent you don't forget and many years later my father got a Yellow-naped Amazon, I remember the first time my dad brought the bird home, it was years after we lost our GW I remember loving the bird and smelling that same distinct "parrot smell" it was a moment I never forgot, I can't even describe the feeling

We are here for you, don't give up !!

Joe

 

[Birdman666]

Funny you say this about the conures . Ive always thought the same thing [being that if you can do a conure ] Macaws believe it or not are similar .[/QUOTE]

And oddly enough conures are considered "easy" "beginner" birds, and yet macaws are these viscious creatures at the opposite end of the spectrum...

BIG MACS are every bit as playful if not more so than a conure, it's just that there is a lot more bird to deal with, potential to injure if you don't train it properly, and how can we say this delicately, Macaws can be much more "INSISTENT" about their quality time with you... especially when they are not receiving it!

Forget the beginner bird nonsense. But take the time to learn the species traits of the bird you want to get, and how to train it, then get the bird you want...

That way, the "beginner" bird doesn't get thrown away or forgotten when the one you really wanted shows up...

 

[Birdman666]

It's stressful enough for the bird to move into once place then having to readjust to another. They're not like cars that you can test drive to see if it would work or not. It's not fair to the bird to put them through it.

Very well said.

 

[sonja]

You mention that he hasn't lived with a macaw so he doesn't know if he will like it or not, but you haven't either! I think it is really important for you BOTH to get some exposure to macaws somehow before taking the plunge. I agree with those who said that getting a bird as a "test" to see if it works, or even as a substitute for another child is so unbearably unfair to the bird. They are very sensitive, smart animals and bouncing from one home to another is difficult for them. Setting a bird up to face that at such a young age is hard to think about.

If your aunt wants a macaw, perhaps she could get one first, for herself, then your family could spend time and see if it is right for your to bring one into your home?

 

[craftEcowgirl]

I am in similar situation, though I dont have any kids and wont be having any. We do have two smaller dogs. I have had cockatiels in the past. My dream has always been to have a Macaw. But my husband isnt an animal person. But I am, and have been since I was born.
He has put up with my guinea pig rescue and our two dogs, one we took in when my grandmother past. But its hard to share when your other half doesnt care for birds etc. But since I cant have children and we are getting older so that we wont adopt, I consider my animals to be my children. And I so want a Macaw. I work part time from home, so they will be out of cage almost all day. I am also willing to travel with one.

Any others who significant others dont care for birds and how to deal with having birds

 

[Mekaisto]

I won't go over what has already been said here, but I will add a few things:

-Are you prepared to learn how to train your macaw? Training a bird is not really like training a dog, birds can be much more stubborn and will definitely try to use their bite to get their way! Training a bird doesn't just mean 'tricks' either, you need to socialise your bird, deal with aggression and territorial issues during mating season and during adolescence, teach him how to accept vet checks...

-Are you prepared to wake up every morning at the crack of dawn? All the macaws I've ever worked with have been early birds - as soon as the sun's up, they're up. How will your small child deal with being woken up early?

-How will your macaw affect your husband and child? Will they be able to tolerate the sound? The occasional screaming? A happy macaw will screech every so often, it's not a behaviour you can or should train out of them. Will the neighbours be happy?

-Are you prepared to 'bird-proof' your home? No more non-stick pans, no more air fresheners, no leaving unsafe foods or materials lying around. If your bird is loose in a room, you can't leave that chocolate bar on the counter for 'one second', it'll be history! If you consider something valuable, it will have to be stored away. Be prepared for your macaw to chew on everything and anything. You have to look at your home in a brand new way.

I don't want to talk you out of getting a bird. If you can honestly look at the above and say 'no problems' then you may be ready for a bird, but if not I seriously recommend reconsidering. A bird is a living creature with needs, emotions and desires. If you or your family members aren't willing to sacrifice for the bird, it just won't work out, and you'll be setting yourself up for heartbreak.

You mention that you have an aunt willing to take the bird if your 'test drive' fails, but I'm afraid birds just don't work like that. Young birds don't cope well with being in new situations, it will be scary enough to move into your home, let alone being shifted to a new home a few weeks later.

 

[craftEcowgirl]

Any update? I PM you, as we are similar in situation regarding macaws. I am still going toward my dream of owning a macaw. Starting to save money etc. I am always doing research on them.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Any update? I PM you, as we are similar in situation regarding macaws. I am still going toward my dream of owning a macaw. Starting to save money etc. I am always doing research on them.

The OP (original poster) cannot receive personal messages from members just yet.

 

[4dugnlee]

Hmmm...difficult situation. I know absolutely nothing about Macaws except they're BIG. Of course, as everyone else said, physically go and handle a macaw and learn how to train, care for, etc. As far as your husband not being on board with it, I guess it depends on how adamant he is about NOT getting one. If it were me and my husband was dead set against it, I would not get one. I would not get one in the hopes of it growing on him and then have to rehome if it doesn't. I agree with Sonja that maybe your aunt should get one and then you and your husband go and see if it would be something you both would want to commit to, and if so, then get one. My husband wasn't crazy about me getting my birds, but he said "if that's what you want", and he enjoys them now. They do get very LOUD at times and that's really the only complaint he ever has with them (but my dog - redtick coon hound - is still louder!) They don't stink and can't imagine that a macaw would, unless as others have said, the cage is dirty. So, I can't say about Macaws specifically, but I do think your husband has to be on the same page, at least somewhat, for it to work out. And, I'm not sure about how a Macaw and a 2 year old would be together? I don't have any toddlers around..my youngest is my 6 year old granddaughter who understands not to touch the birds or stick fingers in their cages. So that's another issue also...IMO of course. Good luck...hope it all works out for the best. Maybe if not now, a macaw could be in your future...