what parrot should i get? (i really want a macaw)

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

Hello! i am new to the forums, for years now ive been looking to purchase a parrot ever since i took in some rescue parakeets (along with other species) in 2021, But have been stumped on which species/subspecies to purchase. Originally i was thinking of a blue and gold macaw, monk parakeet/Quaker parrot or most likely a blue fronted amazon. Although, in the recent months ive come to realise that the BFA may not suit my lifestyle/needs and since i read through the forums for advice often i thought i might ask myself since i haven't found any threads that match my questions. To start, i am willing to spend quite a bit to ensure my parrot lives the life he/she deserves, i am looking for a intelligent bird i can train freeflight along with a variety of tricks/commands. I would really like a bird that can mimic speech but don't need it, i have a preference for a large/larger parrot ( i just really love the size) My bird needs to like affection, i would really like a deep bond with my bird that wants to cuddle and go on walks outdoors (i really want to be my birds one and only) but it would have to be comfortable being in its cage for 4 hours while i work but will be out the rest. If you have any advice on nutrition or care or have a species you think would suit me better feel free to let me know ( and if you think a Blue and gold macaw/ Quaker would suit me)

 

[kme3388]

Hello! i am new to the forums, for years now ive been looking to purchase a parrot ever since i took in some rescue parakeets (along with other species) in 2021, But have been stumped on which species/subspecies to purchase. Originally i was thinking of a blue and gold macaw, monk parakeet/Quaker parrot or most likely a blue fronted amazon. Although, in the recent months ive come to realise that the BFA may not suit my lifestyle/needs and since i read through the forums for advice often i thought i might ask myself since i haven't found any threads that match my questions. To start, i am willing to spend quite a bit to ensure my parrot lives the life he/she deserves, i am looking for a intelligent bird i can train freeflight along with a variety of tricks/commands. I would really like a bird that can mimic speech but don't need it, i have a preference for a large/larger parrot ( i just really love the size) My bird needs to like affection, i would really like a deep bond with my bird that wants to cuddle and go on walks outdoors (i really want to be my birds one and only) but it would have to be comfortable being in its cage for 4 hours while i work but will be out the rest. If you have any advice on nutrition or care or have a species you think would suit me better feel free to let me know ( and if you think a Blue and gold macaw/ Quaker would suit me)

Hi there,

I would recommend anyone in your situation to visit a local parrot shelter to be around parrots to gather as much information as possible.

Parrots aren’t like a cat or dog. They do not thrive off pleasing their human companions. Some parrots like snuggling, and others do not. They all have different personalities. Humans are slaves to their parrots. I can feed my dogs anything. They aren’t picky choosy. All 3 of my parrots are very particular about their food. One of them will toss their bowl if they don’t like what they are being served. I have a parrot who bonded to me, and he seeks out others for biting. He’s very hormonal. All of these things make a parrot high maintenance.

If you want a personal life… get a dog! I promise it’s much easier, and they do tend to like to please their owners. My parrots think I’m their slave!

 

[wrench13]

AMEN to that!!

 

[Jcas]

As other people on this forum have suggested, oftentimes the best way to find a parrot is to visit a rescue and let the parrot pick you! It may be a species that you never thought you wanted but if it’s “ the one” you’ll find that doesn’t matter. Parrots definitely do take over your life though, especially the bigger ones. I found the transition from budgies to Quaker to be pretty bumpy initially though we eventually settled into a good routine ( with a few life changes on my part, lol!)

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

I grew up in a bird household. My mother had a blue parakeet when I was very small. My neighbor gave me a green parakeet when I was 5. I loved him for 8 years and was heartbroken when he flew into a window and died in my hands.

Meanwhile, we had a mynah bird, eclectus, Amazon and cockatiel in the house (as well as dogs). I always wanted a macaw and the opportunity to acquire a blue and gold macaw presented itself when I was a teenager. I had no expectations of a talking, roller skating, basketball playing bird. I just wanted a loving pet.

I am now a senior citizen and the proud mother of a senior citizen psittacine. I lucked out and got an absolute love bug. I am blessed in that he is quiet 99.8% of the time. Squawks are so rare that we record them in the calendar. The last time he had an outburst was 5 months ago! He makes cute little croaky noises which are very pleasant to listen to and he talks a little bit, but I would not classify him as a talker. A talker is a squawker. Choose carefully!

My bird is pretty easy to care for, but I have had nearly 50 years of practice to get the system down. The biggest hassle IMO is having to take him to the avian vet (5 miles away) for boarding when we travel. It gets expensive with the medical exams and tests required before boarding, but it is still cheaper than boarding a dog.

Birds have different personalities and you never really know what you are going to get. You have to be willing to accept and work with whatever you get—just like having a child!

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

"My parrots think I’m their slave!"

This is so true my two parrots have two full grown adults to care for them and it is difficult to imagine them getting less.

Read as much on this forum too and learn about all the pitfalls and keep asking questions.

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

I grew up in a bird household. My mother had a blue parakeet when I was very small. My neighbor gave me a green parakeet when I was 5. I loved him for 8 years and was heartbroken when he flew into a window and died in my hands.

Meanwhile, we had a mynah bird, eclectus, Amazon and cockatiel in the house (as well as dogs). I always wanted a macaw and the opportunity to acquire a blue and gold macaw presented itself when I was a teenager. I had no expectations of a talking, roller skating, basketball playing bird. I just wanted a loving pet.

I am now a senior citizen and the proud mother of a senior citizen psittacine. I lucked out and got an absolute love bug. I am blessed in that he is quiet 99.8% of the time. Squawks are so rare that we record them in the calendar. The last time he had an outburst was 5 months ago! He makes cute little croaky noises which are very pleasant to listen to and he talks a little bit, but I would not classify him as a talker. A talker is a squawker. Choose carefully!

My bird is pretty easy to care for, but I have had nearly 50 years of practice to get the system down. The biggest hassle IMO is having to take him to the avian vet (5 miles away) for boarding when we travel. It gets expensive with the medical exams and tests required before boarding, but it is still cheaper than boarding a dog.

Birds have different personalities and you never really know what you are going to get. You have to be willing to accept and work with whatever you get—just like having a child!

thank you this is super helpful!
how has your life with your bg macaw been?

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

Hi there,

I would recommend anyone in your situation to visit a local parrot shelter to be around parrots to gather as much information as possible.

Parrots aren’t like a cat or dog. They do not thrive off pleasing their human companions. Some parrots like snuggling, and others do not. They all have different personalities. Humans are slaves to their parrots. I can feed my dogs anything. They aren’t picky choosy. All 3 of my parrots are very particular about their food. One of them will toss their bowl if they don’t like what they are being served. I have a parrot who bonded to me, and he seeks out others for biting. He’s very hormonal. All of these things make a parrot high maintenance.

If you want a personal life… get a dog! I promise it’s much easier, and they do tend to like to please their owners. My parrots think I’m their slave

Hi there,

I would recommend anyone in your situation to visit a local parrot shelter to be around parrots to gather as much information as possible.

Parrots aren’t like a cat or dog. They do not thrive off pleasing their human companions. Some parrots like snuggling, and others do not. They all have different personalities. Humans are slaves to their parrots. I can feed my dogs anything. They aren’t picky choosy. All 3 of my parrots are very particular about their food. One of them will toss their bowl if they don’t like what they are being served. I have a parrot who bonded to me, and he seeks out others for biting. He’s very hormonal. All of these things make a parrot high maintenance.

If you want a personal life… get a dog! I promise it’s much easier, and they do tend to like to please their owners. My parrots think I’m their slave!

i originally wanted to as i took in some homeless parrots and fell in love, im well aware they have independent personalities and need to be treated as such. In my area there are no specific parrot rescues/shelters and the ones that have birds seem to be only pigeons ( i do love pigeons but im looking for a parrot right now) im more looking for species that i can source responsibly from a breeder so i can at least have a general idea of personality.

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

"My parrots think I’m their slave!"

This is so true my two parrots have two full grown adults to care for them and it is difficult to imagine them getting less.

Read as much on this forum too and learn about all the pitfalls and keep asking questions.

thanks!

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

Hi there,

I would recommend anyone in your situation to visit a local parrot shelter to be around parrots to gather as much information as possible.

Parrots aren’t like a cat or dog. They do not thrive off pleasing their human companions. Some parrots like snuggling, and others do not. They all have different personalities. Humans are slaves to their parrots. I can feed my dogs anything. They aren’t picky choosy. All 3 of my parrots are very particular about their food. One of them will toss their bowl if they don’t like what they are being served. I have a parrot who bonded to me, and he seeks out others for biting. He’s very hormonal. All of these things make a parrot high maintenance.

If you want a personal life… get a dog! I promise it’s much easier, and they do tend to like to please their owners. My parrots think I’m their slave!

i have had parrot experience before, i know how hard they can be, but im ready and 100% willing to put in the effort to give my parrot the best life i can. Do you have any species suggestions?

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

As other people on this forum have suggested, oftentimes the best way to find a parrot is to visit a rescue and let the parrot pick you! It may be a species that you never thought you wanted but if it’s “ the one” you’ll find that doesn’t matter. Parrots definitely do take over your life though, especially the bigger ones. I found the transition from budgies to Quaker to be pretty bumpy initially though we eventually settled into a good routine ( with a few life changes on my part, lol!)

i wish i could! but i haven't found a single parrot rescue/shelter near me and the shelters that do have birds are pigeons. (with a budgie every couple months or so)

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

thank you this is super helpful!
how has your life with your bg macaw been?

My bird is the best pet in the world! I tell him every day, “Thank you for being my parrot.” Honestly, I could not have asked for a more gentle, loving, calm and quiet bird. We are both so fortunate to spend our lives together. We are a perfect match.

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

My bird is the best pet in the world! I tell him every day, “Thank you for being my parrot.” Honestly, I could not have asked for a more gentle, loving, calm and quiet bird. We are both so fortunate to spend our lives together. We are a perfect match.

that sounds amazing! your so lucky to have each other
thank you for telling me your expirence

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

My bird is the best pet in the world! I tell him every day, “Thank you for being my parrot.” Honestly, I could not have asked for a more gentle, loving, calm and quiet bird. We are both so fortunate to spend our lives together. We are a perfect match.

That is like my Amazon.

My Blue and Gold is the opposite. Wanna trade????

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

That is like my Amazon.

My Blue and Gold is the opposite. Wanna trade????

hahahah

 

[kme3388]

Just some food for thought. Parrots live a very long time. Especially macaws, greys, amazons, and so on. Some can live 70-80 years. I’ve came across individuals in their 60’s wanting a baby macaw. That macaw will outlive their owners. A lot of parrots go through shelters when their owners pass away, and their family members didn’t want to take on a parrot. Maybe they did want to take on a parrot but that parrot didn’t want them to be their owner. Either way this situation isn’t ideal. The parrot suffers.



Then I’ve seen kids in their early 20’s wanting a macaw. Just dead set on one. Guess what happens when that person has kids, or their spouse decides they don’t like parrots? Guess what happens when that person graduates from college & gets a full time job? Guess what happens when that person goes to college, and lives an apartment lifestyle? That parrot suffers, and will most likely end up in a shelter or rehomed. Sometimes they just sit in cages for years on end, and are rather unfriendly. Rightfully so! I’m amused by the above poster that got their macaw when they were a teen, and still has it. It’s not usually the case.



My larger parrot was rehomed more than 7-8 times. One of the times was because he hated his owners girlfriend, and bit her. She wanted him gone, and back to the shelter he went. Sometimes we humans mean to do good, but do more harm in the process. I would definitely advise you to think through these things, and to not make an impulse decision.

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

Just some food for thought. Parrots live a very long time. Especially macaws, greys, amazons, and so on. Some can live 70-80 years. I’ve came across individuals in their 60’s wanting a baby macaw. That macaw will outlive their owners. A lot of parrots go through shelters when their owners pass away, and their family members didn’t want to take on a parrot. Maybe they did want to take on a parrot but that parrot didn’t want them to be their owner. Either way this situation isn’t ideal. The parrot suffers.



Then I’ve seen kids in their early 20’s wanting a macaw. Just dead set on one. Guess what happens when that person has kids, or their spouse decides they don’t like parrots? Guess what happens when that person graduates from college & gets a full time job? Guess what happens when that person goes to college, and lives an apartment lifestyle? That parrot suffers, and will most likely end up in a shelter or rehomed. Sometimes they just sit in cages for years on end, and are rather unfriendly. Rightfully so! I’m amused by the above poster that got their macaw when they were a teen, and still has it. It’s not usually the case.



My larger parrot was rehomed more than 7-8 times. One of the times was because he hated his owners girlfriend, and bit her. She wanted him gone, and back to the shelter he went. Sometimes we humans mean to do good, but do more harm in the process. I would definitely advise you to think through these things, and to n

Just some food for thought. Parrots live a very long time. Especially macaws, greys, amazons, and so on. Some can live 70-80 years. I’ve came across individuals in their 60’s wanting a baby macaw. That macaw will outlive their owners. A lot of parrots go through shelters when their owners pass away, and their family members didn’t want to take on a parrot. Maybe they did want to take on a parrot but that parrot didn’t want them to be their owner. Either way this situation isn’t ideal. The parrot suffers.



Then I’ve seen kids in their early 20’s wanting a macaw. Just dead set on one. Guess what happens when that person has kids, or their spouse decides they don’t like parrots? Guess what happens when that person graduates from college & gets a full time job? Guess what happens when that person goes to college, and lives an apartment lifestyle? That parrot suffers, and will most likely end up in a shelter or rehomed. Sometimes they just sit in cages for years on end, and are rather unfriendly. Rightfully so! I’m amused by the above poster that got their macaw when they were a teen, and still has it. It’s not usually the case.



My larger parrot was rehomed more than 7-8 times. One of the times was because he hated his owners girlfriend, and bit her. She wanted him gone, and back to the shelter he went. Sometimes we humans mean to do good, but do more harm in the process. I would definitely advise you to think through these things, and to not make an impulse decision.

thank you for your response, ive been debating which parrot to get for nearly three years now trying to find one that i will suit and my bird will flourish in, if you ever have any advice/suggestions i love to them.

 

[Terry57]

I love how you're doing your research prior to finding a bird! If there aren't any rescues around you, is there perhaps a parrot club? The parrot club here has meetings every month and it may help to connect with people, and possibly be able to spend time with their birds.

We had a long time member here who called his macaws 'mush macs' because all of his loved to cuddle with him. I have a friend with several macaws, and while a couple are cuddly, the rest aren't. As mentioned, it all comes down to the specific bird. None of her macaws speak clearly, and I personally haven't ever seen one who is a prolific talker.

One other thing to be prepared for - our Eclectus was 18 months old when we got him. An Eclectus had always been my dream bird, and the first few months went really well. All of a sudden one day he stopped interacting with me. I couldn't hold him anymore, and he literally pretended that I don't exist.
That went on for 8 or 9 years. Finally, he likes me again and can't wait for me to hold him now, but that was a rough few years. On the other hand, our Orange-winged Amazon hated me from the beginning. He screamed every single time I was in the room. It took him 10 years to tolerate me, and the only thing that changed was me. I changed my expectations of him and eventually we got to be buddies. I can now hold him, and he talks to me now instead of screaming. I'm only mentioning these two things because birds can suddenly change, especially when they hit puberty.

I would suggest reading the specific forums about the species you're most interested in, reading what others are dealing with can be a real eye opener. I wish you the best of luck on your search!

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

th

I love how you're doing your research prior to finding a bird! If there aren't any rescues around you, is there perhaps a parrot club? The parrot club here has meetings every month and it may help to connect with people, and possibly be able to spend time with their birds.

We had a long time member here who called his macaws 'mush macs' because all of his loved to cuddle with him. I have a friend with several macaws, and while a couple are cuddly, the rest aren't. As mentioned, it all comes down to the specific bird. None of her macaws speak clearly, and I personally haven't ever seen one who is a prolific talker.

One other thing to be prepared for - our Eclectus was 18 months old when we got him. An Eclectus had always been my dream bird, and the first few months went really well. All of a sudden one day he stopped interacting with me. I couldn't hold him anymore, and he literally pretended that I don't exist.
That went on for 8 or 9 years. Finally, he likes me again and can't wait for me to hold him now, but that was a rough few years. On the other hand, our Orange-winged Amazon hated me from the beginning. He screamed every single time I was in the room. It took him 10 years to tolerate me, and the only thing that changed was me. I changed my expectations of him and eventually we got to be buddies. I can now hold him, and he talks to me now instead of screaming. I'm only mentioning these two things because birds can suddenly change, especially when they hit puberty.

I would suggest reading the specific forums about the species you're most interested in, reading what others are dealing with can be a real eye opener. I wish you the best of luck on your search!

thank you so much for the great advice! i will continue to research to find a bird that suits my lifestyle and search for a club. in your opinion what age do macaws hit puberty because articles ive found only talk about what age they fully mature.
i would love some insight as to your struggles with your birds teen phase,
thank you.

 

[Terry57]

th

thank you so much for the great advice! i will continue to research to find a bird that suits my lifestyle and search for a club. in your opinion what age do macaws hit puberty because articles ive found only talk about what age they fully mature.
i would love some insight as to your struggles with your birds teen phase,
thank you.

My pleasure! It is definitely a good idea to get a bird who fits your lifestyle. As other's have mentioned, having a parrot is nothing like having a dog or cat. Most parrots live much longer, and are a lot more demanding. When my daughter got married my husband left the reception to go home to do the nightly chop and turn off all their lights after they finished eating. We did skip their time out of their cages that night. They are more than worth the extra work, but it is something to think about.

This article seems to explain puberty pretty well:

B&G Macaw and hormones

All of our birds are either rescues or rehomes so only 3 were young enough to go through puberty with us. I talked about Ekko, our eclectus, the other 2 were a conure and a Blue-headed Pionus. My conure really didn't show any change that I can remember, and my Pionus is full of attitude when he's hormonal. Well, more attitude than usual haha.

A good place for you to research is in our macaws forum, especially posts by a member named Birdman666. Here is a link to a sticky there by him, and you can find other posts of his by going to his profile and clicking on 'Messages'.

Big Beak O Phobes Guide to Understanding Macaw Beaks...

Do you live in a house or apartment? The answer to that may help you decide on a species because macaws can be really loud. I have a friend who has a rescue and you can hear her Green Wing macaws from a couple of blocks away.