My Macaw Peter... with friend Frank!
Great Macaws are created… not hatched! Questions you might want to mull over when considering adding a Blue and Gold Macaw to your family as a pet are:
1. Will a bird act in a desirable way?
2. Will the bird talk?
3. Are birds intelligent?
4. Are birds affectionate and playful?
5. Will a bird be a good “fit” as a pet for my family (children and/or spouse)?
6. Are birds possessive of their owner or will they accept family members… friends?
7. Will I be able to tolerate the noise Macaws make?
8. How can I be sure my Macaw does not become a biter… or if he is, can I stop his biting?
9. Do I have what it takes in patience to train a bird this size?
While you are the only one who can truly answer the last question here… you need not worry about all of the other issues above as all are easily corrected behavioural problems… IF they even exist in your bird. It is up to us as pet owners to make certain our bird meets its greatest potential.
Other issues you MAY want answers too should you be considering adopting a previously owned bird… especially if the Macaw is considered to be a problem, are:
10. Can feather plucking be stopped?
11. Can a bird with obvious malnutrition issues be helped?
12. Can a Macaw be toilet trained?
Again, yes is the answer to all of the above… if YOU are good at following instructions. It’s as easy as that!
If you have never owned a bird before, you need to understand that birds of any sort are not domesticated like cats and dogs have been. Only through actions like hand feeding, comfort and care, human contact becomes associated with “parents” and they then become members of the bird’s flock.
Should you buy a baby Blue and Gold Macaw (or any other type of bird for that matter), be sure to deal with a trusted breeder. It’s the breeders who start the bird’s socializing, and it is because of this that most breeders start hand feeding hatchlings when they are about 16 days old.
Often unknown situations and/or locations can cause an upset and frighten a bird. As important as constant care, feeding, and handling by all family members (including friends) is, socializing also includes introducing your bird to new and different places and situations. If you want to prevent harm to your Macaw (and/or possible others) then as owner of a Macaw, it is a must that your bird trusts you in any and all locations and situations.
Remember good and/or bad behaviour are learned responses, so it is up to you, as owner to make every effort in preparing your Macaw for his new environment. Why not make it a healthy environment for everyone concerned and enjoy your new pet!
Related posting: Why a Large Parrot or Cockatoo?
That’s more than sensible! That’s a great post!
Thanks Magdelina!
This understanding as part of your write-up is superb! I shall suppose you are an authority about this matter.
Yes Jack, I had many exotic birds in years past, so I like to share with those who think owning a bird might be like having a dog or cat. Birds are a lot more demanding of your time… and oooooh, so worth it. Their noise usually scares a lot of potential pet owners from ever owning an exotic bird, so this you need to know up front.
Keep these articles coming Trish. Two thumbs up!