Macaw

[ParrotheadGator]

Now it makes sense.....he is adding the pit bull of birds to the phamily,,,,it eats phruits and nuts btw, not small dogs and annoying children.

Bull terriers, not pit bulls. There is an enormous difference. Don't dare insult my dog by putting their name in the same sentence as a pit bull

that said, pit bulls are naturally sweet dogs. It's bad owners who give them their reputation. I'd say the same thing about birds....if you're a crappy owner, you'll probably have a mean, crappy bird.

that's not always the case. For example when a breed wins the Westminster historically unscrupulous breeders capitalize on the particular breed's popularity and start imbreeding resulting in less desirable dogs. So there instances in where you do everything right - the animal is just hard headed or retarded. It happens with all types of domesticated animals. With birds - the breeding conditions could be deplorable before it even arrives at the bird store which could effect it's interaction with humans in the long run. My lilac crowned amazon parrot loved women but hated men and we always sorta knew a man had to have abused the bird prior to us getting him.

That last statement just proved my point. Your bird loving women and hating men was likely directly linked to a man abusing him. That has nothing to do with the bird's breeding.

You are correct that some breeds are abused and improperly bred after they suddenly become popular (like dalmations after 101 dalmations came out). But those improperly bred animals are not considered full bred, akc quality animals. So I couldn't consider them in my assessment of a particular breed. But, I know they are out there. I just hope the buyer does their research before buying anyting from a breeder.

[ph4ever]

How did you like the Amazon, Connie? I've been tossing around between one of them and the Hahn's Macaw.

Troy - I'll see you at the end of June


I loved my Amazon!!! He was plenty bird for me. He was a little stubborn sometimes but other than that he was really a great bird. My ex hated him and since the bird pretty much hated men my ex decided to sell the bird right before I had my son. He thought it would be too much work - me taking care of the baby and bird. Made no sense to me.

[MojosMama]

Coolio....what was your first bird, Connie? What one would you recommend for a first timer? Just trying to accumulate MORE info, lol! I've been looking at different breeders - IMHO a bird that has been poked at in a pet store for all of it's life isn't my best choice.

[ph4ever]

Now it makes sense.....he is adding the pit bull of birds to the phamily,,,,it eats phruits and nuts btw, not small dogs and annoying children.

Bull terriers, not pit bulls. There is an enormous difference. Don't dare insult my dog by putting their name in the same sentence as a pit bull

that said, pit bulls are naturally sweet dogs. It's bad owners who give them their reputation. I'd say the same thing about birds....if you're a crappy owner, you'll probably have a mean, crappy bird.

that's not always the case. For example when a breed wins the Westminster historically unscrupulous breeders capitalize on the particular breed's popularity and start imbreeding resulting in less desirable dogs. So there instances in where you do everything right - the animal is just hard headed or retarded. It happens with all types of domesticated animals. With birds - the breeding conditions could be deplorable before it even arrives at the bird store which could effect it's interaction with humans in the long run. My lilac crowned amazon parrot loved women but hated men and we always sorta knew a man had to have abused the bird prior to us getting him.

That last statement just proved my point. Your bird loving women and hating men was likely directly linked to a man abusing him. That has nothing to do with the bird's breeding.

You are correct that some breeds are abused and improperly bred after they suddenly become popular (like dalmations after 101 dalmations came out). But those improperly bred animals are not considered full bred, akc quality animals. So I couldn't consider them in my assessment of a particular breed. But, I know they are out there. I just hope the buyer does their research before buying anyting from a breeder.

In that particular case involving the bird didn't involve imbreeding.

But with dogs up intil the late 60's imbreeding was big within the confines of AKC members. For example - the cocker spaniel. After it won the Westminster the demand for that particular breed was high. There were vast cases of imbreeding resulting in a pooer quality AKC REGISTERED cocker spaniel. Some of the cocker's problems with temperment, peeing when excited and eye problems are genetically related and a lot of them are direct results of imbreeding that occured after their winning the Westminster. I used to breed AKC cockers - I know this for a fact.

[ph4ever]

Coolio....what was your first bird, Connie? What one would you recommend for a first timer? Just trying to accumulate MORE info, lol! I've been looking at different breeders - IMHO a bird that has been poked at in a pet store for all of it's life isn't my best choice.

my first was a parakeet, another parakeet, lovebirds, the senegal and then the Amazon. Now I'm back to my rescued parakeet.

I would start off small to be honest and see how you can cope with the noise a bird makes - the bigger the bird the bigger the noise. Like a parakeet or a cockateel. My Amazon mimicked the fire trucks coming from the nearby fire station and sounded just like one racing thru the room he was in. Also you can find a petstore that specializes in birds. That's what I did with my Amazon. The lady running the store had strict rules about conduct in her store and also required that if you were taking a bird home you needed to attend a few "classes" on bird handeling before she actually sold you the animal. She was really great to work with.

[MojosMama]

Also you can find a petstore that specializes in birds. That's what I did with my Amazon. The lady running the store had strict rules about conduct in her store and also required that if you were taking a bird home you needed to attend a few "classes" on bird handeling before she actually sold you the animal. She was really great to work with.

That would be an ideal situation! The only one that sells birds that I know of up here is HORRIBLE....all I think of when they come to mind is watching little b@$+@rds poking at the poor things through the cage. I'll have to keep an eye out for a good one.

[ParrotheadGator]

Now it makes sense.....he is adding the pit bull of birds to the phamily,,,,it eats phruits and nuts btw, not small dogs and annoying children.

Bull terriers, not pit bulls. There is an enormous difference. Don't dare insult my dog by putting their name in the same sentence as a pit bull

that said, pit bulls are naturally sweet dogs. It's bad owners who give them their reputation. I'd say the same thing about birds....if you're a crappy owner, you'll probably have a mean, crappy bird.

that's not always the case. For example when a breed wins the Westminster historically unscrupulous breeders capitalize on the particular breed's popularity and start imbreeding resulting in less desirable dogs. So there instances in where you do everything right - the animal is just hard headed or retarded. It happens with all types of domesticated animals. With birds - the breeding conditions could be deplorable before it even arrives at the bird store which could effect it's interaction with humans in the long run. My lilac crowned amazon parrot loved women but hated men and we always sorta knew a man had to have abused the bird prior to us getting him.

That last statement just proved my point. Your bird loving women and hating men was likely directly linked to a man abusing him. That has nothing to do with the bird's breeding.

You are correct that some breeds are abused and improperly bred after they suddenly become popular (like dalmations after 101 dalmations came out). But those improperly bred animals are not considered full bred, akc quality animals. So I couldn't consider them in my assessment of a particular breed. But, I know they are out there. I just hope the buyer does their research before buying anyting from a breeder.

In that particular case involving the bird didn't involve imbreeding.

But with dogs up intil the late 60's imbreeding was big within the confines of AKC members. For example - the cocker spaniel. After it won the Westminster the demand for that particular breed was high. There were vast cases of imbreeding resulting in a pooer quality AKC REGISTERED cocker spaniel. Some of the cocker's problems with temperment, peeing when excited and eye problems are genetically related and a lot of them are direct results of imbreeding that occured after their winning the Westminster. I used to breed AKC cockers - I know this for a fact.

There are always going to be pooer quality AKC registered dogs, from imbreeding or not. There's nothing that can be done about that. But even with most temperents (aside from hormonal imbalance type of "rage issues"), the dog can be raised to be a friendly, if raised correctly.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

Man oh Man, are you sure you want to get into this, PHG? These birds live 80 years or more....it will definitely outlive you if cared for properly, Connie was not kidding when she said you need to consider that. You have to leave provisions for its care in your will, just like any other dependent.

They are noisy, messy and destructive. These birds can chew thru granite...do you really think your house can take that kind of abuse? And you can't just leave these birds in a cage and call it well and good, they need activity, socialization, exercise, different things to climb on in order to keep their feet healthy, etc.

Parrots mate for life. You or someone in your family will become this bird's mate. WoooHoo for that person, but it sux for everyone else associated with the bird. The bird may tolerate them, it may hate and attack them whenever it can. It is jealousy, plain and simple, and while you may be able to reason with a human, you can't with a bird. They just don't get it.

You can't just go off for a weekend or on vacation without making preparations for the bird's care. It's not like a cat where you can leave dry food and water out for a couple of days. You have to have someone who is willing to come in and feed the bird, change the water, clean the cage, etc. Finding someone that you and your bird both trust may be very difficult. It's not a job the neighbor kid can do.

There is no question that these are cool animals, but they really don't make good pets. Many folks get parrots and within a year or two they end up being abandoned or given to a rescue organization because they were simply too much work. We would get calls daily at the zoo from folks begging us to take their parrot, and it just can't be done.

Folks invest a lot of money into getting a parrot without knowing all the facts. Any reputable breeder will want to see a person's interaction over time with a particular bird, and use their discretion on whether or not to sell them a bird. Most pet stores dont' give a damn. Oftentimes their birds are unhealthy and perhaps have been obtained illegally. If you do end up getting a parrot I'd avoid the petstore ones at all costs.

Bottom line? Having a parrot is like having a two year old around for the rest of your life. No Joke. Are you sure you want that?

Connie has given a lot of excellent advice, she knows her stuff. If you really want to do this I wish you the best of luck, but please go into it knowing all the facts and with both eyes open. And like you're doing now...keep asking questions.

[ParrotheadGator]

Man oh Man, are you sure you want to get into this, PHG? These birds live 80 years or more....it will definitely outlive you if cared for properly, Connie was not kidding when she said you need to consider that. You have to leave provisions for its care in your will, just like any other dependent.

They are noisy, messy and destructive. These birds can chew thru granite...do you really think your house can take that kind of abuse? And you can't just leave these birds in a cage and call it well and good, they need activity, socialization, exercise, different things to climb on in order to keep their feet healthy, etc.

Parrots mate for life. You or someone in your family will become this bird's mate. WoooHoo for that person, but it sux for everyone else associated with the bird. The bird may tolerate them, it may hate and attack them whenever it can. It is jealousy, plain and simple, and while you may be able to reason with a human, you can't with a bird. They just don't get it.

You can't just go off for a weekend or on vacation without making preparations for the bird's care. It's not like a cat where you can leave dry food and water out for a couple of days. You have to have someone who is willing to come in and feed the bird, change the water, clean the cage, etc. Finding someone that you and your bird both trust may be very difficult. It's not a job the neighbor kid can do.

There is no question that these are cool animals, but they really don't make good pets. Many folks get parrots and within a year or two they end up being abandoned or given to a rescue organization because they were simply too much work. We would get calls daily at the zoo from folks begging us to take their parrot, and it just can't be done.

Folks invest a lot of money into getting a parrot without knowing all the facts. Any reputable breeder will want to see a person's interaction over time with a particular bird, and use their discretion on whether or not to sell them a bird. Most pet stores dont' give a damn. Oftentimes their birds are unhealthy and perhaps have been obtained illegally. If you do end up getting a parrot I'd avoid the petstore ones at all costs.

Bottom line? Having a parrot is like having a two year old around for the rest of your life. No Joke. Are you sure you want that?

Connie has given a lot of excellent advice, she knows her stuff. If you really want to do this I wish you the best of luck, but please go into it knowing all the facts and with both eyes open. And like you're doing now...keep asking questions.

noisy, messy, destructive....that part isn't a big deal. Like I said, 2 bull terriers who can (and will) chew through anything has tested me there. I know they don't "squak" like birds, but they bark and "talk" (a grunting they do when they want something or are getting affection). Dogs are the same way about being left alone also. Not easily taken along everywhere and not just anybody can come and walk them. The jealousy thing would be an issue. Breeders wouldn't be an issue either (by bro has worked with birds, training and socializing them...so I've got somebody to help me out with).

[ph4ever]

PHG - one thing you need to remember is the birds are very sensitive. For example - if you dip your own dogs you must be very careful and not let the freshed dipped dogs anywhere near the bird for quite a while. birds are very sensitive to different types of pollutants and poisons and a freshed dipped dog going crazy and running in the same room as a bird can actually kill the bird. You have to watch what insectides, air freshners, and cleaning solutions you use anywhere near the bird.

And your comparison of dogs vs birds as a guideline to your ability to own and take care of a bird is way off base. Birds are much harder to take care of.

Good Luck!!

[rednekkPH]

Birds were not meant to be pets, they were meant to be food.

[FFishstick]

Have you done much research on them yet? The larger macaws are big, loud, and can be pretty intimidating (or mean). If you're a first time bird owner, a blue and gold probably isn't your best choice. I've been interested in getting a bird for years now, but haven't had one yet. I'm actually saving up right now for mine. (another tip - go hand fed, weaned, from a reputable breeder) If you really want a macaw for your first one, you might want to get one of the one's I'm looking at - a mini macaw. There are the Hahn's Macaw, the Noble (subspecies of the Hahn's), the Yellow-Collared, and the Severe. I'm personally most interested in the Hahn's, but it's a matter of personal circumstances, etc. Hahn's is the smallest, Severe is the largest of the minis. Use google, lol....

I've done a little. My bro has worked in pet stores handling birds, including a couple parrots, so I have somebody to help me out.

As for being intimidating or mean, I'd think that's much like raising a dog...it's all about early socialization. I'll look into the mini's though

I don't want to be a downer on your dream of owning a Macaw, but I question if you have truely listened to the posts written by experienced bird owners. Raising a Macaw is nothing like raising a dog. They require a great more deal of attention. Without constant attention, they become destructive, even self destructive, aggressive, and very loud. The cost to kennel them while on vacation, even a two day getaway is much more than for a dog. Leaving the bird alone for even 48 hours can undo months and even years of bonding with the bird. They are tempermental animals. They are messier than dogs, and their cages require more cleaning than dogs. IMHO based on the posts on this thread, I don't think you've done your homework on this one. Start with a parakeet and work your way up. My quess is that by the time you work up to a Conure, you will abandon your dreams of owning a Macaw all together. I write this discourse more out of concern for the bird than for you. Sorry if you take it personal, but I am concerned about any large bird you may end up with.

[ParrotheadGator]

PHG - one thing you need to remember is the birds are very sensitive. For example - if you dip your own dogs you must be very careful and not let the freshed dipped dogs anywhere near the bird for quite a while. birds are very sensitive to different types of pollutants and poisons and a freshed dipped dog going crazy and running in the same room as a bird can actually kill the bird. You have to watch what insectides, air freshners, and cleaning solutions you use anywhere near the bird.

And your comparison of dogs vs birds as a guideline to your ability to own and take care of a bird is way off base. Birds are much harder to take care of.

Good Luck!!

I don't think it is too far off. They are both a great responsbility (for those that have never been around one, raising a bull terrier is not like your average golden retriever. They're among the highest of intelligent and unfortunately, stubborn breeds. Don't confuse that with your poodle, retriever or cocker spaniel), just different types of responsibilities.

But let's compare the responsibilities that make taking care of a bird much more difficult.

1) Dogs can't or shouldn't spend a large chunk of their day in a dog crate or locked indoors, compared to a bird that spends a lot of time in a cage.

2) Dogs have to be taken outside and walked until they pee and/or crap, numerous times a day. They have to be walked/exercised at lengths for their muscle development. Birds need far less exercise.

3) Schedule w/ a bird is much more flexibile, as don't have to walk it first thing in the morning, during lunch, the second you get home, again in the evening and again before you go to bed.

4) Dogs have to be painstakingly properly trained and socialized to be around other people and animals or it will be hell when you try to walk them, especially if you live in an apartment or neighborhood and have to walk them on a leash. Birds just need to be properly socialized with people who they'll have regular contact with.

5) As for chemicals/foods hazardous, both animals have their lethal foods or fragrants, etc.

I could likely go on, but it's just ignorant to say raising a bird is far harder than a dog. Different yes, far more difficult, no.

[ParrotheadGator]

Have you done much research on them yet? The larger macaws are big, loud, and can be pretty intimidating (or mean). If you're a first time bird owner, a blue and gold probably isn't your best choice. I've been interested in getting a bird for years now, but haven't had one yet. I'm actually saving up right now for mine. (another tip - go hand fed, weaned, from a reputable breeder) If you really want a macaw for your first one, you might want to get one of the one's I'm looking at - a mini macaw. There are the Hahn's Macaw, the Noble (subspecies of the Hahn's), the Yellow-Collared, and the Severe. I'm personally most interested in the Hahn's, but it's a matter of personal circumstances, etc. Hahn's is the smallest, Severe is the largest of the minis. Use google, lol....

I've done a little. My bro has worked in pet stores handling birds, including a couple parrots, so I have somebody to help me out.

As for being intimidating or mean, I'd think that's much like raising a dog...it's all about early socialization. I'll look into the mini's though

I don't want to be a downer on your dream of owning a Macaw, but I question if you have truely listened to the posts written by experienced bird owners. Raising a Macaw is nothing like raising a dog. They require a great more deal of attention. Without constant attention, they become destructive, even self destructive, aggressive, and very loud. The cost to kennel them while on vacation, even a two day getaway is much more than for a dog. Leaving the bird alone for even 48 hours can undo months and even years of bonding with the bird. They are tempermental animals. They are messier than dogs, and their cages require more cleaning than dogs. IMHO based on the posts on this thread, I don't think you've done your homework on this one. Start with a parakeet and work your way up. My quess is that by the time you work up to a Conure, you will abandon your dreams of owning a Macaw all together. I write this discourse more out of concern for the bird than for you. Sorry if you take it personal, but I am concerned about any large bird you may end up with.

not directly comparing raising a macaw to raising a dog. I will say that raising either requires hard work and dedication. And a person who generally shows that type of responsibility could likely, not always but likely, handle raising a bird. I do understand the companionship restraints and I have listened, but with all animals, not just birds, comes compromise and understand before you get into it.

[FFishstick]

PHG - one thing you need to remember is the birds are very sensitive. For example - if you dip your own dogs you must be very careful and not let the freshed dipped dogs anywhere near the bird for quite a while. birds are very sensitive to different types of pollutants and poisons and a freshed dipped dog going crazy and running in the same room as a bird can actually kill the bird. You have to watch what insectides, air freshners, and cleaning solutions you use anywhere near the bird.

And your comparison of dogs vs birds as a guideline to your ability to own and take care of a bird is way off base. Birds are much harder to take care of.

Good Luck!!

I don't think it is too far off. They are both a great responsbility (for those that have never been around one, raising a bull terrier is not like your average golden retriever. They're among the highest of intelligent and unfortunately, stubborn breeds. Don't confuse that with your poodle, retriever or cocker spaniel), just different types of responsibilities.

But let's compare the responsibilities that make taking care of a bird much more difficult.

1) Dogs can't or shouldn't spend a large chunk of their day in a dog crate or locked indoors, compared to a bird that spends a lot of time in a cage.

2) Dogs have to be taken outside and walked until they pee and/or crap, numerous times a day. They have to be walked/exercised at lengths for their muscle development. Birds need far less exercise.

3) Schedule w/ a bird is much more flexibile, as don't have to walk it first thing in the morning, during lunch, the second you get home, again in the evening and again before you go to bed.

4) Dogs have to be painstakingly properly trained and socialized to be around other people and animals or it will be hell when you try to walk them, especially if you live in an apartment or neighborhood and have to walk them on a leash. Birds just need to be properly socialized with people who they'll have regular contact with.

5) As for chemicals/foods hazardous, both animals have their lethal foods or fragrants, etc.

I could likely go on, but it's just ignorant to say raising a bird is far harder than a dog. Different yes, far more difficult, no.

I appologize up front for this, but there is a DEAD Parrot in your future. Your ignorance is astounding. You started this post for honest opinions and you got them and ignored them. You made your decision to Kill your future parrot long before creating this post. I have read post after post warning you of the difficulties and the differences between raising dogs and birds. You have cast them aside. Someone please pass this on to PETA or the SPCA so they can stop the sensless killing of a Macaw, simply because a person thinks it would be cool to own one. How selfish. Next time you really don't want someones honest opinion, don't start a thread asking for it. God bless that bird. One Parrothead hoping that the bird in your future flies far far away.

[ph4ever]

PHG - one thing you need to remember is the birds are very sensitive. For example - if you dip your own dogs you must be very careful and not let the freshed dipped dogs anywhere near the bird for quite a while. birds are very sensitive to different types of pollutants and poisons and a freshed dipped dog going crazy and running in the same room as a bird can actually kill the bird. You have to watch what insectides, air freshners, and cleaning solutions you use anywhere near the bird.

And your comparison of dogs vs birds as a guideline to your ability to own and take care of a bird is way off base. Birds are much harder to take care of.

Good Luck!!

I don't think it is too far off. They are both a great responsbility (for those that have never been around one, raising a bull terrier is not like your average golden retriever. They're among the highest of intelligent and unfortunately, stubborn breeds. Don't confuse that with your poodle, retriever or cocker spaniel), just different types of responsibilities.

But let's compare the responsibilities that make taking care of a bird much more difficult.

1) Dogs can't or shouldn't spend a large chunk of their day in a dog crate or locked indoors, compared to a bird that spends a lot of time in a cage.-

sorry couldn't help myself

2) Dogs have to be taken outside and walked until they pee and/or crap, numerous times a day. They have to be walked/exercised at lengths for their muscle development. Birds need far less exercise. sorry - I just can't help myself
3) Schedule w/ a bird is much more flexibile, as don't have to walk it first thing in the morning, during lunch, the second you get home, again in the evening and again before you go to bed. ever heard a parrot early on a Sunday morning when it wants OUT of the cage and you're hungover??

4) Dogs have to be painstakingly properly trained and socialized to be around other people and animals or it will be hell when you try to walk them, especially if you live in an apartment or neighborhood and have to walk them on a leash. Birds just need to be properly socialized with people who they'll have regular contact with. Oh you poor misinformed person - you have to completely socialize the bird to all aspects of people because you never know who will walk into your house and if the bird will be perched or caged

5) As for chemicals/foods hazardous, both animals have their lethal foods or fragrants, etc. Again - yes you are correct but you obviously fail to grasp the severity that these can effect a bird.. You can spray raid roach spray with your dog in the same room - do that with your $1000.00 bird and it may die
I could likely go on, but it's just ignorant to say raising a bird is far harder than a dog. Different yes, far more difficult, no.

actually what's ignorant is to downplay advice from people who have raised both and know what they are talking about. You were wanting advice and you act as if you know it all and those of us that have experience you've acted as if we're stupid and don't know what we're talking about.

Raising a bird is different and in some circumstances IT IS more difficult than a dog. but of course you know it all so none of us can be of any help to you.

[FFishstick]

ph4ever - Connie,

I know you and I have not always agreed, and we have traded barbs over the weeks. But in this case I am in total agreement with you. Gator has asked for advice, got it, and ignored it. My hope is that a close friend of Gator's reads this thread and talks a little sense into that bird brain. Your last post pointed it out clearly. Good for you.

[ph4ever]

ph4ever - Connie,

I know you and I have not always agreed, and we have traded barbs over the weeks. But in this case I am in total agreement with you. Gator has asked for advice, got it, and ignored it. My hope is that a close friend of Gator's reads this thread and talks a little sense into that bird brain. Your last post pointed it out clearly. Good for you.

thanks - I knew you and I could find a common ground. I just feel sorry for the bird. I've known of way too many people that think it would be cool to own a parrot and don't realize they have vet bills and issues to raising them too. After a few years they are tired of the bird - they haven't worked with it the way they should so the bird is that much harder to socialize (the rescued parakeet I have now - I've tried for almost a year to hand tame him. He'll let you pet him if he's in the cage but don't try to get him to stand on your finger). Yea you don't have to walk them but if you want your bird hand tame you have to work with it every night for a really long time - like the rest of its life

[Mr Play]

Maybe you should get a smaller/shorter-lived bird first, and see how that goes. You have to be a bird person to live with a parrot, and not everyone is.

[bravedave]

I appologize up front for this, but there is a DEAD Parrot in your future...

'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This parrot is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the perch 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! THIS IS AN EX-PARROT!!

Monty Python, Pet Shop