Accept 6 Basics Before Buying A Macaw

By: Ryleigh Cantrell Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Among the most admired of all our birds, the macaws are the largest of all parrots.

These magnificent birds range from Mexico and Central America down to South America.

For most people it is the impressive size, along with the constantly demonstrable intelligence ending with an amazing rainbow of colors that first attract them to the macaw parrots.

The birds are built for flight with streamlined sleek, brightly colored bodies and a beautifully colored long slender tail. That people fall inlove with these birds certainly is not a mystery.

There is so much to love about them. There is every reason for people to want to keep a macaw and depending on the exact people every reason not to keep a macaw. For the newer owner a macaw can be a real handfull.

It is advisable to learn all you can about the nature and needs of a macaw, prior to acquiring one of these very large birds.

1.The macaw is a large bird and must be kept in a large cage. A minimal size of 3x4x6ft is advisable. Bear in mind the larger the cage the happier the bird. Be certain room is not a problem.

2.Macaws are very vocal by nature. The birds are extremely loud. Where a prospective owner lives should weigh heavily on the decision to own a macaw. Not a good choice for those living in an apartment.

3.These birds are intelligent rated to be somewhere between a 2-3 year old child. Curiosity and mischieviousness come along with the intelligence. Owners must have time to devote to and to supervise their birds. To have to much time to devote to a macaw just isn't possible. These parrots love to interact with their owners and will if permitted become another member of your family.

4.The macaw mates for life in the wild. This sometimes leads a bird to attaching itself to a certain individual in the family. The bird could become aggressive towards other family members. Each and every family member should socialize with and take part in caring for the bird. Whenever possible socializing with those who are not family members will benefeit the family and bird both.

5.Birds in general are messy. The big birds are the messiest, if for no other reason than size. Before you decide on a large bird and large cage. Please realize that caring for and cleaning up after a macaw can be as demanding and time consuming as caring for a toddler.

6.Chewing, macaws chew. There is no getting around it. It is as normal for a macaw to chew as it is for you to grasp a cup of coffee or cold drink. Their beak is sharp and powerful. The formidable hooked beak is strong and sharp. They know why they have it and precisely what to do with it. They will chew almost anything they can get a beak around and are extremely proud of their ability to do so. For a macaw chewing just won't be your decision.

Being left unwatched for just moments has cost people their prized posessions. Turn your back and there goes the leg of grandmas' antique table or even your bird should he decide to test an electrical cord. Give them a wealth of tough toys, keep blocks of untreated wood in their cage. Won't stop the chewing but might help keep them under control.

Very simply put owning a macaw is a wonderful and long term relationship. But for those who do not know and understand and accept the nature of these parrots prior to buying one. That ownership can be a very trying and diffuicult relationship.

For the dedicated owner keeping a macaw parrot can be one the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Do your homework and research. We have only scratched the surface here. Before you commit there is so much to be known and understood.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Ryleigh Cantrell has owned his blue and gold Macaw (Shadow) since 1978. There are two guesses as to why the birds name.The two are inseperable. To learn more about blue and gold macaws.