Blue and Gold Macaw Review

Overall 4.22 of 5 view all 9 reviews

tallyho
Tallahassee, FL

They family pet that lives and lives and lives...

used to working with animals

Pros

extremely intelligent, active, playful birds, can talk if they want to

Cons

make a big mess, require a specialized diet, can scream if they feel neglected, require a lot of attention

NOV

2007

As a breeder of macaws and cockatoos for years, I would recommend the Blue and Gold as a family pet over most of the other macaws, except of course a Hyacinth! Hyacinths are the ULTIMATE of the macaws!!! The Blue and Golds do not seem to attach themselves to one member of the family as easily as some of the other macaws however, if they do, those that are not the favored family member beware. Remember these guys can crack a brazil nut in a second! Commonly the hand-fed babies do well in a family setting if handled on a regular basis by all members of the family. However, as most love the novelty of having a bird that talks remember these guys outlive us in many cases so if you feel the novelty might be short-lived, select another pet as a companion. Be prepared to have a lifetime investment of time spent with this animal. These are the most neglected of all pet species in my opinion...people love the novelty of having a bird then the novelty wears off...you see the birds passed on and on down the road, stuck in a small cage often-times with little attention. It is a shame especially if they have been hand-fed and used to interaction with people. Before you consider purchasing a bird like this you need to consider the investment of time...they require a great deal of attention, if they are neglected and stuck in the cage too long they will certainly let you know! Vocals skills are their best quality! Great companions and lifelong friends but certainly deserving of the life-long committment of care and attention!

Blue and Gold Macaw is recommended by tallyho

Review inappropriate? Copyright violation?

add tallyho to my friends list add to my favorites subscribe to feed

Comments about tallyho’s Review

In response to Naunie's comment from Dec 30, 2008 at 11:13AM:

Macaws will over pluck their feathers if upset or lonely, make sure to read up and get books from the libary which will detail various activities to ensure health of your new family member.
A few things to remember about adding a feathered family member.
-- talk to them softly and allow them to be come accustom to their new family & environment on their own terms.
-- don't try to handle them too much at the beginning, let them know you care but don't push.
--once they become familiar with the family, make sure to have a consistent schedule with them, my bird has a schedule and enjoys sticking to it.
--incorporate your feather family member to your activities: mine loves sunday breakfast and dinner with the family. She has her own seat and place setting.
--remember Macaws are very smart and can understand you as if they are a toddler, be direct and consistent with them. Positive reinforcement!!!
-- Most of all learn their mood, learn to not get bit by watching their mood and let them know you are the mom or dad, positive reinforcement - reward good behavior immediately and often. Many times a word of love and encouragement is all they require. Good bird, beautiful bird goes a long way.

IN NEED TO FIND OUT WHY MY NEW MACAW HAS SOME MISSING FEATHERS RIGHT BELOW HIS NECK BUT SOMEWHAT ABOVE HIS BREAST LINE,SOMEONE SAID MAYBE LONLEYNESS,COULD THI BE TRUE? I JUST GOT HIM SATURDAY 12/27, BUT HAVE BEEN AROUND THE BIRD ALOT IN THE PAST,AND VERY FRIENDLY WITH HIM.