My Thirty One Year Old Toddler Is A Blue And Gold Macaw

What you must consider before buying a macaw parrot or any large bird.

Not the least of which is living the majority or your life with a child, infact a toddler.

One thing almost no one mentions about taking macaw parrots as pets.

1. If you are a teenager there is a better than average chance a macaw will out live you.

2. If you are in your thirties it is pretty much a given a macaw will out live you.

These large parrots live from 30 to 50 years. Of course just as with our own lives much is decided on the manner in which the bird lives and is cared for. Betting on your bird living 40 to 50 years wouldn't be a stretch.

This means because macaws can have the intellect of a 2-3 year old human child you could be living with a thirty, forty, fifty year old 2 year old child. I didn't bring this up to dissuade anyone only to warn them. Done right it can be one heck of a wonderful life for both.

If you are fully prepared to live your life with a three year old then the question becomes exactly what kind of macaw do you want. There are several. Some are far more colorful than others but all in all they are very much the same.

Blue and golds seem to be more active than say a greenwinged. Scarlets seem to be almost like blue and golds but a bit higher strung and a bit nippier.

One thing the blue and gold I think has the best lungs when it comes to screaming. But they are all big birds and can be vocally imposing when they want to be. Not recommended to apartment dwellers.

There are some differences in traits between these birds but for me not enough to be the deciding factor. For me it is the color thing first. They are all drop dead gorgeous birds making the choices difficult. My choice is the blue and gold.

All of these birds can be destructive if not supervised. Remember this when buying or making toys for your bird. They should just never be left alone out of their cage.

Regardless of the particular character traits. The bird you end up with will as with many humans become a product of the birds environment, training and care. If particular traits matter to you then do some research to find the appreciable traits of each bird. For me a macaw is a macaw.

Before you buy your macaw. Some things to think about.

Most birds related to size are noisy and messy. Plan accordingly.

Where do you intend to keep your companion? Your bird if you're doing your job will feel like part of your family and the bird will want to be treated that way.

They love people and wish to be included in almost everything. They can't help that they are curious and intelligent and crave affection and attention.

In what and where are you going to keep your bird. Know this and prepare for it before you bring a bird home. Room decor can influence the cage you purchase.

Macaws are large birds and require a great deal of room to thrive. You will need a large cage. For one bird a cage no smaller than 3x4x5ft minimum should be used. There should be no more than 1.5 inches between the bars. Make sure the door has a latching system that will accomodate a padlock. Be certain there are adequate horizontal bars to aid climbing.

Some birds if they can get to the latch will learn to open it quickly. I lock the cage when I leave because I simply feel better. Pay attention to the door latch.

An all stainless cage is preferable to most other types. A nice wrought iron cage with a stainless pull out tray may be more decorative, more fitting of your decor.

Really heavy food and water dishes will be required for these birds. And a cage on coasters is a must for convenience.

Take your time with this. Don't buy the first bird or cage you stumble over. Do some research. Learn to know about the bird you finally choose.

Done right a lifetime with a three year old is a wonderfull thing.

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