Can Macaws Be Pets?
Before you decide to buy a macaw, you need to know a few things. First, these birds live a long time. They need lots of space and interaction to be happy. They also need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and self-injury behaviors like feather plucking. A bored macaw can be a real challenge to live with.
They’re expensive
Macaws are beautiful birds that make stunning show pets. However, they’re complex animals that require a lot of attention. They’re also highly intelligent and often act aggressively when frustrated or threatened.
They also have large beaks that can injure children or adults. In addition, they’re prone to bite and will chew anything within their reach. These behaviors can lead to costly damage, so it’s important to train them early on.
Macaws are social creatures that bond for life. They need a large flight cage, lots of toys, and constant attention. These birds can be a great choice for experienced bird owners. However, it’s important to consider whether you’re ready for the commitment before adopting one.
They’re loud
Macaws scream a lot and this makes them not a good choice for people who want a quiet pet. However, they do bond very strongly with their owners.
In the wild, they squawk and call out to communicate with their flock and to warn their fellow birds of predators. In captivity, they may scream when they are lonely or to get your attention.
If you are able to find the reason for their screams (which can range from boredom to being sick) you should be able to get them to stop. This will not happen overnight though. It will take a lot of patience and consistency.
They’re noisy
Macaws are used to living in large flocks in the wild, so they’re vocal birds. They also love to play and socialize, so they need a lot of attention from their humans.
A macaw’s loudest calls can reach 105 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a lawnmower or a rock concert. These sounds are usually screamed when the bird feels it has been abandoned by its human flock or to contact other birds in the area.
Reacting to the screams can make the situation worse, so it’s best not to respond. Instead, wait until the bird has a break in the squawking to talk with it.
They’re messy
A macaw can cause a lot of mess in your home. They are messy eaters and can chew drywall and other surfaces. They also enjoy tearing apart toys.
These birds can live 30 years or more, so you’ll need to be prepared for a lifetime commitment. Some owners even specify in their wills or life insurance policies who should care for their macaw if they die.
Macaws are rowdy, funny clowns that can give you incredible joy as long as you are able to meet their extensive needs. It’s important to learn everything you can about macaws before bringing one into your home.
They’re destructive
Macaws can be destructive in the home, often tearing down items to use for toys. They may also shred woodwork and expensive books with their powerful beaks. These behaviors can be discouraged by exposing them to novel objects and people on a regular basis.
Macaw owners must also be prepared for their bird to bite if they are upset. In the wild, macaws use their shrill calls to mark territory, identify members of their flock, and communicate with one another.
Many psittacine species, including macaws, are endangered, and their sale is regulated by the CITES convention. Only reputable breeders can sell these birds, and they should be able to provide documentation of their breeding program.
They’re social
Macaws are rarely seen alone in the wild and prefer to spend their lives in small family flocks. They can bond well with a single person but must be given plenty of interaction on a daily basis to feel happy. Failure to meet these needs can lead to aggression or destructive behaviors such as chewing wooden toys and expensive books.
Lunging is a common behavior for macaws and, while it can be frightening, it’s often not aggressive. Instead, the bird is exhibiting a threat behavior to test its owner’s nerves.
Macaws love to play, and they require an extensive variety of toys and accessories that they can chew on. They also need lots of space in order to exercise and stay busy.