advice please

[lnrdisco]

Hi there, we are looking to bring a parrot into our home but are unsure which would suit our family. I have always wanted a blue and gold winged macaw and finally found myself with a home a garden big enough. I live in a busy household with 3 kids and 3 dogs. After reading many websites I have found loads of different advice, but its really not helped.....on confused me more.
I understand that the parrot need lots of time and attention, which we have.....we plan on building a large avairy outside for the warmer weather....as well as a large cage and play trees in the house.
I would like where to look to buy a healthy bird, what is the best age parrot to get.
I would like to get a pair, with the potential to breed, but have read on the net they need silence and to be kept away from the family. Is this the case ?

Sorry for all.the questions but I've waited so long I want to get it right.

Many thanks
James

[kidders]

I am by no means offering any answers to your many questions, but I would say this - slow down !
You have a lot of 'wants' on your list, and if you are after, and i am guessing here, a cuddly, free breeding, low maintanance, family friendly, dog tolerant, etc etc pair of birds ?

It won't happen.

After 25 years of keeping & breeding Parrotlike birds, I can honestly say that what you are looking for is utopia, the holy grail, the pot of gold, adding a bird, albeit a budgie or macaw to your household is a massive decision, It really is a gamble, that's why I love the hobby, you can not take anything for granted.

The only advice I would offer is 'Try not to run before you can walk'. Find a breeder/keeper you can relate to, and the bird/birds you are after may eventually find you.

Regards
Neal

[lnrdisco]

Neal

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post.
I can assure that I am not looking for utopia as you put.
I could have just gone out and bought a bird or two off any number of websites and made a huge mistake.
I felt that more research was needed from experienced owners.....hence my post.
I am under no illusion that a parrot of this caliber isn't goin to demand time and attention....all of which I have.
I'm not expecting low maintainance, free breeding birds.
I don't want to bring a parrot into an environment that may cause it stress and suffering.....hence why I ask if a home with dogs and young children would be acceptable.
I appriciate your experience and take your advice on board.

Regards James

[teiltown]

Dear James,

With what you have described as being on offer to your soon to be parrot - would you consider taking lodgers instead.

Neal is very correct in stating that birds are by no means routine or predictable. However, it does seem that you have put alot of thought into the birds requirements. Macaws are very big birds, and to have one that you struggle to handle would not be very enjoyable for you. Blue and Golds are very nice birds, but consider Green wings, they in a general sense more sadate, tend to settle easier and are a little more easy to tame from being parent reared - which is what you want, particularly if you would like your birds to eventually breed.
Expecting your pet bird to be a breeding bird is asking alot though, and Macaws can take many years to settle and become ready to breed, they are very long lived birds and as a result, are never really in a rush to do anything.

Children are not a problem with parrots, normally the busier the environment, the more your bird (as a pet) will thrive, observing and taking part in life as it goes by. The Dogs, only you can answer that question, I certainly couldn't trust my Dog, a very exciteable Cocker with a free flying bird in the house - although some of my aviary birds fly down to the bottom of the mesh, and call her name and generally take the mic out of her, which just winds her up more and it's a very funny thing to watch. In short, dogs are hunters, and parrots are curious, not a good combination.

Macaws have a few special dietary requirements as well, needing lots of fruit and a slightly higher fat content in there diet - nuts basically.

The PSUK put on 3 shows a year, at Stafford county agricultural show ground just off J14 M6. the next one is in July, this is a good place to see and purchase birds - you will see many different specie of parrot which will be a real eye opener for you. We also have a monthly magazine which has adverts in - but you need to be amember to access these.

If you want a pet bird, then get one parent reared and just weaned - this may involve waiting until one turns up, but stay away from Hand reared birds, they are more expensive and can be more emotionally unstable and very tempremental if you stop giving them undivided attention.

Please feel free to ask any more specific questions

Kevin.
Council Member - PSUK.