AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question QUESTION: I'm very interested in getting a (green-winged) Macaw, i already talked to a breeder closeby about buying one from her, but i live in an apartment and very concerned that my neighbors/husband will complain about the loud noise and will force me to give it away.
I feel I'm in dilemma, between my commitment to this wonderful pet and the thought of losing it..
Macaws only house owners pets?
ANSWER: You're right to be concerned. A macaw scream can be heard up to eight (8) miles away! Eeek! Most companion macaws don't feel the need to give this loud of a scream, but I know for sure that a single call by my blue and gold, in play, is heard two blocks away. At least.
These really aren't apartment birds.
I know you really want one, but consider that they also live to be about 65 years old. You will never be able to take a vacation without a 'bird sitter' who really knows birds.
You must keep regular hours both in sleep and at work - macaws need to be out of cage no less than 4 hours, preferably longer, every day. Ours are out for 7 or 8.
Don't forget the twice a year vet visits for check ups and grooming. These birds are like having a child, but it never grows up and moves out.
Once a bird bonds to you it would be emotionally stressful at the very least to suddenly give it up or give it away.
That's when they usually start being handed around, sold and re sold until they have some serious behavior problems and end up cage bound, unhandleable, biters and problem screamers.
They could be just a couple years old or many years old and end up forever doomed to being unloved and mistreated (the lucky ones come to me) - some end up even worse.
So, the truth (which is what I believe you really want to hear) is that you should probably hold off until you have a private home and know you're as secure as can be for the rest of your life.
You'll need to know of a doctor first (like you wouldn't bring home a new baby human without having a pediatrician lined up) and where does the bird go after you're life is done?
Take a look here for more info and pics
www.4AnimalCare.org
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I cant express my respect for you. Your response probably saved one macaws life. I'm taking your advice to me.
Since im not getting a macaw anymore i would like to know if you have any suggestion to which Parrot could be good as pet for someone who lives in an apartment.
Im looking for a companion-parrot that will not be a problem for your neighbors or spouse like macaws can be.
Maybe no parrot is good for people who lives in apartment?
I have plenty of time to give it love and attention,
Is the (Timneh/Congo)African Grey also not appropriate as apartment pet?
I know they are very demanding parrots very sensitive and thats why its good to expose them to many new things in their early age (new people etc.)they are the top self-plucking. And need a lot of attention.
I'm doing a lot of research about them but there is disagreement about their noise-level some thinks they are very loud other not,
What about Eclectus or another smaller Parrot with big personality maybe? Or none is the best?
I don't have experience with Parrots other than budgies. We had only reptiles, like snake, iguana, big spider, scorpion, mouse, turtles fish at my parents, and now i have a cat..
Thank you
Zahra
Answer Zahra, I think you should be a bird owner. I believe you are very responsible and loving, as proven by your asking this question and learning from the recommendations.
All parrots can be very loud, but that doesn't mean they're loud all the time. With the right attention and interaction, challenges and play outlets, they can be pretty content.
There will be times though when a bird just needs to be a bird. I encourage 'scream time' a few times a day with the macaws here and even though this is a private property, neighbors for blocks away have met these birds and are aware of what that sound is. It can be pretty frightening if no one knows what it is!
So, no matter what kind of bird you get, if it's one of the larger parrots, make friends with all your neighbors and let them know that even though it may loud now and then, the one they'll never hear is your bird making any noise at night. This is an easy promise to keep. Birds that are properly put to bed are the quietest birds ever! They usually sleep through the night without a sound.
Anyway - one of the BEST birds I've ever had, when I first started out with parrots, was a cockatiel. These are small birds with great big bird personalities. They also just love people! They love attention and being a part of your life, the males are excellent talkers, the females are beautiful whistlers and very loving (and they may say some words now and then, but they imitate sounds most of all).
'tiels are funny little guys - usually content to ride around on your shoulder everywhere you go.
They are easily amused, eat well and many regular vets see them as part of their practice (whereas the larger parrots need an avian vet which may be difficult to find and are usually pretty expensive).
Cockatiels live for about 18 years, but these days it's not unusual for some to get into their 20's, which is a much more manageable lifetime than worrying about what to do for a bird that will likely outlive you. Greys live about as long as a macaw - and Eclectus get up there too.
And cockatiels are affordable - which also means their cage is pretty affordable (for the best care, select the largest cage they make that's appropriate for a 'tiel. Expect to pay about $100 for the initial cage and basic perches).
With a macaw or other large parrot you can expect to pay $300 at a minimum for the cage, but more likely close to $1,000 for a good one and basic set up.
I really think you would do well with a 'tiel.
Just remember that cats and birds must never, not ever, no matter how well you think they get along - be left alone in the same room.
Good luck Zahra and I hope you have a new addition soon!
