So, you think you want a parrot.

My own personal preference is a Blue and Gold Macaw, I've had one for almost 16 years.  There are other choices, of course, depending on what you want.  Space and time available for this pet are important factors in deciding which bird you chose.

If you decide to let a Blue and Gold Macaw own you (yes that's the way it is) you will need a lot of space.  The average size of this type of parrot is 33 to 37 inches long, and their wing span can be up to 40 inches.  If taken care of properly, a Blue and Gold can live for 50 up to about 90 years old.  I'd also like to add that Blue and Gold Macaws are LOUD, and they can and do bite.  The "normal" behavior of a Blue and Gold is that of a three year old.  They are able to learn how to talk and can be very funny, or very obnoxious if you allow them to be.  They enjoy human contact and interaction and they do need time outside of their cage every day.  They are social beings and bond easily to their primary caregiver.  I should also add that they can be jealous of others too.  Blue and Gold Macaws take a lot of time and attention.

A large bird needs a large cage -- space is needed to stretch when they are in their cage.  Large cages take time to keep clean, and, big birds make big messes -- if you catch my drift.  You need to find a cage that will keep your bird safe.  The starting size for a cage for a Blue and Gold is 36" Wx 36"D x 60"H.  Metal bars should be spaced no more than 1 inch apart.  Perches should be no less than 9 inches long, and 1 to 2 inches in diameter.  This may seem like an easy thing, however, these birds are smart.  My Blue and Gold has been known to take the main door off of her cage and send it crashing to the floor!  (This door is now bolted on from underneath the cage so she can't take the screw out again.)  There are many large cages on the market, these cages start at about $400.00 and are priced upward from there.  It's very important NOT to skimp on your cage because these birds are so smart and they can and will take their cage apart if you are not careful.  They are escape artists and need a variety of toys that they can take apart and chew up.

Diet is very important for any bird or pet.  A macaw needs fresh fruit, vegetables, clean water (you will need to change water several times a day), seeds, nuts and some feed them pellets.  DO NOT feed your bird fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol, or caffeine.  Macaws appreciate a variety in their diet.  Mine likes to eat what I'm eating and she always knows when I'm making a meal, even if she isn't in the same room at the time.  Never leave food in the cage more than 24 hours.  You wouldn't eat spoiled food and neither should your bird.

A healthy Blue and Gold Macaw will be active, alert, and sociable.  There will be times that a macaw will want things the way they want them.  There may be times when they will want to be out of their cage and times they will want to stay in.  It is extremely important to set the rules for your bird early on.  You will need to take time to allow your bird to trust you and your family.  I think it's good to have a schedule for your bird to follow -- for example, my bird will sleep until about 8 am in the morning on a weekday, but if it's quiet on the weekend she will stay quiet until about 10 am.  I cover her cage every night around 7 - 8 pm.  She is quiet until morning.  A healthy macaw will eat and drink throughout the day so it's important to make sure there is clean water and good food available for them.  Healthy birds have smooth, well-groomed feathers.  It's important to mist them with water or a grooming spray daily.  They also enjoy having water that they can play in once in a while.  (This is REALLY messy if you don't plan ahead.)  Healthy birds have bright eyes and dry nostrils.

If you stil think you'd like to let a parrot own you take this simple quiz:

1. Do you have an appropriate and safe place for this bird?
2. Do you realize that choosing this bird can be a lifelong commitment?
3. Will yo be able to provide daily, supervised time for this bird outside the cage?
4. Will the natural sounds of this bird be acceptable to family members and neighbors?
5. Will a mature person provide responsible and primary care for this companion animal?

If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, a Blue and Gold Macaw may be the right choice for you.  If so, please take time to read as much as you can about them, they are wonderful creatures if given a chance.  For best results though, you must learn to understand them.  This guide is only a sample of things you need to know.

My bird's name is Alex.  She has been my "buddy" since she was 4 months old and she will be 16 in April of 2007.  Alex says a variety of words, does a few tricks, and depends on me to let her be healthy and happy.  She is a beautiful bird.  She has her own room but she can see what goes on in other parts of the house from there.  She does come out of her cage regularly and has a perch that is easily moved to other parts of the house.  She is never unsupervised when she is out of her cage because she will chew wires/electric cords, and she will chew furniture or rugs.  She is well behaved, for the most part, because she knows that's what I expect.  (This did not happen overnight, and she does "challenge" my authority on occasion.)  I hope to have her for a very long time.  I think she is great.

Thank you for taking time to read this guide.

I hope that you have enjoyed it and it will help you decide if you really want a parrot.

Have a great day.