Do Macaws Make Good Pets? || Mess, Noise and Utter Chaos || Life With Macaws

[@Serene3574]

You are definitely NOT harsh. Telling the truth so people won’t impulse buy a macaw or any other larger parrot. Rehoming them is so very sad. I’ve heard parrot experts say no one should have a parrot as a pet because they are wild animals, not domesticated. But there are always people like you who do their best to make sure parrots have a good home and long life. I’ve never had a bird and I’m an old lady so there is not one in my future. I just like you talking about them, it’s interesting to me. Good on ya’ girlfriend. From the USA

[@RollerBaller]

I am perfectly fine just watching parrot videos. I could not handle the noise, but it's funny watching them being cheeky.

[@farisomar146]

This is my fave channel “what was mother nature thinking” lol

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Well, what was she thinking tbh?! XD

[@farisomar146]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD I have a cockatiel named Mikey (yes it was inspired by Mikey the macaw) he poops everywhere my twin has another bird and they know how to open a FLIGHT CAGE I must say so I’m basically dead

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Lovely video.

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Totally agree!

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Yes

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD Yes

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

@@MikeyTheMacaw yes

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD Yes

[@alzeal]

I've had my Blue and gold for about 25 years now who is currently being taken care of by family back in my birth country. Currently living in a different country and couldn't take him with me. He is still living his best life in a huge aviary I had built for him before leaving and is still very tame and bonded very well with my family who is taking care of him. He also still recognizes me and gives me preenings everytime I see him when I visit back home. That being said they are amazing creatures and really aren't pets but family members. People don't realize the care and maintenance they need. They can be LOUD, like ear ringing loud. You really can't imagine how loud they can be until you are right next to them when they screech. I still dearly love him and look forward to spending my retirement with him once I move back.

[@robertdickson5519]

Holy shit! This has been the best video I've seen out there omg thank you!

[@ParrotVolancy]

Briar likes to destroy zippers and flip-flops. If you have birds, you will find yourself either not getting attached to clothing or having "bird clothes" and "non-bird clothes". XD

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Oh god the reality of this is sad 😂

[@birdbrain3594]

As a cockatoo owner: let me tell you guys, the noise level is unbelievable, and I own the smallest white cockatoo species. You think getting into bigger birds you'll be able to handle it, but trust me it drives you and everyone who lives with you insane. My family of 4 lives in a detached 2 story home with a finished basement. Cheeky has 3 cages: 1 large in the family room, 1 large one in the basement, then a sleeper cage in the bathroom for complete quiet and darkness without a cover. (Covers can make them more hormonal). We STILL can't escape the squawking, and Cheeky will SCREAM if you're in the basement or family room while she wants her alone time. She either wants training or 1 on 1, or to go psycho attacking toys in her cage. Another thing to consider is unpredictable health issues. I got Cheeky at 14, (irresponsible don't do that) then at age 15 sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury. Now I'm even MORE noise sensitive, and often struggle to care for her. Thank God my parents help me out with that. So now here I am 5.5 years later with chronic pain and a disability still doing my best to properly care for my bird. It's very difficult when I'm in agony and trying to keep Cheeky entertained. I also wouldn't recommend a cockatoo or a macaw of any size unless you're willing to learn operant conditioning. Training is vital, and your bird's personality WILL change once hormones show up. You need strategies to deal with the aggression so that you can still properly care for them. Keep in mind, you also can't expect roommates in university to deal with macaw or parrot screaming. I've screwed myself over this way, either I am going to have to find a small detached home to rent when I go to vet school, or commute to school 1hr 1/2 each day. On top of finding enough time to give Cheeky the love and attention she deserves. Best of luck to those brave enough to adopt a macaw. I'd love one someday too, if my disability goes away like it's supposed to. But honestly, it takes a special kind of person to deal with them and give them adequate care. Not trying to be mean, but remember this is an enormous responsibility and definitely not for everyone. I'm lucky I have great support, I have an avian vet in the same city as me, multiple bird sitting options and parents capable of at minimum feeding and moving Cheeky to different cages.

[@deistar1063]

I started working at a bird shelter and bonded with a blue and gold macaw. He's 13 years old and is really picky with people and very cautious of humans... she when he took a interest in me the people were surprised. I have been working with him for only 6days(its been a recent experience). He mostly only comes out of his cage for me and micks me the most. I'm so thankful for people and KZbin. I have officially lost count of how many macaw videos i have watched.

[@hafsahhussein3575]

I love macows but I know I can’t take care of them, so I’ll stick to cockteils!✨

[@hafsahhussein3575]

Cockatiels*

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Macaws are tricky! I love my cockatiels a lot ❤️

[@yamunadevi68]

I LOVE your honesty, the truth can protect everyone especially those that can end up just locked up all day

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@laurabaker81]

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!! For little birds as well as big ones!

[@zakarymcleod1850]

I’ve always wanted a macaw. I currently have a conure and 2 cockatoos and most of this advice applies to them too. Macaws are like giant conures except less noisy lol.

[@TheParrotTeacher]

Great video with lots of actually useful info! I've watched a few macaw pet videos and I've always been left thinking "this didn't tell me much!" Yours covered lots of useful info!

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Yay I’m glad! Thank you!!

[@mone4910]

You are so funny!!! I don’t own a bird/ parrot, but I still enjoy watching videos about them. I find them sooo fascinating! I would never have one, it is too much responsibility for me. I especially love the free flight aspect. I assume that you are aware of the Bird Tricks channel. I love the work they do! Best wishes to you and your feathered family! 💜

[@incanusolorin2607]

I’m definitely not considering a macaw haha I clicked in this video just because you guys are fun to watch and I was not disappointed! It’s also always nice to have more arguments I can use to discourage people who say they want a macaw in the comment section of other parrot videos.

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Awww thank you!! 🥰

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Awesome video as always! Even after working professionally with macaws for years, I'm not sure I'd want one in my home! Though never say never...! 🦜

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

They are amazing... just so much work 😂

[@terrijarvis2910]

I have a mcall shes 6 yrs old have had her since a month old luv her so much she has a great personality also have a blue front amazon that's 26 yrs old have had her since she was a month old

[@midnightskittles8032]

Great video! This is why little birds are for me and not macaws.

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

(I secretly still prefer my cockatiels. But I cant let the macaws know. I don’t wanna die)

[@midnightskittles8032]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD good plan. 😂

[@laurabaker81]

Totally agree! Beautiful birds but not in my house! My cockatiel and budgies are enough for me 😊

[@daphnehinds5581]

New subscriber. Great video! We are owned by six parrots. Soon to be seven and she will be our only Macaw! Her owner is re-homing her to us. We are very excited about her joining our flock. ❤

[@johnnewton9965]

I’m amazed by Macaws but watching your video and the videos of others who have them it’s a big commitment and I don’t think I could do it. I realise the smaller parrots are what I can handle 😌 I’ll just enjoy the macaws on KZbin and Insta

[@suzannerush3644]

They do but there hard work, and you have to put the time in.y macaw is 26 years old I hand reared her. She eats really good food 4 times a day, not including nuts. It's expensive, but lots of fun if looked after well. I adore her. Put the work in and the rewards are fantastic. ❤

[@ornithologydude8649]

Amazing video! I'd love a macaw in the future, i want more experience with other birds first!

[@fredskolnick1183]

As a former Macaw Person....Yep....all true! I had to rehome mine when I went to college....broke my heart...never attempted to have another Macaw.

[@annfoster465]

You are wonderful, thank you so much.

[@somecuriosities]

What a great video! 😃

[@caprisun8717]

popped up on recommend but this is the most interactive channel on youtube and insta and they actually dm back

[@violetsky8242]

I’ve been wanting to get a macaw for the longest time but after doing a crap ton of research I realized they are are a lot of work! They are very loud and messy birds. They also need to live in giant cages and also need time out of the cage. (They are also very expensive to keep and destroy everything) So I might settle for a Quaker parrot instead 😅

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

May be a good idea 😅😂

[@jackangus4530]

~ you made a very wise decision.

[@bloom292]

❤❤❤❤ I love your podcast I really love it.

[@elinarirhodan3760]

So much great info. I know I don't have the right environment or time to give to a macaw, but I love learning about them.

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Thank you! ❤️

[@lettuceforlife4827]

I’ve fallen in love with a macaw. She’s a scarlet macaw who has had 2 past homes and she has mussel atrophy. I’m 21 and she’s 12. I’ve been working with her for a year. She won’t let anyone near her but me. I’ve been working with the macaws with behavioral issues in the rescue I plan on getting her from. She sits in a cage rn and doesn’t do much. I want to change that. I want to train her for free flight and I plan on doing what I can to give her a much better life. I plan on working with the rescue and I’ve already put in a deposit. Im not taking her home till I’m 100% ready to have her. I love her and I’m ready to make the commitment. Im going to be living on my own and to have a companion is very important to me. I want a bird more than anything. I plan on building an aviary that will take up half a room lol. I plan on being a freelance artist and in doing that I’ll be able to work from home. Right now I work full time at a grocery store. I don’t have much of a social life and even then the rescue I volunteer at has a boarding program.

[@bindiandfriends2984]

This is exactly why I'm PROBABLY never getting a macaw. Don't get me wrong, I love them. They are beautiful and intelligent and funny. But I realize that it is smaller birds that fit my life and I feel like not enough people really take their time to think about that. I love my birds so much as they are and I'm not prepared to be spending so much on new toys. However, if my life is in the perfect situation where I have the time and patience to give such a large, incredible animal a better life i will do so because there are so many poor birds in need of homes out there.

[@Solitaire1]

This video randomly came across my suggestions and I must say that I am glad you took the time to go into such detail on what it is like to have, care for, and be owned by a parrot. And not just macaws because even the tiny little budgie is a parrot that can have a macaw sized attitude. I have three birds, two Blue Crown Conures and a Senegal Parrot. All of them are multi-rehomed birds that had some kind of mental injury when they came to live with me that we had to work on. And we have been mostly successful except for the male blue crown who is still hyperactive and still a little bit destructive of his feathers although they are in much better condition now than they were 10 years ago when half of his body was exposed downy feathers. I love them all but oh can they be so trying of my patience at times. Living with parrots is amazing but please please please take the advice in this video and don't get one unless you truly are prepared and understand what you are bringing into your home.

[@chloebrown5555]

Great video! Very truthful and you see what you get. Very clear info and thank you for featuring @Motleys_Adventurez 💚🦜

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Thank you for allowing me to feature Motley! He’s amazing!!

[@nolanharshman9182]

I might want to get one later in life. Once I decide I don't have too many other responsibilities. If I am like in my late thirties and bored out of my mind, or if I do have kids and they are old enough to take care of themselves, macaws would make a great pet. But as of now I might do a smaller bird. I won't give up on getting one, but now does not seem like a good time. I would still want to travel a at least once a year though, so that is something I would need to figure out. I get not traveling often when having those birds, but I bet you could sometimes? Maybe I am underestimating that aspect. Interacting with them often doesn't seem like too big of a problem if I enjoy it, but the messes they make sounds hard to manage. Overall, I just don't have the bandwidth. I sill want to someday though.

[@MG-et7lx]

Good video, I also like your videos about tiels, got 1 now because another died suddenly.

[@arjthedoge7050]

I really wanted a macaw, I have done research for days or weeks and THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO

[@joebean3615]

Bird tricks yt is a really great parrot channel (also have a website and toy and food brand)

[@tzxazrael]

bahaha "face knife" xD it's so true though! i'd LOVE to have a macaw... big cuddly snuggly... and such pretty feathers! but realistically, there's no way i could handle it. i'm even having 2nd, 3rd...5th, etc thoughts about a little bird like a conure or lovebird...plus the finances! but thanks for another excellent video! and congrats on getting Rita! i hope she'll become just as happy as Corliss and the rest of the flock!

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Honestly, they are FANTASTIC animals! But MAN do they take everything from you. We can’t do anything without thinking about birds. We’re so limited due to having them. But we absolutely adore them

[@tzxazrael]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD on the flip side... YOU HAVE BIRDS! so it ain't entirely bad xD

[@alwaysblessed7718]

You r so true / awsome

[@marisyflores]

Wonderful video. Thanks for bringing awareness!

[@studiotwentyfive]

Great video new subscribe here 👍. You are a natural in front of the camera x

[@dannorrish2304]

Amazing video as always. Love watching you. Can’t wait to all get together and make some more videos. 😍😍

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Awwww thank you so much!! 😭 come to Scotland!! We can take you to some super pretty locations!! 😍

[@dannorrish2304]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD we need to come your way, we have lots of plans to do so much this year and one of them is to come and see you.

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

@@dannorrish2304 we can’t wait!! That’ll be so much fun!! 😍

[@dannorrish2304]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD 😘

[@MantizShrimpi]

I have a Greenwing Ariel and my mom and I have had her for about 3-4 months, I love her but she is a bit of a toddler. :)

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

That’s amazing! Macaws are practically litter toddlers. They are hilarious 😂

[@MantizShrimpi]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD Haha yeah, she shreds everything and screams soooo much but I really love her. :D

[@Serene3574]

I haven’t got a bird,I’m too old to get a bird (wouldn’t want one anyway), never had one, that said, I love watching your videos. I wonder why? Thank you it’s entertaining.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

I'm getting a macaw tomorrow. Sort of a mystery bird, as he's a rescue. A coworker's father has to get rid of his bird due to health problems. So I have signed up to be the new owner. Not sure which variety he is. This isn't my first bird, and not my first parrot. My last bird was a Red Headed Amazon named Diablo. He lived up to his name, but only towards women. But I'm super excited...nervous....but excited more than anything.

[@joebean3615]

What’s it like owning one, any different from what you thought ?

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

@@joebean3615 it was too much. Truly. We sold his to a friend, because he was just too much to handle.

[@aboldy]

Thank you for this. My wife got one around a year ago. She's realised just how much work he is (I advised against) but Mikey and Mia are very convincing. Anyhow we now have a B&G. He's a good boy but hard work and not conducive to, as you say, a quiet, tidy home. So now we are looking at re-homing and I can't do it. I wasn't a bird person but now I think maybe I am. at least I feel a commitment. I would never recommend these birds as pets. All the posts online are of cuddly lovable birds, and there is some of that, but mostly thats not the reality. We just cancelled a holiday as we couldn't find anyone 'appropriate' to look after our boy.The breaders are making mega $$$ out of this craze they just want to ship them and don't care. Don't do it. Borrow mine for a month and see how much work it is. Then decide.

[@Juju-bees]

I LOVE macaws but I’m in school from 8:30 to 3:15 everyday and idk if that would be okay to leave it in their cage, even tho I have a brother that works from home

[@GottaSayIt]

The first question I had was about the poop. Had to wait til 11 minutes in lol

[@teamparadise6644]

I adore macaws, no matter how messy, loud, and destructive they can be. I strangely like the sound of parrots screaming, although loud it makes me kind of happy because I LOVE my life with parrots! I have been planning to adopt a macaw from the rescue I adopted my other birds from. I don’t like short-lived pets and prefer pets that I know will live a long time and not have to worry about them dying. I am a huge parrot person with bird experience, I know how loud, nippy, messy, and destructive they can be. I am home almost all the time and I know macaws are right for me. I would only recommend a macaw to people with bird experience who would offer the right diet, care, and don’t mind being bitten by birds with a knife on their faces! I would love to free fly my birds but unfortunately where I live there are birds of prey almost everywhere you look and I do not want to put my birds in danger.

[@SURAJKUMAR-uv2gf]

I will not get a macaw but through your beautiful channel . I will thing I have a macaw 😀

[@vladimirkudra4251]

I decided never to have a macaw for one particular reason, their longevity. Everything else is really not an issue for me, the cost of everything, the noise, the mess, the attention whoring... no problems there. Their lifespan was the deal breaker for me when I was deciding which species would be the best for me. I was 40 when I got my Indian ringneck, he was 6 months old. I'm 43 now and hopefully, we'll get to have some 30 years together.

[@angelscinta7971]

Kobe is a sweetheart and very well trained. I think he has a identity crisis he barks and meows. I'm currently taking care of a dove and 2 dogs.

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

That’s adorable 😂

[@angelscinta7971]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD it is. Your birds are adorable too.

[@RobertoBren]

Good video. We have a 8 year old female Harlequin Macaw. No one except my wife can pick her up or touch her in any way. Anyone else will get a vicious, sometimes bloody bite. They are all different and have different personalities. Just luck of the draw if you get a friendly one or a mini T-Rex.

[@vanessafarber3043]

Love watching you and your birds. I dont have a macaw, dont think i will. I'd so love to free fly my Senagal, I'd be so afraid of losing him. Do you do free flight lessons? Love java stands, so expensive tho ive not yet found one. I'm also looking for a good foraging wheel or something, are you able to recommend any please x

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Hey there! I do offer free flight lessons :) Just click the link below to find out more! soaringwingstraining.co.uk/free-flight-training/ Yeah java trees are super pricey sadly! You can make your own stands out of bird safe wood if you are good at DIY. Regarding foraging wheels Northern Parrots do a really good one. They are pricey, but we love them!

[@thedude2847]

Great information. No, I do not want a bird. I love them and enjoy videos about them. Frankly, I spent about a year looking into getting one. The more I researched - the more I realized that it's not a good match. I kept exotic fish for years. My little Devil (Red Devil Cichlid) (Tiny when I got him and 14" at death and around 2 pounds) was my best pet ever. He liked being petted on his nuchal hump - until he decided to bite. In the same token - the amount of money invested and time spent is probably comparable - minus the noise (large tank, constant cleanings - foods, etc etc.). He was a little monster and destroyed anything and everything. Very interactive and definitely knew me and family. I miss the little monkey. To folks who think birds aren't intelligent, I can say from experience that some fish are just as much. Good tidings. Well wishes.

[@janecorttorot6503]

Hi I just had a quick question a few months ago you guys posted about your daily routine with the birds and you mentioned rice pudding i was just wondering how you make it?

[@ExposeClothing]

i noticed your Blue and Gold macaw was on a harness, was she harness trained before you got her?

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

No

[@ExposeClothing]

@@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD so it is possible to train a mature Blue & Gold to wear a harness? How long did training take?

[@joebean3615]

@@ExposeClothing yes it’s possible and every bird is different in every way so tracing time might take 2 weeks to 4 months depends on the bird

[@maestrostechuniversity]

I’ve been doing my research and I know that I want to get a macaw but it’s hard to find them where I live in Michigan

[@bigbiemacaw]

I often wonder how ppl who's birds aren't free flying (after being properly trained by someone who knows how to there's a lot to consider) how to there birds spend all that energy, Bigbie is out flying or perching in trees in the sun minium 5 hours, Macaws are good pets If you have all the time to give n are dedicated, I've mine go to my daughter when we are gone n she's in vet collage, but I'm not happy with her n him she's still scared of him so am always looking out for that macaw mad youngsters like my nephews who are 3 and 4 might be bird boys, it needs to be someone who ff,s ..anything less isn't acceptable. He loves his freedom but my daughter will always be the decision maker about the big stuff in his life..his guardian..he'll just need a better caretaker, preferably someone who has there own and flying ..I'm always on the look out for his next mother, its important he knows them b4 I die, has already built a bond & learned to fly with them ..its always something I worry about..I asked my mother if we were all killed in a car crash tomorrow what would she do with my birds n she said I'll call Dublin zoo. I'd die so she has all the vip numbers as is my friend who flys a military has 2 kids n who love ff n macaw. But we don't see them much so there's no bond.. hopefully when she's finished her exams we'll get more time to go fly together, I think we're it I've only heard of us n her ff macaw in Ireland 🇮🇪, .you all have a fantastic community in the UK. I've been looking for another but not many rescues come up here, I love what your doing, I'd trained a few older cage bound rescues in the circus, we had a flying act n ppl would see it n bring up there birds to rehome, asking if there bird could learn to fly n most did, I searched for a rescue here ,then was offered a chick at the start of lockdown so took it wasn't exactly what we wanted but so glad we tookhim, he is the joy of life ..I'd never been in a good place for my own bird what with travel for work.So once I started looking a breeder called me n offered a harlequin very cheep that I couldn't refuse and I could raise it so I caved in n took it. N still haven't found a rescue, might startl ooking in the UK. Fantastic job with both Congratulations

[@Plqnes]

Alternative title : 'MY BIRDS TOOK ME HOSTAGE'

[@mohammedyusuf9631]

What about a hahns macaw🤗🤗🤗

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

Can’t answer about them as mini macaws aren’t exactly like big macaws. However, the Hahns macaw is actually closer related to a conure than it is to a macaw! 🥰

[@johangambleputty7658]

I wouldn't ever suggest getting a macaw until you've had a few other birds. Always start with a budgie. Don't. Skip. That. Step!

[@joellekarma]

I own a Hahns macaw he is small he destroys things but its ok, My clothes are full holes, I make my babies their toys. my babies are only in their cages at bed time

[@MrTyler0]

Cute but DEADLY!!! LOL

[@TheSeji]

They are a lot of work. They are messy and very noisy. If you don't give them attention, they become destructive and nothing in your house is off limits. If you've never owned a bird, I do not recommend you get one. Start with a smaller bird and make sure you're a good bird parent before you buy. I have owned a blue and gold, a military and two umbrella cockatoos, plus two amazons and a parakeet. I speak from experience - they are a LOT of work.

[@myrnaattaway2889]

OMG! Do not let that poop dry out. It sets up like epoxy. BTW I have had my blue and gold for 30 years. He was 17 when he chose me. It was love at first sight for him, me not so much. That knife on the face thing.

[@blossom.6762]

Am I the only one that still feels like they can handle a macaw I mean I do already have a amazon parot

[@muhmmadabdullah-c9q]

i have a macaw aviary in my house that is basically my aviary and i totally do NOT NOT NOT recommend

[@mq4702]

It feels a little disingenuous when the people that tell us not to get macaws have macaws themselves. If they're so bad then you shouldn't have them yourselves...

[@SoaringWingsTrainingLTD]

No. You’re absolutely right. We shouldn’t have them at all! They shouldn’t be in captivity to be honest. It’s why we didn’t get babies. We got rescues rather than supporting the breeding system

[@Serene3574]

I think you’ve completely missed the point of their work!

[@ericcook4665]

there beatiful lovely pets but there messy destrutive loud attention neaders not for any body every body needs to think twice before they take on this life time commitment lol

[@ManyMilkGuys]

Ive been thinking about getting a bird, and i love macaws because of how much they bond to you. But i know i cant care for one. I work constantly, and i work outside. There's no way id have the time to care for one like they deserve. Im thinking ill go to a bird sanctuary and help out just to get the experience of it.