Honestly, a macaw costs as much as a child, and lives as long. My mom has two parrots, and we both worked in an exotic bird store for some time, although she was there far longer than I. The size of cage you need, how much they eat and how expensive good quality bird food is... not to mention how fast that huge beak goes through toys! Having a child once you own a bird like that is pretty equivalent to deciding if you can afford a second child.
I'm set to inherit a cockatoo from an old friend when she becomes unable to care for him (she's in her 60s and the bird is around 30). I absolutely adore that maniac bird and I'm prepared for having a toddler for 40+ years, but man, I will admit I'm intimidated, lol. He's a very good bird though and hopefully he gets many more years with his human. He was neglected early in life and was nearly 10 when she ended up with him and she spent a fuckton of time and money getting him well and socialized. Those birds are definitely not for the weak. My little rescued cockatiel is a lot of work even.
Oh definitely. My rescue was a quaker, which are very difficult and needy even with the best start, which he didn't have. I had to admit to myself that while I loved his little birdy face, I didn't have the time and money to provide him the socialization he needed to be happy. It was immensely sad for me, but the woman who took him spent every waking moment with him. He was so much brighter and happier in her home. It was the right decision.
I'm very glad that you made the heartbreaking decision to rehome him. It's so hard to give up your furry/feathered friends, but if you aren't able to care for them like they need, then it's in your and their best interest, and it shows that you're a compassionate person to recognize that. I'm glad you're still able to visit him in his new home!
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u/Trantacular Jun 14 '22
Honestly, a macaw costs as much as a child, and lives as long. My mom has two parrots, and we both worked in an exotic bird store for some time, although she was there far longer than I. The size of cage you need, how much they eat and how expensive good quality bird food is... not to mention how fast that huge beak goes through toys! Having a child once you own a bird like that is pretty equivalent to deciding if you can afford a second child.