looking for a macaw for free

[Flory]

I am looking to give a macaw a forever, and loving home. I can not afford to buy one ,but have experience and lots of love. Can anyone help?

[plax]

Flory: It's extremely unlikely that anyone on a companion bird message board will give you a free macaw. Most posts such as yours are from bird flippers who attempt to acquire free parrots with the intention of selling them quickly for profit. Even if that is not your intent, it is very much the appearance and anyone who doesn't know you personally cannot prove otherwise.

One point I should make is that if your life situation dictates that you can't afford to purchase a macaw, then it's unlikely that you would be able to properly care for one with your available funding. And that wouldn't be fair to the bird.

If you wish, please feel free to hang around and get to know our members and to discuss the birds you currently own with us. But please don't request free birds on this message board.

Thanks :)

[kendrafitz]

I don't know of anyone giving away a macaw. I do want to be sure you are aware of how expensive it is to keep a macaw. I only say this bc you mentioned you could not afford to purchase one.

The cage and perches are a large expense for a macaw. Stands like java tree stands can be just as expensive as cages. Metal stands are less expensive, but they aren't cheap. Then there are toys. Some macaws can go through a $50 wooden toy in a few hours. So that is costly as well. Not to mention food. My GW costs me about $50 - $75 a month just for her food blend. Nuts are about an additional $40 monthly not to mention fresh fruits/veggies. Then there is healthcare. A well visit yearly and if anything goes wrong, avian vet visits are pricey.

Not to discourage you, but I just want to be sure you are aware that the cost of the actual parrot is just the tip of the iceburg.

[Flory]

Yes I am aware of the cost to keep a macaw. I do have prior experience. As far as toys and perches, I make my own, which is lots cheaper then buying them. My birds love the things I make, and they are safe for them. Its really just the cost of a macaw that is to much. Thanks for your input, it will always be appreciated.

[Flory]

I apologize.
I have no intention in "flipping" any parrot.

[Cedardave]

For better or worse,I must agree that to often those that ask for free birds are often flipping them.While this isnt always the case...i must agree that its similar to asking a stranger for a car.We have a local "rescue/shelter" here that takes in peoples unwanted birds and turns around and sells them while keeping their cages and always begging for donations.They will charge a$500 apoption fee for adoping a cockatiel.....can you say money making scheme...they even have a page set up to accept monitary donations.Oh ..did I mention they have 5 birds available .....While Im sure there are people who do want these large companion birds and you may be one of the legitimate ones...Im always suspicious when someone joins a froum with the first post asking for a free bird.Sorry If this comes accross as harsh....this is a sensative issue to me

[The Pinkertons]

I apologize.
I have no intention in "flipping" any parrot.Have you thought about the many parrot rescues, their are so many parrots in need of a forever home. possibly you could volunteer, and first hand see what it takes to care for such a complex creature. Here's a link [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]