I decided to adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw. What was I thinking?
In the past, I owned dogs, cats, pocket pets, reptiles, fish, and small budgies. Yet, I had never owned nor held a large bird. But I could not let this bird, which came into the hospital with a broken wing from years ago, be euthanized just because its owner no longer wanted it.
The next day at home, my eyes were opened to a whole new world. The expenses, the noise, the mess, the smell, the feathers, the dust, and the bird-attude. The expenses included vet bills (exam, lab work, nail trim, beak trim, x-rays), food, a new safe cleaner, UV light, cage, perches, and toys. The bird-attude encompassed the temperament, the destruction, the noise, the mess, and the biting when we tried to pet her. Weekly cleaning became a necessity with feathers and dust everywhere. This bird, having spent years ripping out its feathers, continued this habit daily. It was like having a toddler in my home again. Good thing I love children and a challenge.
The journey was arduous, filled with unexpected challenges and moments of doubt. But the love and satisfaction that grew from caring for this magnificent creature made it all worthwhile. Adopting a Blue and Gold Macaw wasn’t just about saving a bird; it was about embracing a new member into my family and discovering a deep bond that I hadn’t anticipated.
In the end, the initial chaos turned into a harmonious routine, and the bond between us flourished. The macaw, once a neglected and injured bird, became a symbol of resilience and love. My decision to adopt her, albeit daunting, became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
