Blue and Gold Macaw Breeding in the UK

Blue and Gold Macaw parrots are very popular in the UK, ranging in price around 700-800 pounds (2007). In fact, they are second only to the African Grey of all UK pet parrots. Where do you find a good Blue and Gold Macaw parrot?

Blue and Gold Macaw Breeders

Blue and Gold Macaw breeding in the UK is well-developed, and many of these beautiful parrots are for sale there. Here are five places to check.

1. Newspaper Classified Ads: You will find that much Blue and Gold Macaw breeding in the UK occurs in private homes. Some of these breeders hope to make money with their Blue and Gold Macaws. Others want the family to experience the process, and enjoy baby Blue and Gold Macaws. Some breed by accident. Newspaper ads also include birds that are no longer wanted. On the whole, you run the risk of getting a sick or troublesome pet through this outlet.

2. Parrot Rescue: Groups that rescue parrots are not, per se, breeders. They sometimes find themselves with homeless Blue and Gold Macaw parrots, however, and are eager to place them. You are more likely to find parrots that have been relinquished due to medical or behavioural issues. The rescue group may not know the origin of a bird. They care for them, and will help you with ongoing support, however, and you can give a good home to a Blue and Gold Macaw that lacks one.

3. Pet Stores: Many strip malls in the UK have pet stores that sell Blue and Gold Macaw parrots. These stores are not breeders. They may not know, or be willing to tell, the origins of the birds they offer, or the breeder’s location. You will likely pay high prices for a Blue and Gold Macaw at a pet store, and receive few facts about food and other care. The staff is seldom up to date on behaviour, habits, and other information about their parrot population.

4. Bird Stores: This is a good place to get a Blue and Gold Macaw parrot. Specialty stores like these depend on parrot quality to make a living. A Blue and Gold Macaw from such a store may be hand-raised or even bred on-site. The owner may be breeding parrots at home. Blue and Gold Macaws from other breeders are likely to come from sources that have earned good reputations.

5. Breeders: Probably the best place to purchase a Blue and Gold Macaw is from a breeder specializing in the breed. They usually will know the breed well, understand its behaviour, and work with its temperament. As with every other business, there are disreputable breeders, of course, so you will want to visit, look around, and ask a lot of questions before buying your Blue and Gold Macaw. To find the best breeders, search on the Internet for a directory, and correspond with several.

If you would like to become involved in Blue and Gold Macaw breeding in the UK, try to visit several breeders first. Before you visit, research Blue and Gold Macaw breeding on the Internet, and prepare a list of solid questions. When you visit, ask for a tour of the facility, and look at the equipment you will need. Ask good questions so you will know how much work is involved in breeding Blue and Gold Macaw parrots. Find out what safeguards you will have to practice to avoid disease.

Blue and Gold Macaw breeding in the UK can be lucrative, but it can be a lot of work, too. Get the facts before you decide to enter the field.