Are there any rescues near you? Sadly, there are usually a lot of macaws in need of homes at rescues.
I found one in the Houston area. I emailed them and let them know I ideally wanted an older bird and asked if it would be okay for me to fill out an application now, even though they didn’t currently have any birds I was interested in, so if/when they do get one I’d like to meet, Ive already started the application/interview process.
Unfortunately, they weren’t the friendliest. I explained what I was looking for and why I wanted an older bird and that I thought a rescue might be a good option for me, and they essentially told me to reevaluate why I want a bird and that I should probably look for a bird from a breeder. They became a bit stand offish bc I asked if they allow multiple visits with a bird before you decide if it’s a good fit and bring them home. They said they don’t really do that bc they are foster based in people’s homes, so it’s hard to have more than one visit.
Needless to say, I was SHOCKED. Even the specialty bird stores in Houston encourage multiple visits to get to know a bird, especially if you’re getting an “older” bird, before you bring them home.
Honestly I’ve never had a good experience with rescue organizations of any kind
When I was looking for a cat a few years ago, a rescue turned me down on a Persian I wanted to adopt after I filled out a 8 page form and let them call my vets before I was even allowed to meet the cat. Whelp, I went to a breeder and “adopted” one of her retired cats that was 10 years old for $200. Turns out she was pregnant and no one knew (not even my vet) until she went into labor since there was only one kitten in her. After a month in and out of ICU at the vet and emergency surgery and a case of mastitis and a $6000 vet bill I now have a very expensive rescue Persian and her baby Just goes to show rescues should be more open minded before telling people “they aren’t good enough” Sorry that was a bit of a rant rofl. I just really wish rescues weren’t so judgemental sometimes.