Macaw being kept at local pet shop

[Carpie]

Went to a pet shop near me yesterday which specialises in birds, they had this macaw there which was in the same cage it was the last time I went there, maybe 3 or 4 months ago.

This cage is nowhere near big enough for the bird. It's a fair size but this is a fully grown macaw, so whilst it can move around it's got no chance of flying even from perch to perch in the cage. It looked in OK health but its feathers, especially on his tail, were in a real state, he's obviously bored as hell and probably pulling at his feathers a lot for them to be in that state. Such a shame when he could be a beautiful thing if he wasn't so cooped up.

The bird has been there a while and I am concerned for it. I personally wouldn't have an animal that needed to be kept in a cage or tank as I find it cruel but this doesn't even have the ability to flap its wings. Perhaps they let it out after hours but again, perhaps it's seen as stock and never leaves the cage!

What are your thoughts? Should I make a call to RSPCA/RSPB or similar?

[bexVN]

Probably RSPCA. I never get how people cam ignore the needs of birds like these, esp when they cost a small fortune.

You could always ask them about it. Ie What's wrong with it's feathers as I know that can be the sign of an ill bird. Does he get chance to fly or live in a bigger cage because obviously this one is too small haha. You get the idea. If poor response/excuse, call the RSPCA.

[mrsxllifts]

From recent experience, the RSPCA don't give a toss so long as it has food, water and shelter. They don't seem to give a toss about an animals mental wellbeing. As it is a pet shop, it should have a licence from the local council, so you should be able to voice your concerns to the animal welfare officer who would investigate. We got in contact with ours through the website so imagine most councils will be similar.

[bexVN]

It annoys me that they don't because the welfare act changed so that people could be prosecuted if found not too provide for an animal mentally.

However it is still worth reporting to them, the more complaints the more chance they'll actually do something. Council is a very good idea aswell, never thought of that.

[SmokinV8]

What size is the cage?, parrots tails especially macaws can get tatty as they move up and down the bars,
Really is a waste of time contacting the rspca, they hardly know one end of a dog from the other let alone what a macaw is, best to have a chat with the owner and discuss your worries.

[Nickyboy]

I've never seen any bird fly around in a cage, they usually hop from perch to perch

[AdiT]

Off topic but... The local pet shop when I was a kid used to have a Macaw. Never saw it in it's cage as it was usually either on top of it or on a big brass perch. It used to go for a walk (unaccompanied) across the precinct to the newsagents for the 'paper ever day and carry it back.

[Japveesix]

Carpie said:

This cage is nowhere near big enough for the bird. It's a fair size but this is a fully grown macaw, so whilst it can move around it's got no chance of flying even from perch to perch in the cage.

What cage do you think is big enough for a fully grown macaw?








I'll give you a clue, the answer begins with N and ends with One

[bexVN]

I went on a house visit once where this chap had 3 Macaws. In a huge heated aviary. Luxury home but still felt bad that they were confined, though they could fly a bit (had wings clipped though)

[Hugo a Gogo]

don't most macaws in the wild (rainforests) walk and climb mostly? only flying to new areas

[SmokinV8]

forgot to add what species of macaw is it?,they range from cockatial size .