Meet Phoebe, a stunning Catalina Macaw with a gentle heart. As a rescue, we have no idea of Phoebe’s age. What we do know is that this big gal is an anxious goofball, waiting for the right person to bring her out of her shell.

Phoebe is a very under socialized bird and will lash out when she feels threatened. Her ideal family will be with someone who is understanding, patient, and experienced with large parrots, allowing Phoebe the space she needs to feel comfortable and build trust. When she is out of her cage, Phoebe will bravely approach humans for treats, or to get a fun shower! She is an extremely personable bird when she gets to know you and is always dancing, waving her feet and squawking along to the music. Phoebe is extremely interactive with her environment and enjoys having constant enrichment to give her beak something to do. With those that she trusts, she will allow gentle pets on the head and will even step up onto their arm.

Phoebe came into the SPCA in extremely poor condition. She was underweight, under socialized, and had extreme self-plucking tendencies. We have seen marked improvement through a clean environment, consistent monitoring, and proper care/diet. Potential adopters must be confident handling large birds and taking on an exotic bird that may require ongoing vet care throughout her life. Phoebe’s tendency to overpluck may be a learned behavior that requires monitoring and potential intervention throughout her entire life.

Owning a macaw is not just a short-term commitment; it is a long-term responsibility. Before bringing a macaw into your home, it is important to understand their average lifespan and be prepared for the care and well-being they require throughout their lives. In general, macaws can live anywhere from 30 to 50 years in captivity, with some individuals living even longer. This means that when you bring a macaw into your home, you are committing to caring for them for several decades.

Caring for a macaw involves providing a proper diet, enrichment, veterinary care, and social interaction. Macaws are highly intelligent birds and require mental stimulation to thrive. This can include providing them with toys, puzzles, and social interaction with their human caregivers. Socialization is particularly important for macaws, as they are highly social creatures in the wild. They need regular interaction and playtime to keep them mentally and emotionally healthy.

Potential adopters must show their experience and/or knowledge about Macaws and will be required to send pictures of their intended set up as part of the application process. The BC SPCA does not support the keeping of Macaws as companions; however, we recognize these birds are in BC communities and deserve the best possible care by the most knowledgeable caregivers for their lifetime in captivity.

If you are interested in adopting, you can apply online at the link below.

Bird Pre-Adoption Questionnaire