I'm looking to buy my first Macaw. I'm most likely going to choose a blue and gold, because from what I've seen and read, they appear to be the friendliest generally and not as loud as Greenwings. I know there are exceptions of course though! I've spent time with a lot of Macaws, and have to say I've found nicer personalities, more placid and friendly, on the B&G's. Also I think they are stunning.
I was looking at getting a Moluccan Cockatoo as my next bird, because I ADORE them. But they are like gold dust here in SA, and besides my boyfriend has ALWAYS wanted a Macaw, and seeing as all our birds have bonded to me, I thought it would be nice for him to have a bird he wants. I already have CAG's, a U2 and have had Vosmaerie Eclectus in the past too.
I love the personality of Cockatoo's and the intelligence of African Greys, Macaws I never knew much about until recently. I used to be terrified of their beaks...in fact before I rescued my first CAG, I was terrified of parrots full stop! But over time, and thanks to my amazing birds, I've grown to like Macaws a lot. To the point where I make a bee line for them now in bird shops.
If I go ahead with it I will be getting a hand reared baby under 12wks old. All of my birds were handreared by myself from 6-7wks old and I think this is a big part of the reason why my birds are friendly, quiet, never bite anyone, and are very happy. MY birds have their own room and are only caged at night. They are accepting of other birds and any other animal, dog, cat, so I definitely want another baby for this reason. I think the earlier you get them, the bigger imprint you have on them, and the more chance to shape them as well socialized birds.
So basically what I'm just wondering what your experiences of these birds are?
For those of you who handreared your own babies, were they difficult to wean or easy? Having handreared cockatoo's I know all about fussy eaters, so wondering what you're experiences are?
For those of you who have multiple bird species, how do you think their personalities compare to that of Cockatoo's and African Greys? I love affectionate birds. My U2 spends her evenings on my knee, and my CAG will sit on my shoulder with his head against my face, I'm very lucky to have such loving birds. Do you find your macaws are affectionate?
Are there any big problems with these birds that you have found?
Thanks in advance for any replies
