Your dream bird?

[Natacha]

I've seen pictures of a hybrid Senegal-Red-bellied and a hybrid Senegal-Meyer's.
Personally, I wouldn't go for either.

[Michael]

Oh wow, I wonder what they're like.

[MissLady9902]

What's wrong with the poor hybred Macaws??
I've only heard people say that their not good but no reason as to why.

[Kathleen]

The only time I've heard someone complain about hybrid birds is because one of the parent birds of the hybrids were endangered, and this person felt like the endangered species should have been used to breed more of itself instead of a hybrid to try to keep that species going.

People don't seem to understand though, we've already taken these birds out of the wild and bred them, how is it any different if we breed the species that is endangered? Most people don't breed them to let them loose in the wild... that would be too dangerous and basically suicide to the birds. They probably wouldn't survive.

[MandyG]

Out of curiosity, why would you go for a hybrid macaw (harlequin or camelot)?

Is it the colours?

I'm not going to say anything pro or con hybrids, no rant, I'm just curious. Since hybrids aren't that available to start with.

I love the colors of the harlequin and the camelot, but I'd prefer the harlequin. My decision is also based on what I've read about their typical personalities.

"People who own hybrid Macaws claim to have the "best of both worlds", and the Harlequin Macaw may be a good example as to why they feel that way. Both parents required to produce a Harlequin -- a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Greenwing Macaw -- are known for having laid-back and affectionate personalities. " http://birds.about.com/od/macaws/p/harlequinmacaws.htm

I'm not sure how available they are in Canada, I'm not able to get a second bird right now so I haven't done a lot of research yet .

[lzver]

In a perfect world where time/money/space weren't an issue, I would get a Timneh African Grey. I think Grey's are the most beautiful birds and their intellectual capabilities intrigue me. I'd go for a Timneh because they're a little smaller and I've also read that they less neurotic and are little more laid back.

One of the girls that works at the local pet store I get most bird supplies from owns a Congo African Grey and she keeps him in the store all the time. She tried taking him home a few years ago during the Christmas rush and he started plucking almost right away. She keeps his wings clipped and he stays out on a large play stand in the store all day for everyone to see. He truly is a beautiful bird. He's so cute ... he won't talk when you're standing right in front of him, but once you turn to walk away, he starts say hello and yelling at you to come back. He's obviously a ham for the attention

But in a more realistic world, if I was in a position to get one more bird, I would not think twice about getting another Senegal. I adore Lucy my Red-Bellied and she's amazing in her own unique way, but Jessie is my little buddy. I call him my little feathered cuddle monkey - he'd cuddle with me 24/7 if I'd let him and he's a goofy little monkey

[Chicklet]

Out of any parrot I would love a golden conure or a Ruppell's parrot but realistically, an african grey because I am totally captivated by their intelligence and beauty and personalities The other would be an Indian ringneck, again because of their intelligence and beauty and personality..ok i just love all parrots :p but these are the 4 that I would love to have if i had the time, money and space

[miajag]

I plan on adding a larger parrot eventually (probably several years in the future) and while currently my choice would be a Congo African Grey, I also like Timnehs a lot. One of the smaller Amazon species like a White-Fronted is a possibility as well.

[pchela]

I currently have my dream birds! Senegal, Caique and African Grey! That's it for me. Three is my limit I think. (unless someone offered me a female Ruppells Parrot)

Michael... here is a Senegal/Meyers hybrid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE0l0-NE3wI

About the hybrids. It's an issue that goes beyond just endangered species breeding with each other to create more endangered species. When you screw around with nature too much you get some bad mutations. Yes, you may get a beautiful colored bird but you may also get some health issues or behavior problems. I imagine if a Blue and Gold and a Greenwing Macaw hook up on their own and produce offspring, the offspring will be fine. It's when breeders keep breeding from the same stock or breeding hybrids with other hybrids etc that things start getting screwy. I don't know all of the scientific details, but I do know that a lot of health concerns have occurred with hybrid birds and some have greatly reduced lifespans. I have also raised some hybrids who were amazing birds. One of our breeders has a Goffins and an Umbrella who hooked up on their own and have what he calls Parasol Cockatoos. They are really sweet and beautiful birds. So, I guess like anything, moderation is called for. On the other hand, I raised a Harlequin Macaw who was probably the dumbest bird I've ever met. Literally, I think she had mental issues. Was it because she was a hybrid? Maybe. As you can see, it's a complex issue.

[lzver]

pchela, that's a disturbing video of the Senegal/Meyer's hybrid. I couldn't even finish watching the video.