Another Parrot??

[Joannr24]

Hi, I just joined this forum. I am a very blessed gal with my parrots. I have a 14 yr old umbrella cockatoo who has never plucked and is sweet to everybody. I don't spend tons of time with her each day but she is in the middle of the family action with myself, my mother, dogs cats etc. I've had her since she was weaned. I also have an African Grey baby who is the most laid back grey I've ever seen. I can put brand new toys in her cage and she immediately plays. Super nice bird.
Here is where I need advice: I was toying with the idea of getting a macaw. However I don't want to stress the cockatoo. I hear mixed reviews on macaws. I work all day and have horses. I am home each evening and don't have children so when I'm not at work or riding the horses out back I'm with my animals. What is the real consensus on this? Would adding a macaw throw the cockatoo overboard? She took to the grey nicely. Also how are macaws as pets? I'm not one to deal with lots of biting. The umbrella does morning and evening screaming but I'm used to that.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum, Joann.

Sounds like you have extremely well adjusted parrots.

Macaws can make wonderful companions, however, they do require a good amount of daily interaction, and a lot of mental stimulation. Additionally, depending on what type of macaw you are looking to add, some have very sensitive respiratory systems, and the dust of your Umbrella and Grey may become an issue.

 

[Lovebird]

Macaws may have an issue with the dust. So will Eclectus. Why not look into some smaller species, like Indian Ringnecks, Caiques, Pionus, budgies, cockatiels, or lovebirds? They are really nice pets too, and they won't require as much attention as a macaw. I highly recommend getting a hand-fed lovebird. They are great. Or.... how about an Amazon? those are great companions. They talk well too, even to me that does not matter.

 

[Joannr24]

Great input Lovebird!! Thank you. I love Amazons too. I had always heard that they can be pretty mean. Is that not true? Has the internet led me astray LOL

 

[thekarens]

I think any bird can be mean. It's a matter of the right training, socialization and learning their body language. Zons can make great pets for the right people.

I don't know what your house is like, but if it's big enough and you have air purifiers and are diligent about bathing your too and grey and keeping the dust down you should be able to keep a mac. Of course this is assuming you feel you and/or your family has enough time for them. Both macs and toos are fairly high maintenance.

I will admit I'm biased. If you've got the time macs are the best parrots out there.

 

[Joannr24]

I agree. They are amazingly beautiful!! I will admit my first bird 15 yrs ago was a grey and I ruined him. Then I got the too and did my research and from day one did not spend hours each day with her. It must have worked because she has no separation issues.

 

[Lovebird]

Amazons, if not handled properly, can be mean. It really depends on the individual bird and how he/she was raised. BFAs are really nice. Why not another gray? Do you have a CAG already? Why not a TAG? they are really nice. Or maybe a smaller cockatoo like a galah or BE2. They are a bit easier than the larger toos like U2s or M2s, but have big personalities. Macs are really nice but may have issues. IRNs and Alex's are really cool. If looking for a quiet one, smaller birds are better. Pionus are quite quiet tho.

 

[Lovebird]

Joann, I really recommend a green-cheek conure. They come in lots of different colors, are real sweet, and get along with lots of different birds. They can talk, but it depends on the individual. Senegals and other poicephalus are really cool. Sun conures can be loud, and green cheeks are awesome!!!!