Breeder Recommending a B&G?

[Sonic Zippy]

So weird, right?

I've been talking to a few breeders and this one in particular I really like. She's very patient with me and has answered all my questions and has given me access to a members forum of her client's bird pictures, etc.

I was talking to her about a DYH or a CAG and she said that since I have children that she thought a B&G would be the best choice for us.

Aroo?

A macaw? A M.A.C.A.W.?????

Yup. She said hers were wonderful with children - even raised with them. She showed me several customers that have them and they are just lovable cuddly things.

Am I losing my mind here? Am I wrong to think that a parrot of that size would not work for my family?

I want to believe her

Ann

 

[JawzX]

well, Amazons have some what deserved reputation for being bratty, verging on nasty. It's mostly due to people not knowing how to read their rapidly changeable moods and treating them the way they want to be treated THAT MINUTE. Amazons can be very loveing and cuddly, and playful too, but when they DON'T want to be you can expect a bite for your infractions. Not the best case when children are invovled, Amazons can deliver a nasty bite to a small hand that is bothering them when they don't want to be interacted with. Greys are shy birds, and often don't appreciate lots of comotion, their dislike of a situation is somewhat less likely to result in a bite than an Amazon's, but small children + Grey may not be the best combo either.... I think she's not wrong steering you away from those two, especially if your children are younger (are they?) I don't know much about Macaws myself, but I hear they are often sweeties...

What I DO know about are Alexandrines... Great birds (mine anyway), very even tempered, afectionate, rarely bite (Ms. Beak has never drawn blood, even at her most angry and scared, and yet she can crack open an almond like it was wrapped in paper!), good with change and commotion, adventurous, fun-loving, and often good talkers... Ok... There's my abridged pro-alex fan-boy rant

In any case your breeder, I Think, has a good point in steering you away from Amazons and Greys....

 

[MikeyTN]

A well trained handfed macaw is very sweet. But you still need to watch them with kids. You never know when they strike when they're cranky. But I've seen people with kids that have them just fine. My B&G is a good baby most of the time but he has his moments. Your kids are the one that needs to be trained with macaws. If your really worried why don't you have smaller birds like Cockatiels, Senegals, Conures, etc?

 

[suebee]

Your kids are the one that needs to be trained with macaws. If your really worried why don't you have smaller birds like Cockatiels, Senegals, Conures, etc?

i think that is true for any bird, i've had to train my son into allowing my sene to play when she want's to, but he does not listen to well so gets nipped on a rather frequent basis, but he always forgives her an seems to forget why she did it in the 1st place??

but with what i went through with nut coming into season, i won't recomend a female sene, you can get a young one, and she will be the sweetest and friendly-ist bird you'd want, and then there season comes in nov to feb, she was a nightmare, but her season is over and she has returned to being a lovely sweet bird again, except to my son, who she likes to stalk etc but really there like siblings constantly at each other but best of friends

on the plus point her bites are not as hard as what i've read other birds to bite? and she is so entertaining my son will forgive her, her little misdermeaners! she is fully flighted and is hardly ever in her cage, and left to her own devices, she will chew her way outta the house
so rule of thumb is don't leave your kids and bird un-attended, my son is 13, but he can put her into her cage when she gets to demanding for his attention or to nippy so no worries there

 

[Sonic Zippy]

Thanks everyone! She is a wonderful breeder and I appreciate her honesty in steering me away from the Amazons/Greys.

Why don't I get a smaller bird? Cause I don't want one (insert whiney bratty foot stomping behavior)

I also have cats - so I fear that if I have a smaller bird my crappy cats will really have a field day and the poor thing would have a heart attack....if they try to mess with a larger parrot, then they would be risking some serious damage.

My kids are 7 and 11 (almost 12 she will tell you ) - and they are excited about a large parrot.

Ok I'm going to do some more research on the B&G's. My friend actually owns 2 of them so I'm going to chat with her, too.

So funny how this research took such a left turn.
I love this forum!!

Ann

 

[mellykyitus]

if the children handle the macaw while she's a baby they'll be use to each other and grow up together. macaws are known to be snuggly x

 

[HRH Di]

I would be very comfortable to have small children around our macaw. A well-taught, well-socialized macaw is every bit as gentle as the family dog - some are more so. I would trust our Red-front Macaw around small children more than I would trust my CAG, Ruby. Ruby isn't mean, she just isn't very trusting of strangers.

 

[mtdoramike]

Thanks everyone! She is a wonderful breeder and I appreciate her honesty in steering me away from the Amazons/Greys.

Why don't I get a smaller bird? Cause I don't want one (insert whiney bratty foot stomping behavior)

I also have cats - so I fear that if I have a smaller bird my crappy cats will really have a field day and the poor thing would have a heart attack....if they try to mess with a larger parrot, then they would be risking some serious damage.

My kids are 7 and 11 (almost 12 she will tell you ) - and they are excited about a large parrot.

Ok I'm going to do some more research on the B&G's. My friend actually owns 2 of them so I'm going to chat with her, too.

So funny how this research took such a left turn.
I love this forum!!

Ann

Well Ann, some times it's not what you want, it depends on what the situation will allow. No matter how tame, or trained a bird is, it will BITE at some point. Best case scenerio with a smaller bird, their bite will only be a pinch, worst case, they will draw a little blood. With a Macaw, African Grey or Cockatoo, they can break and even sever a finger especially small fingers. To me, what YOU WANT shouldn't be the main factor here, it should be the safety of your children. No matter how well trained your children are, they will invarabally do what kids do and irratate the bird if it doesn't do what they want like poke things through the bars of the cage. BIRDS DON'T FORGET things like that.

Depending on your experience with birds, it's best to start out small and work your way up. You also have to take into account, where you are living, if in an apartment, or even a house that is close to other people, a bird like a macaw or cockatoo could get you kicked out of your apartment or the cops showing up at your door with noise complaint summons. These birds are not quiet. I bought a Senegal parrot because all the research I did said they were quiet birds and were known as the APARTMENT bird. Well every morning for at least an hour she SQUAWK, SQUEALS, CHIRPS and raises all manners of hell and also a few times during the day to the point that I sometimes have to cover her cage and give her a time out. I own my own home and fairly well insulated so I'm fortunate there.

Apartment birds my FOOT.

But on a foot note, the above is what my head says, but my heart says, get what ever you want because birds can live from 20-80 years depending on the species. So if you only intend to have one that bird can be with you for YEARS Macaws can live to be 70 years old. So it;s like having a 2-4 year old child living with you for the REST OF YOUR LIFE. But no matter what the heart says, as a responsible parent you have to do what the head says.

 

[patterson]

Welcome . Well macaws are big bird but ours we got at 17 weeks old and he's as tame as u could want him. He's like a big baby tbf he's a wonderful bird we love our macaws. Have Greenwing coming to. Like other people said the children need be trained around the bird.

 

[Sonic Zippy]

mtdoramike - I am with you 100%. This is why I'm doing lots of research before purchasing the bird. I also am fortunate to have a friend who is owned by 2 B&G's and I've emailed her for advice (good and bad)

We are in the process of purchasing our home, so even at best, we won't be having the bird in our home for at least the next 6 months. This particular breeder I'm chatting with isn't expecting eggs until summer - so that timeframe seems to be working.

I'm also planning on having my children interact with Macaws at the breeder's so they can hear the noise, and realize what they could potentially be getting into.

Again, if after all the research we decide that our life wasn't meant to have any large parrot in it, it won't happen. I could never do that to a bird...

I appreciate everyone's advice. It is so helpful to see all sides. I'll report back on my friend's response.

Ann

 

[MikeyTN]

I agree with mtdoramike completely! That was the point I was trying to explain.

My macaw will not hesitate to bite you. He don't bite me at all. Nor the dogs, he loves dogs....but he will bite any person who tries to touch him....even my partner who is his main care giver since I usually get home a bit later. My partner gives him treats, food, fresh water, etc and willie the macaw tolerates it and doesn't attack as long as he is not being touched. It can be like that cause they can be a one person bird only.

 

[Sonic Zippy]

Well, it's settled. I'm going to have to settle for a stuffed animal parrot.

I just don't think we are the proper home for a FID. *sigh* I'm a little heartbroken but I'm also relieved that I figured this out before we got a bird and not after!

I had a long conversation with my friend who is owned by the 2 B&G's and I even took my son over there and it was their "screeching" time and my poor son FREAKED! I mean FREAKED! His little ears were hurting he said.......I have to admit, mine were, too! Whoa baby....

As we were driving home my son said "Mom will the bird always do that?" I said "yes, honey." He said he'd rather have another cat LOL.

So, I will bid you all adieu. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I have "met" some great bird people and have enjoyed all the information, advice and stories about your FID's.

But for my family, I guess we're FID Failures :09: and I'm ok with that!!!

Ann

 

[MikeyTN]

Good to find out before you just bring one home. Mine screamed by my ear last night and made me deaf for a bit....lol I only have one good ear, my other ear is totally deaf.... Like it was point out, you can try some smaller birds that don't have the scream like that. Good luck to you and your family!

 

[patterson]

Our alexandrine is a nice bird perfect family size and not much noise great wee personality

 

[JJones1719]

You may also consider a Green Wing macaw or SI male Eclectus. both my boys are quiet never bite due to me teaching them this at a young age. Just a thought. Joe

 

[Lesleybird]

Hi, I have three amazons, two cockatoos and a new Harlequin macaw. I think that amazons are out because they can be very tempermental and their bites are worse than a large cockatoo bite or a macaw bite. They say that Blue and Gold macaws make good family pets as they are one more even tempered and family oriented birds. I just got a new Harliquin macaw two weeks ago and I love her. I think that a macaw is better than an african grey because they are not as high strung and tempermental. Amazons and greys don't like to cuddle much. My cockatoos and my new macaw like to cuddle. If I were you I would get a Blue and Gold macaw or a Harliquin macaw like I have. Scarlet macaws have a reputation for being high strung and nippy so I would not go there. Greenwings are good gentle and smart birds if you like hudge!! It is very important to get a young (under a year), and fully weaned bird and buy some books on behavioral training so you teach them how to act properly. Have your children read the behavior books also. Macaws can even be taught to talk and do some tricks if one has the patience to do so.

I don't know why, but none of my birds are bad screamers. Most birds scream when they are out of site of the flock, they want to be in the same room as their human flock. My macaw will stay on her large play stand in the living room and she is quiet so far. Some people unknowingly reforce screaming behavior. This is why I say to read some behavior books so that you don't raise a bratty screaming, bitting parrot. I would not let the fear of screaming keep you from getting a bird. Lesley

 

[MikeyTN]

Hi, I have three amazons, two cockatoos and a new Harlequin macaw. I think that amazons are out because they can be very tempermental and their bites are worse than a large cockatoo bite or a macaw bite. They say that Blue and Gold macaws make good family pets as they are one more even tempered and family oriented birds. I just got a new Harliquin macaw two weeks ago and I love her. I think that a macaw is better than an african grey because they are not as high strung and tempermental. Amazons and greys don't like to cuddle much. My cockatoos and my new macaw like to cuddle. If I were you I would get a Blue and Gold macaw or a Harliquin macaw like I have. Scarlet macaws have a reputation for being high strung and nippy so I would not go there. Greenwings are good gentle and smart birds if you like hudge!! It is very important to get a young (under a year), and fully weaned bird and buy some books on behavioral training so you teach them how to act properly. Have your children read the behavior books also. Macaws can even be taught to talk and do some tricks if one has the patience to do so.

What you said in this quote is all correct, BUT they do have their moments! With her having small children, I would be weary.....

 

[patterson]

Yea they def have their moments out macaw is 9 months he's not screamer either really but when he's looking for me he sure screams or when the musics on he loves to sing. He wasn't brought up a screamer but he's learning his voice now tho lol. Greenwings are alot larger than the blue and gold. Don't know what they are like yet? But few people I know with greenwings said they are great. Won't have mine till june

 

[JJones1719]

Green Wings are known as the Gentle Giants for one reason, The Green Wing, Hy Macaws have the best personalities, they are very sweet to the one they love. They form very strong bonds with their owners. Some turn out to be a one person Macaw while others may enjoy the company of others. They are very smart and love to figure out puzzels and forage toys are no match for such a smart bird. I rotate my Bird toys in My Neleno's cage approx 2 times a week. Once a week, I take a toy apart, mix and match other colors and blocks, Place it back in the cage and Neleno will go over to that toy that I rearranged more times then going to the toys that were just moved around. I beleive he remembers colors and patterns and when I change them, he noticed it. I also like to take treats, roll them up in paper, hang them with leather straps, some have treats while others are empty. He goes nuts looking for the treats and get so exceited when he finds a treat. too funny. The one thing you have to work on with the Green Wing is teaching how much force it exceptable and what is not. Once they mater this, the Green wing is very trust worthy. They are clown like and love to perform. they are not like the B&G nor Scarlet as some people think. They really are in a class of their own. Best of luck to all Macaw owners. Thanks Joe

 

[mtdoramike]

Well, it's settled. I'm going to have to settle for a stuffed animal parrot.

I just don't think we are the proper home for a FID. *sigh* I'm a little heartbroken but I'm also relieved that I figured this out before we got a bird and not after!

I had a long conversation with my friend who is owned by the 2 B&G's and I even took my son over there and it was their "screeching" time and my poor son FREAKED! I mean FREAKED! His little ears were hurting he said.......I have to admit, mine were, too! Whoa baby....

As we were driving home my son said "Mom will the bird always do that?" I said "yes, honey." He said he'd rather have another cat LOL.

So, I will bid you all adieu. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I have "met" some great bird people and have enjoyed all the information, advice and stories about your FID's.

But for my family, I guess we're FID Failures :09: and I'm ok with that!!!

Ann

Ann,

I applaud you for making the heart wrenching decision to decline getting a bird. There are a lot of folks that get birds hoping that they will become the FAMILY PET, which could happen but most of the time it never works out that way. They usually bond with the person who spends the most time with them and can be a one person bird.

Greenwing's can be the gentle giant, Blue & Golds can be great family pets, but it comes down to the luck of the draw on a lot of things. You can get a good bird or a not so good bird. They have different personalities just like people and other animals do. This is why there are SO MANY birds in rescue shelters or being constantly swapped off on places like Craigslist.

People see bird shows at Seaworld and think WOW wouldn't it be neat to own one. Then their tax refund comes in the mail and off they go to a pet shop or a breeder and bring home their bird. Once the novelty wears off and the Squawking, screaming, chirping, pinching, nipping & biting gets progressively worse due to lack of time spent with the bird or proper training or just a bad bird, they decide to cut their losses.

I kills me to see pets such majestic parrots such as macaws, cockatoos Eclectus and so many others being sold, re-sold and then sold again on Craigslist. It's always the same old B.S. line used, don't have enough time to spend with the bird or MY FAVORITE we are having to move or relocate and can't take the bird with us. YEAH RIGHT!

I think you are making the right decision for you and your family!