Breeder Recommending a B&G?

[MikeyTN]

That's awesome Jones! But as a B&G Macaw owner and I've been around other B&G, they all have their own personalities. Mine loves me dearly and trust me with everything and he knows im his protector. I've had him for 7 years and wouldn't have any other macaw to replace him. I like him the way he is.

 

[JJones1719]

Mike, i'm not saying anything bad about B&G or anyother macaws out there. I belong to the baltimore Bird Fanciers and we get together and bring our birds to all meetings. I have the chance to see more then just one GW, B&G or any other type of parrots. Based on what I see, The GW is in a class of their own along with the Hy, this is the main reason why their price for such a Macaw is so high. I'm sure your B&G loves you, bonds with you and that is really great. Thanks Joe

 

[MikeyTN]

The reason Hyacinth are high it's because of their specific diet for one. Another is they don't breed as successful as the B&G, Scarlet, etc. Plus they have small clutch. Some of the higher price birds are because of their coloring. To sum it up, the cheaper birds are prolific breeders and more wide spread.

 

[JJones1719]

Hy and the GW are pretty hard to breed and this is the main reason for such a high price. GW too normally only lay 2 eggs and hatch after 28 days. Due to the size of the HY and GW and their personalities will keep these Macaws above all the rest. I invite you to spend time around these Macaws and you can see the difference. I too know of 3 B&G Macaws in our club that are very sweet, 1 B&G is a nightmare, he will not allow you to touch or go anywhere near him, he will not only lung but leave his playstand and chase you. It's funny to watch, you can see the anger in his face. I believe he is approx 15 years old. too funny. I will have to post pictures of these macaws, I'm sure the readers at this board will love to see them in action. Thanks Joe

 

[MikeyTN]

Basically to sum it up, not all birds are the same! My friend had a B&G that scar his arm for good. Or just bite for no apparent reason. So he finds him a new home because of that reason. I do disagree with him, I don't think he trained him properly, I think he was just expecting the bird to be a perfect little citizen.

 

[JJones1719]

I agree Mike, It all depends how they are raised. I know some members in my Club play very agressive with their Macaws and as they mature and now out of control all of the sudden want a nice calm fun loving gentle Macaw. In my head, I'm say really? The hard part about raising Macaws is, it's all in what you put into it. I always say, If you want a wild child play rough, if you want a loving gentle Macaw, show it while they mature. I have seen many cases where an out of control Macaw was rescued and just wants to bite everyone and anything it get's it's hands on, with lots and lots of work, turn around and almost reprogrammed to be a loving Macaw.
I do wish My Green wing would go to more people then just me and my Vet. When he was a baby, he used to go to everyone, I beleive that not being fully weaned and after a rough start in the world, he really bonds with me and Vet. The reason I joined my bird club was to attempt to get him used to other people. To this day, he only wants to be with me. Any Advise. Joe

 

[Sonic Zippy]

Thanks everyone. I'm quite comfortable with my decision. I'm still on the boards and enjoying everyone's stories and pictures but that's about as far as it will go for now.

I can't say forever because my kids will leave my nest one day, right?

Ann

 

[mtdoramike]

Yep, that's what I did. I'm an empty nester as well.

 

[MikeyTN]

Try it one day Ann!!! They're wonderful!!!

Joe, sometimes they are like that. My macaw wont go to no one else but me. They choose who they want to be with. I was the one that brought the Cockatoo home, she was loving me in the car ride home until we got in the door. It was like love at first sight when she saw my partner. She flew to my partner and that was it for me....lol

 

[JJones1719]

Thanks Mike, My partner too cannot get close to me at all, if he does, Neleno wants nothing more then to take a bite out of him. But yet my Female Aviary Vet, neleno has not problems going to her. Thanks Joe

 

[Sonic Zippy]

I figure I have another 10 years before my littlest goes off to college. I would have a nice savings account build for birdie. lol.

In the meantime I am just loving this site and the wonderful information I'm getting from all of your experiences.

Thank you so much for being open and honest and supportive to new members!

Ann

 

[AndrewH]

I think you get good advice on this forum.

I wouldn't get a baby bird and expect that it will be great around children. It may, or it may not. All birds are different. Further, once the bird reaches sexual maturity (8-10 years), it's personality may change a lot. It may decide it only really like one member of the family. Keep in mind that any baby you may be considering at the breeder will be friendly and gentle, because it is a baby.

I have a ~20 year old B&G who I rescued and really don't know her history. She is great and trusting with me (and this has taken a while), but she only just tolerates the rest of the family. She does not like small children.

Bottom line: You may get a bird that loves kids and everyone else...or you might not. However, one thing is certain, a macaw is far more work than you think they are right now...trust me!

That said, they are the best companions! Just know what you are getting into (another child, essentially).

Cheers!

Andrew