CAG or Macaw

[imbadatmakingusernames]

Okay, so I came to the conclusion of wanting a CAG or B&G. I did extensive research, 3 weeks worth, and I love them both!

Of course, I'm going to gain as much bird experience as a can (more birds ) then move on into the large birds, have all the requirements so they can have an amazing life for as long as they can.

I absolutely love everything about both, the colors, the size, the personalities (except for the biting, and screaming, but its what they do, so its not a really a big issue for me). So I need help deciding which bird I should purchase or adopt first! Of course, I'd love to having them both, but not too sure how I'll be able to care for both needy birds with evenly adequate attention.

If you have any other recommendations, please lmk! Opinions and stories are much appreciated!

 

[mtdoramike]

First off, the noise issue may not be an issue for YOU, but it may very well be for others either in your household or neighborhood. I'm familiar with a Blue and Gold macaw in my area and when she is vocal, you can hear her down the street. Another family who lived close by had a Green Wing Macaw and were eventually evicted from their HOUSE not an apartment, but a house due to the neighbors complaining about the noise.

So it would depend on your living situation, whether you live alone or with others, do you own your home or are an apartment dweller, how much time do you have to devote to a large bird (they require a lot of care). Birds should not be looked at as collectables or technique and once you master it or obtain one you move to another.

But yes, you should get large bird experience before buying a large bird like a macaw unless you buy a baby and let it grow with you. Macaws are expensive birds to own, just keeping them in toys will cost you a couple hundred a month unless you make your own. But the decision is mainly yours to make and good luck with what ever you choose.

 

[thekarens]

If you live in a house either bird is fine. Those two birds are night and day though. Greys love to be with their owners but generally don't love snuggling. Macaws generally do love hands on treatment and they are real clowns. I also don't see a problem with you getting an adult bird as long as you do your research and you really know what you're getting into when you pick your new pet. That's where I'd recommend a rescue because they'd be honest about behaviour issues. Good luck on your search!

 

[Billy29]

They are so different to me I wouldn't compare them.

When I was looking for a bird it was between a CAG, one of the white cockatoos and a Amazon. I ended up with a Yellow shouldered Amazon because they were supposed to be milder in temperament compared to the other Amazons. I still love the CAG and cockatoos but with my busy work schedule and other critters living with me that also need my attention it was the best fit.

Seriously read up on the needs of the different species. Also take into account feather plucking, some species are more prone to do it than others. Nothing more heart breaking to me than seeing a bald parrot.

Good luck with your search and there are some very knowledgeable members on this forum that gave me some good advice.

 

[Birdman666]

Apples and oranges, personality wise...

I have both actually, though neither of my big macs are B&G's...

My favorite bird is probably my greenwing... but I wouldn't trade any of them for the world.

There are so many variables... What is it you like, and are looking for in a bird? And how well equipped are you to deal with a toddler with feathers, which would be the big mac...

And neither of mine scream... by the way. That's a training, and seeing that their needs are met thing.

Cags are the better talkers, and are more interactive that way, but less touchy feelie...

Macs if you raise them right are totally mushy lap birds... and the most toddler like of parrots. But it really is a lot like having a kid...

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm a fan of macaws and greys are wonderful birds so I guess I'm biased.....but I still go for a macaw...

 

[GinaF]

I have both.
Apple and oranges for sure.

CAG's need more intellectual stimulation to keep them happy. Foraging toys, scheduled training times, and vocal interaction. They're happy to just hang on the top of their cage and just be in the same room with you. They're definitely not cuddle birds, even though their soft feathers just make you want to pet them. Occasionally Quinn will ask to be petted but most of the time she just wants to hang out and pick up new words and sounds.

Macaws, on the other hand, like the physical attention. They enjoy being toted around on your arm, they love attention and strangers fawning over their beauty, and they're quite a bit more playful. However, they're also more destructive, so be prepared to spend some money on toys and things for them to chew on. Screaming is something you can work out of them. Blue was quite the screamer every night but out of cage time and scheduled playtimes and feeding times have stopped that for the most part. One thing that needs mentioned is the fact that macaws are HUGE bluffers. If you show fear, they'll intimidate you. They appreciate a confident, yet gentle handler and respond best when you stand up to them during one of their tantrums.

 

[thekarens]

Something else that probably isn't a concern, but should be mentioned is that greys are dust factories like cockatoos.

 

[GinaF]

This is true. They are. Not nearly as bad as a 'too though.

However, I take a wet washcloth and just wipe Quinn down every day and that helps keep it under control. I also have an air cleaner right next to her cage.

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

First off, the noise issue may not be an issue for YOU, but it may very well be for others either in your household or neighborhood. I'm familiar with a Blue and Gold macaw in my area and when she is vocal, you can hear her down the street. Another family who lived close by had a Green Wing Macaw and were eventually evicted from their HOUSE not an apartment, but a house due to the neighbors complaining about the noise.

So it would depend on your living situation, whether you live alone or with others, do you own your home or are an apartment dweller, how much time do you have to devote to a large bird (they require a lot of care). Birds should not be looked at as collectables or technique and once you master it or obtain one you move to another.

But yes, you should get large bird experience before buying a large bird like a macaw unless you buy a baby and let it grow with you. Macaws are expensive birds to own, just keeping them in toys will cost you a couple hundred a month unless you make your own. But the decision is mainly yours to make and good luck with what ever you choose.

Oh yeah, I'm going to be checking with my neighbors a lot and try what other people have done and train them not to yell as much.
And it does sound like I'm "collecting" but I loved birds since forever, and I've wanted so many birds. So I'm trying to fulfill my little flock, while getting my "dream" bird that I want to live and grow up with!

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

Apples and oranges, personality wise...

I have both actually, though neither of my big macs are B&G's...

My favorite bird is probably my greenwing... but I wouldn't trade any of them for the world.

There are so many variables... What is it you like, and are looking for in a bird? And how well equipped are you to deal with a toddler with feathers, which would be the big mac...

And neither of mine scream... by the way. That's a training, and seeing that their needs are met thing.

Cags are the better talkers, and are more interactive that way, but less touchy feelie...

Macs if you raise them right are totally mushy lap birds... and the most toddler like of parrots. But it really is a lot like having a kid...

I wish I could find a breeder who has Greenwings, or knew someone who had (I don't recall seeing a Greenwing in Hawaii).

 

[imbadatmakingusernames]

I have both.
Apple and oranges for sure.

CAG's need more intellectual stimulation to keep them happy. Foraging toys, scheduled training times, and vocal interaction. They're happy to just hang on the top of their cage and just be in the same room with you. They're definitely not cuddle birds, even though their soft feathers just make you want to pet them. Occasionally Quinn will ask to be petted but most of the time she just wants to hang out and pick up new words and sounds.

Macaws, on the other hand, like the physical attention. They enjoy being toted around on your arm, they love attention and strangers fawning over their beauty, and they're quite a bit more playful. However, they're also more destructive, so be prepared to spend some money on toys and things for them to chew on. Screaming is something you can work out of them. Blue was quite the screamer every night but out of cage time and scheduled playtimes and feeding times have stopped that for the most part. One thing that needs mentioned is the fact that macaws are HUGE bluffers. If you show fear, they'll intimidate you. They appreciate a confident, yet gentle handler and respond best when you stand up to them during one of their tantrums.

I do love those playful, lap birds that people can walk around with on their arms! And I'm all up for the destruction, TBH, I like hearing my budgies destroy things because I know they're being active.
I'm a little bit intimated by their beaks, but my family has this "demon" dog, that bites a lot, I'm one of the few who can tolerate her scar-leaving bites!


So with that being said, right now, my definite decision is to work my way up to a Blue and Gold Macaw!

Thank you guys! (This is ten times better than being yelled at on Yahoo answers)