I would look for a baby that is weened and raise them young and let them bond with you as they grow.
If there is somewhere around, you that sells them go and visit a few times. watch their reaction to you most of the time they pick you, you don't pick them.
I would teach them young to wear a harness. The bird I have now is 21 and I have not been able to get him to put on a harness in 8 weeks. we just work at it a little at a time, but I would never take him outside without a harness or carrier. Also, I would socialize the bird, if you have other family members
let them hold and spend time with the bird so they will go to more than one person.
know this they scream some and are messy it is like taking care of a 3yo forever but to me it is worth it!
Also, once we decided to buy a parrot, we started buying cage t stand toys etc , that way when I got him home, he was set. I don't hat your finances are but I suggest a Stainless steel 32x48 cage it gives them room.
That is my advice someone on here may be able to tell you more or better than I.
Good luck with it , it will work if that is what you decide.
I take the opposite view. Buy a baby and you have no idea what you’ll get, but if you get an adult you pretty much know what you are in for.
As you are aware, I have been the proud parront of my B&W macaw for nearly 50 years. He was a wild-caught adult (captive bred was not a thing back in the 1970s) straight out of quarantine when he came into my care. The seller told me this was one of the most calm and gentle macaws he had ever come across—and he proved to be correct!
My bird has had consistent behavior throughout his life. It is very rare to hear a squawk out of him (thank goodness for that because a screamer could destroy your living arrangements and personal relationships) and I have never experienced the joys of hormonal rage or biting.
My bird is just an all around love bug whose favorite hobby is hanging out with his human flock.
I have had such a different experience from many here. He is absolutely no trouble. My macaw is much easier to care for than a dog IME—and my husband who was a big dog person and never had exposure to birds before he met us—agrees. Better than a dog.
Getting a bird is a long-haul risk. You have to be willing to accept however the bird’s personality turns out for many decades. An adult bird’s personality is pretty much formed and what you see is what you get.
Something else to consider is potential health issues. My avian vet told me that she has found in her many decades of experience that wild-caught birds tend to have the strongest DNA and the fewest health issues. Captive bred birds raised and fed by their parents come next. The birds with the most health issues tend to be hand-fed captive bred birds.
Again, selecting a healthy adult bird reduces, but obviously does not eliminate, the risk of potential health issues.
There is a lot to consider, but I will fly the flag for the quiet, gentle, fairly low-maintenance adult macaws out there. They do exist and I personally know several!
