Hahns & Hyacinth Macaws

[SnowPhoenix]

Hello everyone.

I have always loved larger birds and exotic animals. My interest grew these last few years especially, and to date I have a wonderful Pied Cockatiel and a gorgeous/feisty Sun Conure.

Right now I'm doing extensive research on keeping larger species of parrots, especially macaws. My dream bird is the Hyacinth - not because of its size and beauty alone, but because of its strength and personality. I did get in touch with an overseas breeder who has a pair of mated Hyacinths, but they cost six figures in my currency, and I know I'm nowhere near ready to handle such a powerful bird yet. Also, I'll have to make several flight trips up north overseas to view and handle the birds myself to make sure they're a good match for me.

However, I've decided to either adopt or purchase a 2- or 3-year-old Hahns macaw sometime next year, and I'm doing a lot of reading and researching first. Hahns macaws are also expensive (they cost four figures), but they're also wonderful birds - I had the pleasure of witnessing two separate birds through two different local distributors via videostream.

So my question is - is it a good idea for me to commit to having a Hahns first, and then wait another two years or so before including the Hyacinths in my present flock (if all goes well & the birds are receptive towards me)?

Any constructive feedback is welcome.

And yes, I have the means to keep, feed and take good care of the birds (including avian vet checks/housing & sheltering/personal bonding time etc.).

 

[Taw5106]

Hi there, have you ever had a bird? If so how long? How was your relationship with your bird, like did it step up on command?

 

[MosaicMadness]

I think that a hahns would be a wonderful macaw to start with. It would give you a lot of insight into what they are like in a smaller package. I would wait until your new parrot is sexually mature to add an additional parrot, so that you have time to work through any behavioral issues with this little guy and have a good idea of what to expect. Good luck, macaws can be great fun (and a lot of work).

 

[Kiwibird]

I would definitely not take on multiple macaws all at once (especially if you don't have macaw experience). You'll definitely want to focus on bonding and working with each bird so they can become a wonderful companion.

Also something to keep in mind, hys in particular MUST have special nuts in their diet (I believe they are called brazil nuts) that other macaw species do not. Are you able to source these nuts in the quantities and consistently to keep a hy healthy in your country? Just something to consider. No other macaw species *needs* these special nuts to be healthy.

 

[SnowPhoenix]

Hi Taw5106, I do have two birds presently - a Cockatiel and a Sun Conure. My Cockatiel is now 10-months-old whilst my Sun Conure is slightly over 3-months-old.

As for my past history with birds, I've kept doves and a Pekin robin since I was a child. All three birds were not trained though, but the Pekin sang beautifully every morning. My present parrots are trained to step up, although the conure does have his little mood swings at times. I also have a pair of Sunbirds that roost in a potted plant on my porch and a pair of Robins that also roost in a different potted plant on the porch for the past six years. Both pairs produce a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs every season, but since they're wild birds, we do not handle them in any way and merely observe them.

Thank you, MosaicMadness, I too think a Hahns would a better macaw to start off with. I love the fact of how affectionate and personable they are up close. I will look into getting one some time next year or the year after. Once I'm confident enough, and have a bigger aviary extension set up, perhaps only then I'll acquire the Hyacinths.

Thank you, Kiwibird. I agree - I don't want to take on more than I can handle, and the last thing I want is to deprive a bird from the best care possible that I can provide. I admit acquiring brazil nuts will be difficult and expensive, but not impossible. Also, as I recall - hys need high-fat diets, am I correct? Will oil palm seeds also be beneficial as part of their diet?