Hahn's macaw as an only parrot?

[cnyguy]

Since my Quaker parrot Ralph passed away in early October, I have been without a parrot. I'm being encouraged to get another parrot, and I really do miss having one, so it's under consideration. One that's available that might be a possibility is a young Hahn's macaw available from a breeder. I've only met one Hahn's macaw in person and he was friendly, feisty and talkative. I've been doing lots of research on Hahn's macaws and I've read something from a couple sources that I wonder about. They said that Hahn's macaws don't do well as only parrots and when there are no other parrots or other pets in the household they're more prone to feather plucking, excessive squawking and screaming and other unwanted behaviors. Does anyone here have experience with a Hahn's as an only parrot? If so, have you experienced the kind of problems described?
I should note that I'm home almost all day every day, and am rarely out for more than two or three hours at a time. Any parrot living with me would get plenty of attention and playtime. I learned long ago that anyone living with parrots needs lots of patience and needs to be tolerant of at least some squawking and screeching, not to mention the occasional parrot bite.

 

[zERo]

That’s so wonderful that you’re considering welcoming another parrot into your heart!
As far as a hahns macaw being a single bird, I think several parrot species may benefit from having another bird in the household, but then again, others not so much.
Both of my boys, Tony (Quaker) and Tom (GCC) didn’t appreciate each other being around, and have only gotten somewhat better with each other over the years, though, no closer that 2 feet! lol!

I guess, it just really depends on each individual bird and how much time they’re allowed to free roam etc.

 

[LaManuka]

I don't know anything about Hahn's, other than that they are absolutely gorgeous and I would rather like one myself!! But I think it's fantastic that you are considering taking this baby on board, I know any bird that you may acquire will have a wonderful life with you

 

[bill_e]

This is just my opinion.
I have no experience with a Hahns either but having had a parrot for all but 2 months since 1976 I think that the odds of a parrot being healthy and happy as an only child, provided adequate human Interraction, are much greater than having multiple parrots who, if they like each other, will possibly become less bonded with the human.

So I try to have only one of a species.. Even dog, though I've had 3 at a time. I find it difficult not to have a favorite and when that happens, the others tend to get less attention and especially with a parrot that's a bad thing.

 

[kme3388]

I’ve only met one Hahn’s macaw. He was very intelligent. He had all of the large macaw traits in a little body. He also had a very big personality. He was very sweet to who he bonded with. He could be quite challenging to others. He was very loud when he screamed. He was territorial over his cage. All of this can vary upon the parrot of course.

The above poster is correct. Getting multiple parrots can be challenging. My 2 conures that I cage together are 100% without a doubt bonded. They still come out, and are handled daily (away from their cage). They prefer to be together. I used to be able to put my hands in their cage, and I am no longer able to do that without them trying to bite. They have created a nest together, and I’m the third wheel. I’m happy because I’ve never seen my Jenday so happy in the 14 years I’ve had her.

 

[cnyguy]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I've had two "only parrots" and I think both of them preferred it that way. When I adopted Scooter the CAG Ralph barely acknowledged that she was here, but Scooter liked to watch what Ralph was doing. I think that she liked being around another parrot more than Ralph did.

I'm afraid though that the little macaw is too loud to be an apartment dweller. He seems to be even louder than George the YCA. I'm harboring some doubts about his suitability for my living situation. I can tolerate the squawks but my neighbors probably couldn't.

 

[Babyrizzmuffin101_ohio]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I've had two "only parrots" and I think both of them preferred it that way. When I adopted Scooter the CAG Ralph barely acknowledged that she was here, but Scooter liked to watch what Ralph was doing. I think that she liked being around another parrot more than Ralph did.

I'm afraid though that the little macaw is too loud to be an apartment dweller. He seems to be even louder than George the YCA. I'm harboring some doubts about his suitability for my living situation. I can tolerate the squawks but my neighbors probably couldn't.

Unfortunately all birds are loud, especially macaws, the minis are 100% big bird in a smaller birds body. I would say the noise of Hahn's macaw is relative to that of a Quaker. Although each bird is their own, an important thing to note is that birds often mimic the noise level of their environment making only birds are generally quieter. I think if your willing to commit to the bird and accept some 'squawks' will come with it i believe a hahns macaw is a good choice.

 

[cnyguy]

Thank you. After living with parrots for more than half a century, I think I've developed a pretty good tolerance for squawks and screeches. I'm not sure about my neighbors though, especially the newer ones.
Ralph was a relatively quiet Quaker, aside from the alarm calls. Scooter the CAG didn't squawk or scream, but her imitations of car alarms and smoke detectors were louder than the real things. George the YCA could scream with the best of 'em, and perhaps surprisingly, we never had a complaint.

I've read conflicting information about a Hahn's macaw as an only parrot. If I were to get one, it would definitely be the only parrot. I wouldn't want to take on two new parrots at once but would prefer to work on building a bond with one at a time.