Hahns macaw ?'s

[Williamsong]

I was wondering what the common traits are with Hahns macaws, like do they like to cuddle, are they nippy, do they tend to have behavioral problems like plucking, screaming etc. just general personality information for them.

Thanks, Gage

 

[Birdman666]

They don't tend to be screamers or pluckers.

They do tend to be cuddle birds.

They can be nippy with children, or people that spook them.

Generally they're fairly calm and easy to work with. Playful and clownish. Big mac in a little body.

And like all pair bond birds, they can overbond with the favorite person, so socialization work is needed to prevent it from happening.

 

[SilverSage]

I feel like I am the queen of smashed hopes today, but I have to step in. You keep posting about different parrot species you are considering buying, you want one that is cuddly and doesn't bite, but you have a conure at home who still bites you. Until you learn how to train a bird not to bite, every bird you get is likely to bite you. Yes, some species are more "nippy" or more "cuddly" than others, but to a large extent nippiness can be trained out, and SHOULD BE before you move on to bigger beaks. Also, what is your plan for your nippy conure once you get a second bird? What if, by some miracle, your new bird doesn't bite you (at least at fist)? Does your GCC then end up locked in his cage or alone on a play stand all day because he bites and you have your cuddly bird? Conures are the kings of cuddle! Please, take the time and put in the effort to train the bird you have before running out and getting a second bird.

 

[RavensGryf]

Is this GCC you have your first bird? As SilverSage points out, it seems you are not entirely happy with this bird, and instead of dedicating yourself to what can become a wonderful pet, you want a "better" bird now. Perhaps an easier one... A Hahn's Macaw is NOT easy. They are not one of the lower maintenance birds out there. They are much louder than a GCC, and they ARE a species known to pluck more easily than some others, and while they can and should be taught independence, macaws in general are not the most independent by nature. The Hahn's would be too big of a step up at this point from what I gather. Just my observation from your other threads. Macaws are not for everyone.

 

[goalerjones]

Reasons a Hahns macaw will be nippy:
1) tired
2) hungry
3) has to poop
4) your ignoring her
5) you're home
6) she wants what you have
7) she's breathing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my little Napoleon. But she wants to be in charge and in control. God has taught me much about patience and self-control having her in my life.

 

[DoodlesMom]

I,too,have been reading you posts regarding the cuddly, bitey etc nature of different species. IMHO...if you can't DEDICATE time and effort to the little guy you have now then you really aren't ready or prepared for the BIG BIRDS....no offence, just my observation.

 

[Dopey]

But at the same time we appreciate you doing research and making sure that your next parrot is the one you want. The way to do that is to ask questions.

[These posting were making me feel bad for getting/rescuing the three that I just recently got. Makes me wonder what you all are really thinking about me. At least one nippy bird isn't making him run away from being a parront.]

I love all of my birds. My Severe is a real cuddle bird. My Zon's like to bite but that is because of the situation they came from.

 

[RavensGryf]

Mary Lynn, no I don't believe anyone was judging you (not that I like to use the word judge), but we know you have had more experience and large bird experience in the past.

Also, I am assuming by reading all of Gage's threads and posts, that he might be a minor who might possibly be living at home still, and without as much experience? Sorry if I'm wrong Gage.

I know some young people here have much success and experience with birds and animals in general, as they grew up into it, and have a stable environment with a family who is just into the animal keeping 'lifestyle', but understand that THAT description is not the norm.

 

[Williamsong]

I feel like I am the queen of smashed hopes today, but I have to step in. You keep posting about different parrot species you are considering buying, you want one that is cuddly and doesn't bite, but you have a conure at home who still bites you. Until you learn how to train a bird not to bite, every bird you get is likely to bite you. Yes, some species are more "nippy" or more "cuddly" than others, but to a large extent nippiness can be trained out, and SHOULD BE before you move on to bigger beaks. Also, what is your plan for your nippy conure once you get a second bird? What if, by some miracle, your new bird doesn't bite you (at least at fist)? Does your GCC then end up locked in his cage or alone on a play stand all day because he bites and you have your cuddly bird? Conures are the kings of cuddle! Please, take the time and put in the effort to train the bird you have before running out and getting a second bird.

Yes I have decided to wait and work with baby till he is the model bird I want him to be, I am going to a lot of training and stuff and hold off for around a year or two before I conisder getting another bird.

 

[Ann333]

That sounds like a great idea! So what training are you going to start with? I'm just starting training with my green cheek conure also, I'm sure we will both be very pleased with our little birdies in a few month when they are bonding well to us. keep us updated with your progress.

 

[RavensGryf]

Smart thinking . Baby needs you. Put your heart into this little one, and dedicate yourself patiently and consistently... and you will be rewarded. Even if Baby never becomes 'cuddly' you will still be forming a closer bond in time. Stay on this forum and keep learning! Look into trick training too... GCC's I hear are very smart!

My boy Raven doesn't like me to touch him at all, and as much as I love cuddling birds, Raven has showed me other ways that he'd rather I communicate with him. Through being there for him and not giving up on him even though he doesn't have a personality I had expected, I can say I've really fallen in love with Raven for the funny, quirky, unique little guy that he is. THAT is what I encourage you to do with Baby. Get to know your bird for the unique "person" they are.

 

[Williamsong]

That sounds like a great idea! So what training are you going to start with? I'm just starting training with my green cheek conure also, I'm sure we will both be very pleased with our little birdies in a few month when they are bonding well to us. keep us updated with your progress.

Im Going to start with training him not to bite then maybe a few simple tricks like spin around or wave or I bought this bird ring toss trick thing and I'm going to try and train him to do that ! I'm pretty excited for it.

 

[Ann333]

I blow air in my bird face when he bites too hard, but i do let him taste and explore with his beak/tongue because i think that is important and dont want to discourage that.

Also we are working on him learning where it IS (his cage) and is NOT (on mommy) acceptable to use the potty. haha we are actually making A LOT of progress! It is all about reading their body language and reacting in time. Pumpkin spreads his wings and ruffles his feathers in a squat RIGHT BEFORE hes going to use the potty, so i move him over his cage and say "go potty" as soon as i see him go. No accidents yesterday and only one today (i saw it coming but couldnt react in time)

After we get a grip on some basics i do want to start training him to wave and spin like you plan to do. The ring tossing trick sounds super cute!