Help with Picking

[04cobratorchred]

Hello, I’m new to the forum, very nice place here. I have been toying with the idea of getting a macaw the last year or so and was looking for some help. I have a 50-year-old redheaded Amazon that my dad got when he was 7 so I am not new to birds. I have talked with a few other people including the vet and they told me that I should look into a red fronted macaw because they are a lot less noisy and easer to keep. I am not sure if this is true or not I have just been told this. What do you think? I was leaning more toward a blue and gold or scarlet but the vet told me they are a little bit louder and harder to keep and not as friendly. So anyway this is just some information I have been told and wanted to check if it’s right for the most part. Another words I am wondering how you selected the bird you picked. Macaws are by far my favorite there are just times I have my doubts. I also love the umbrella cockatoo too. It seems so hard to pick so I was just wondering how you guys made the pick you did because I don’t want to make the wrong one. Thanks for any help. Pic is of my bird now.

 

[Tracy842]

Welcome to the Parrot Forums

:jumping40

Wow a 50 year old Amazon. I think that is the oldest parrot here on the forums. He is a beautiful bird. I don't know so much about Macaws. We were talking about Red Fronted Macaws just the other day on another thread, or it was in an article. I know Flyte has a Blue and Gold Macaw and RockinSeattle has a couple of large macaws so they can probably give you some insight into owning one. There are a few members that tell you about Umbrella Cockatoos. I always refer people that are interested in Too's to
www.mytoos.com
Great website to check out.
Thanks for the kind words about the forum. Hope you enjoy it here!!!

 

[TexDot33]

RED FRONT --- DID SOMEONE MENTION A RED-FRONT MACAW??

you have my attention ...

If you get a red-front there is ONLY ONE PLACE TO GET IT FROM - www.wendysparrots.com


Oh, the day I can have one of these little buggas will be a great day for me! They are beautiful and so very very intelligent ... they are cuddlers, and have a sense of humor that stories can be written about. They are mechanical (will learn to undo quick links and wingnuts ...) they are loyal, and they have this really neat way of telling you when you have been "picked"

Red-Front Macaws will let you know that you can approach them by lifting their wing and showing you the orange and red flame color under ONE wing ... they will actually extend one wing and show you the underside ... this is your invitation to approach a little fella ...

OH - go with the Red-Front and if it doesn't work out, I will give you my address he/she can come live with ME!!

~ :50:
​

 

[NicoleN]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!

I'm sure you will find a lot of information & resources from everyone here. Plus they're all pretty friendly...

My 1st Amazon, Sisqo, came to live with us about 9 years ago when my parents bought him. They got him because he was "pretty" and unfortunately didn't do any research on Amazons or their proper diet. Just over a year ago, I took a renewed interest in Sisqo and he became *my* bird. I got him a new cage, toys, new diet, etc, etc. He wasn't abused before, just neglected. He doesn't have a very large vocabulary either (A DYH Amazon's vocab. generally rivals that of a Grey) because he was never talked to or interacted with. Thankfully, there weren't any major behavioral problems and he's a pretty easygoing, hearty bird.

I found my 2nd Amazon, Gigi on Craigslist in May. I met with him a few times before we brought him home. Although he was previously abused, I was prepared for what I was getting myself into with him. Honestly, it breaks my heart sometimes b/c I just want him to realize that I'm not there to hurt him.

My sister got two budgie's that she absolutely despises, so now I have become their primary care taker.

I've never been "picked" by a bird, but I know there are some people on here that have and can tell you about their experience with that.

I have talked with a few other people including the vet and they told me that I should look into a red fronted macaw because they are a lot less noisy and easer to keep.

A General Rule about birds is THE BIGGER THE BIRD, THE BIGGER THE MESS. (Although sometimes the mess those budgie's make absolutely amazes me)

Was this an avian vet you spoke with? Or just a general vet?
Although noone on the forum has Red-Front that I know of, talk to some of the Macaw owners and gather some info. that way.

Take your time with deciding on what kind of bird you want. This is definitely not a decision to rush into because they'll more than likely be with you for the rest of your life.

Once again, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

 

[Flyte]

Hi and welcome to the forum!!

I was leaning more toward a blue and gold or scarlet but the vet told me they are a little bit louder and harder to keep and not as friendly.

I hate it when people tell you a certain type of bird will not be as friendly as another certain type.There are certain traits that certain types of bird have, of course.. some may be prone to shyness or louder, bond more closely or be more independent.. I just don't think friendliness is one of them..
They really are individuals so you can't predict the actual personality of a bird just by it's type. It's like saying all pit bulls will definitely bite you.

I've got a female blue and gold and she's very friendly. She gets shy around some others and will take advantage and bully if she senses someone is afraid of her (like my mom) but all in all she's a wonderful little girl. She's also a spoiled brat, which probably accounts for most of her bad behavior.

NicoleN is right, the bigger the bird the bigger the mess. She gets into everything and makes a huge mess no matter what she does. most of it is her personality, I think. She's a girl, she can't help but be nosy and rifle through everything!
"Why DOES that fish eat those pellets?? I better see if they're good! [sneak over.. climb cabinet.. open drawer.. get food..] BLECH! Gross! I better get rid of this it can't be healthy. [fish food all over the floor] Hey whats this..."

I had an umbrella cockatoo for about 10 years as well. I gave her to a friend who breeds birds because she really wanted to make babies. She is SO happy now, with her husband Ben.. even though I miss her horribly, I'm glad I did it.

She was the cuddliest bird I have ever lived with, I just made the mistake of not having her spend more time with other people. They tend to bond to one person so you have to be careful you don't end up with a personal bodyguard cockatoo

I adopted most of my birds, The bird club I was in had a few people who wanted to give up 'problem birds' and I was good with them and had the time so I got the misfits. The only birds I picked myself were my blue crowned conure (my first parrot) and my macaw. I wanted the macaw because I thought they were gorgeous, had the time and space, and really wanted to experience one of the larger birds. She takes up A LOT of time and space!!

I haven't ever had the pleasure of meeting a red fronted macaw but they are beautiful birds.
Your amazon is gorgeous.. I can't believe he's 50!!
Have you tried going to breeders/stores/clubs to meet adult birds?
Good luck making your choice!!!

 

[TexDot33]

Although no one on the forum has Red-Front that I know of ...

:54::20: ... yet ... :28::smile009:
​

 

[Astro]

I'm confused- what is a red fronted Macaw? My macaw's whole front is red, but I don't think that's what your talking about? Is that it's real name?

Never mind- found my answer- they are very pretty birds!

 

[TexDot33]

Astro, check out Wendy's site for everything that you want to know (watch out, you'll want one ... ) about RFM

http://www.wendysparrots.com/html/red-front.html​

The stories I have heard about these guys makes me want to have a whole flock of them ... right now, I would settle for just one ...

And then, for all you video freaks ... here is a very well behaved RFM ... that little girl is only about 9 and look at the way that even she can handle the RFM ...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9q9RmgKbo[/ame]

I also know for a fact that Pipi, the RFM, is one of Wendy's Parrots! Wendy is probably one of the best RFM breeders in the US!

 

[BrittGoBucks]

I have an umbrella cockatoo, Malley, that is about 12 years old. We've had him since he was still small enough to be hand-fed. All I can tell you is that he personally is very lovey and cuddly. His absolute favorite thing to do is snuggle under the blankets while I'm watching tv and nap. He would stay there all day if he could. When he was younger, he bonded closely with my mom because she was always home, and she was the one who hand fed him. Then lately he's bonded a little more with me because I'm always the one who lets him snuggle with me, but he's never acted jealous or anything, or tried to attack anyone. Although sometimes he gets into these nasty moods and throws a fit, and even I can't get near him. Not sure if that's a U2 thing or just him though.

Now the downsides..he can be VERY loud. Sometimes he'll get into this trance like state where he just makes this barking-ish scream that he'll do nonstop for several minutes, and nothing you do can make him stop. And he is pretty messy..if he feels like he's being ignored, he will stand on his food bowl and grab food with his foot and throw it out.

Sorry that was so long!!

 

[Tracy842]

I hate it when people tell you a certain type of bird will not be as friendly as another certain type.There are certain traits that certain types of bird have, of course.. some may be prone to shyness or louder, bond more closely or be more independent.. I just don't think friendliness is one of them..
They really are individuals so you can't predict the actual personality of a bird just by it's type. It's like saying all pit bulls will definitely bite you.

I couldn't agree with you more Flyte. To me it depends alot on the owners how an animal turns out.

 

[Redballoon]

I also have to agree.
Any bird will behave as well or as badly as the owner trains it to.
Any bird who is well socialized in the beginning, should live a happy interactive life with people. Im not saying that if you have a bad bird its your fault, but mistakes made early can come back to haunt you later. Stuff that is cute when baby is small is not so cute when baby can take your ear off. People who take damaged birds and try and rehabilitate them can often be taking on a thankless task with nothing but heartbreak ahead. Those people deserve recognition.

 

[04cobratorchred]

Thank you very much everyone for all your help. I really wanted a B&G until i talked with the Vet and he told me i would have a lot better luck with the RFM. IMO (don't yell at me for this:03 but from the pics i have seen i think the B&G's are much more colorful and cleaner looking. Sarah thanks for the comment on Gigi he is a great bird. I have not been to a bird club any idea where i would find one in the cincinnati area? I have been to many pet stores because i breed fish i have over 40 aquariums and i have never seen one macaw in any of the 20 pet stores i visit i have only seen one cockatoo and that was at Jacks Pets and they didn't have it long. Thanks again everyone.

Hi and welcome to the forum!!
I haven't ever had the pleasure of meeting a red fronted macaw but they are beautiful birds.
Your amazon is gorgeous.. I can't believe he's 50!!
Have you tried going to breeders/stores/clubs to meet adult birds?
Good luck making your choice!!!

 

[NicoleN]

hahahaha....is your Amazon's name Gigi too? So is mine!

 

[Birdiemommy]

Hi and welcome to the forum!!

I hate it when people tell you a certain type of bird will not be as friendly as another certain type.There are certain traits that certain types of bird have, of course.. some may be prone to shyness or louder, bond more closely or be more independent.. I just don't think friendliness is one of them..
They really are individuals so you can't predict the actual personality of a bird just by it's type. It's like saying all pit bulls will definitely bite you.

I absolutely agree. I have a M2 that is 20 and I've had him for 18 years. He's the sweetest guy you'd ever want to meet. My Shamrock Macaw is 5 and is also sweet but I've gotten some serious bites from her when I move too fast or she's in a bad mood. When birds reach sexual maturity (around 4 - 6 years for a Macaw I think) they can become harder to deal with. But people say that about cockatoos as well. Each bird is an individual.

I personally think that a smaller Macaw might be better with your amazon. I would worry about having to constantly watch two birds that are different in size. But the only birds I've had are large ones so I'm not an expert on this.

If you are going to get another bird I hope you consider going to a rescue. There are so many birds that need homes and I think with a parrot it would be so much better to get one that is an adult so you can see the personality. Baby birds are cuddly and sweet but they do change as they get older. Some stay sweet, but many become harder to deal with, especially if they don't get enough attention. You could make such a difference in the life of one of these guys who so desperately need a home. And if you visit them several times before adopting you'd have a good idea of the personality.

 

[04cobratorchred]

Alright, big update after hearing about Wendy’s Parrots i took a look at her website and saw that she had the breeding pair of the blue throated macaws. This was the first time i had seem the BTM and fell in love with them so to make a long story short and after a lot of research they will be here on Friday. I just ordered a cage from kings cages it’s the double macaw cage so i am hoping that will make them happy. Then as the breeding season gets closer i will build a big nesting box for them and see what happens. Thanks for all the help everyone. I will post pics when they get here.

 

[TexDot33]

:35::35: HOW WONDERFUL!! :35::35:

You have purchased from, in my opinion, one of the TOP macaw breeders in the United States. Wendy is wonderful with her birds, and her birds are always so well socialized and very independent ...

Wendy herself also offers so much information to her clients ... she has probably given you so much information on your new baby that your head is spinning ...

She really is wonderful, which is why I was very excited to see her as one of our advertisers here on the forums.
​

 

[Flyte]

Wow, your getting a breeding pair? Sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of noise!
My conure was sooo quiet.. until his girlfriend arrived.. lol. When they erm.. consummated their marriage they became even louder than before!
I'm sure they'll be fine and lots of fun to watch.
About the macaw vs. amazon thing, my blue and gold is in a room with my amazon, they interact all the time, as I don't even lock them in their cages.. Of course I didn't do this right off, I made sure they were good together first. This wouldn't work for all birds, again they are all individuals.. I had to take my African Grey from the room because he was just not getting along with them. I doubt the close proximity would work with a breeding pair as they will probably be a lot more territorial.
Good luck, hope we see some pics of your new couple asap!

 

[TexDot33]

Ok there's a guest in here from Minnesota who needs to sign up and introduce yourself to us ... c'mon get in here, it's a lot of fun ...

 

[Flyte]

Careful Tex, these folks are gonna think we're a psychotic group of axe murderers intent on taking over the world one forum at a time if you encourage them too much.

We're all real nice... c'mon in... heh.. heh. *chains rattling*

 

[TexDot33]

I'm not a psychotic axe-murder ... I'm just the crazy stalker type ... :18: