How Independent Are Macaws?

[outdoors1987]

Do they seem happy to just sit with you or do they feel the need to be pet constantly? Do some of the species have more tendencies toward one end of the spectrum or the other? Thanks for your experience and opinions!

 

[mtdoramike]

Well, macaws in general are a more independant bird than most other birds. I think the Blue & Golds probably have one of the best temperments of the afforable macaws. But you must understand, independance of any species of bird will depend on how they are trained. You can take an independant bird and after a few months, cause them to become a leech and want to stick to you like glue and scream when they don't get to.

 

[mtdoramike]

Oh, and by the way, when a macaw screams everyone with two-three block area will hear it. So if you don't live in an area where you have some land to buffer the sound from neighbors, I would look at another species.

 

[Safira]

My Macaw is about 9- 10 months old. I've had her since she was 4 months, and have been teaching her to be independant enough to play on her playstand (and stay on it) when I can't hold her.

She constantly wants to be with me though, she's pretty good about not jumping down all the time if she's on her stand, but sometimes she does and takes a walk to come find me.

As for the screaming, mine doesn't (YET!) Though I know how loud they can be, so I am prepared!! My roomate however, maybe not so much (mwahahaha)

 

[JJones1719]

If you are not looking for a cuddlebug Macaw, then stay away from the Green Wing or Hy Macaws. Out of all Macaws they demand your attn and love to cuddle. The more independant Macaws have to be the Scarlet and B&G. Some of the smaller Macaws too can be independant. Thanks Joe

 

[Mike]

My GW wants me to cuddle and play with her all the time.

 

[mele]

:red: My Scarlet is very independent and I prefer it that way. Spoiled and dependant birds of this size can be dangerous.
I believe he is around 7 years old and i'll have had him 1 year this month on the 17th. He loves all his toys and tree room. When I try to sit and scratch him he tolerates it but he makes it obvious he'd rather be playing in his room.

I agree with the other post, it depends on how the bird was raised and trained.
I don't know my birds past. From how he looked when I adopted him, It was clear his prevouse 4 owners didn't cuddle. We have come a long way. I can hold him upside down and he fluffs his head and holds his beak when he wants me to pet him.

:41:

 

[Enjru]

Chilli wants to be near people, including me, and she will scream for up to 2 hours non-stop at a volume which can be heard quite a few streets away, when she knows that I am leaving. You can understand why I would NOT encourage macaws to become like cling-film birds.