Hyacinth vs Greenwing Macaw?

[June2012]

Hello~

I've read and read that GWs and Hys are both gentle giants of the parrot world. Personality wise, are there any differences? I've even heard of the GW being a poor man's Hyacinth, so they seem to be extremely similar...

TIA,
June

 

[Bandespresso]

In my experience, Hys seem to be more laid back and levelheaded than GWs. They are both super cute mushballs! And both require socialization and traini mg to stay that way.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I apologize beforehand in case you feel offended.

According to numerous of your previous posts you are a super young girl, living at home, being home-schooled, and have ZERO big mac experience. When you first joined, you 'appeared' uncertain of what type of bird you even wanted, and within a relatively short amount of time your mind was made up that you were going to be getting a macaw. And of all macaws, a HY.

...
Hyacinth Macaw (I'll be getting one in a couple of years, as a gift from my parents. HYPED!)
Blue Throated Macaw
Eclectus (If not only for their specific diet, I might've already gotten one, lol.)
ANY Cockatoo! (I love their personality, but omg, their voice boxes are something else. XD)
African Grey (Mom's allergic to dust...)...

You've received some outstanding advice on this forum from so many members who have taken their time answering your questions, yet you always seem to have a 'better' answer already lined up. This is the perfect thread as an example:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/53197-loud-african-grey.html

And this one, too:
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/53665-what-s-scarlet-like.html

You ought to really listen to your own advice, the one you gave right here:

A macaw shouldn't be for just, "PRETTY!" They're really intelligent and I see so many ads, legit ones, from people that dropped a couple thousand because hey! Why not? They bit the kids, and everything went downhill. I ain't a parent, but you have to understand, that a parent's own instincts to their children is a very strong thing. Are you sure you will forgive your parrot if he or she bites your children? What about noise? PRICES! Being a DIY master or finding Leprechauns to pay for toys? Stainless steel cages for the bigger macaws?

That, and she made it without second thought after watching the movie... It's not bad, but she has to realize that these birds also need a lot of time. It's not a canary. It needs to be out and with the family. My neighbor has a Congo African Grey and left it outside. No one goes outside to play with it, look at it... Just a morning feeding and change of water. I don't think my pound can care for a parrot and rescues can't do much, truly. Plus, my neighbors aren't "people." (Their lifestyle in general...) They're irresponsible obviously, but have many problems as well. [EDIT: She isn't the neighbor, it's the OP's "friend'] Not to say she's a horrible person, but evening just casually leaving them outside is easy but not what birds are for!

Those people are what can tear an African Grey apart. Now just think of a macaw! I don't know about their intelligence against, but it still isn't right. Rehoming them is also dangerous since no one wants a plucked bird/a beak like that. I would get a macaw RIGHT now if my mother wasn't allergic and if my grandmother stops asking me why their eyeballs are so big. (Dunno if it's because I'm Asian lol!) But it's not because she's weird or mentally not there, she's still the genius she is. It's just that I don't want her peering into my macaw's eyes or mishandling the parrot. You know? You really have to plan! Especially since I'm getting a rescue so it could change the circumstances.

EDIT: Also, more than just planing, can she have a consistent schedule? How old are the kids? Any age is fine, it's just from a personal point of view 8 or 9 seems okay for a scratch on the head or simply perch on the arm. I'm sure she isn't a horrible mother dragging her kids into a lion pit, but it just seems she is sort of not taking everything in. Plus, is anyone allergic? (Even if a macaw, some people can be allergic to a hypoallergenic poodle. A macaw is considered equivalent allergies wise, but allergies to something considered hypoallergenic is still a potential trigger.) Okay with the noise? Everyone has to be educated. Okay, they don't have to know how to make chop like a parrot chef. They should know the basics. There are tons of classes too! Many rescues give such classes. Volunteering or taking the family there to just interact with one would be awesome too.

No matter WHAT type of bird you actually end up with, they all require consistent training and socialization, just as Bandespresso has already pointed out, to remain cuddly and sweet.

....I'm off now to cuddle with my knock-off Hy.... ROFLMAO!

 

[Birdman666]

ANY macaw you get is "high maintanance." Just below the cockatoo level of high maintenace... That goes for all the large macaws from the smallest Red Front, to the largest Hy-Hy...

Macaws are the most "toddler-like" of parrots... in both the good way, and the bad way. ANY macaw that feels it can get the upper hand, and control you, will end up like the out of control toddlers you see on Nanny 911...

This applies as much to Hys...

As President Teddy Roosevelt once famously remarked "THAT BIRD COULD BITE THROUGH BOILER PLATE." So, as gentle as they can be by nature, it doesn't guarantee that they won't still use that big beak to get what they want, when they want it...

Gentle giants? For the most part, yes. BUT once in awhile... not so much!

If you don't know how to train them, you could be in for a rude awakening...

Most folks that plunk down $10,000 for a bird, and between $2000 and $4000 for a proper stainless steel cage for that bird, already understand how to handle them...

IF YOU DON'T... ?!

Go back and watch the video of the Hy prying the bars off his cage...

Now imagine those are flesh, or fingers...

The Hy is just playing, and doesn't even realize he's hurting you until it's too late, because someone forgot to bite pressure train him....

OH YEAH, IT COULD...

JUST SAYIN'!!!

 

[Allee]

June2012, I've noticed you've consistently received kind advice from many of our members since you joined the forum. I have to ask, how do your parents feel about your decision to adopt a feathered companion? Have you had an opportunity to visit rescues, breeders, even pet stores, to spend time with some of your dream birds? You can learn a lot from reading, but it's not quite the same as actually spending time with the objects of your obsession.

 

[Birdman666]

And for the record, I'd put my greenwing up against any Hy, any where in terms of well behaved docile temperment.

She loves everyone...

A mush mac (and that could be any of them, not just Hys or GWs) is a mush mac...

An unhappy mac, is the opposite of a mush mac...

A mac with no boundaries, is the opposite of a mush mac...

NOT mush mac is a force of nature to be reckoned with... :11:

And that, in my opinion, is the real difference between large macaw species.

Some mush macs are just "beakier" than others.

 

[Terry57]

I've even heard of the GW being a poor man's Hyacinth, so they seem to be extremely similar...

TIA,
June

Just wondering if that would make my Conure the poor man's GW?

 

[Birdman666]

I've even heard of the GW being a poor man's Hyacinth, so they seem to be extremely similar...

TIA,
June

Just wondering if that would make my Conure the poor man's GW?

SHRUNKEN GREENWING...

 

[JerseyWendy]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxmCCsMoD0"]Abba - Money, Money, Money - YouTube[/ame]

 

[SilverSage]

No parrot is a poor man's bird. Proper parrot care is EXPENSIVE. Don't believe me? Do you have some naive idea in your head about homemade things and second hand things? I'm sorry, but ONE trip to the vet for even a free budgie in a free cage with free toys and free food will put an end to that. i find the idea of a bird that costs more than a car in a cage that costs more than my rent who needs constant toys and a specific diet to be hysterical.

And from reading this, you are NOT prepared. I am amazed by the number of people who post here wanting a big macaw yet have never even worked with a conure. Or they HAVE a conure and he is "nippy" and they want a big cuddle macaw. Um... Do you think it magically won't bite? To be honest, if you have never interacted with these birds, never sat down and listened to one scream, never been bitten, never met and handled a sexually mature individual, you should not be considering one.

 

[Birdman666]

You obviously haven't seen my bank balance lately...

Oh, wait... maybe I need to do a cause and effect analysis...

 

[hsb_birds]

No parrot is a poor man's bird. Proper parrot care is EXPENSIVE. Don't believe me? Do you have some naive idea in your head about homemade things and second hand things? I'm sorry, but ONE trip to the vet for even a free budgie in a free cage with free toys and free food will put an end to that. i find the idea of a bird that costs more than a car in a cage that costs more than my rent who needs constant toys and a specific diet to be hysterical.

And from reading this, you are NOT prepared. I am amazed by the number of people who post here wanting a big macaw yet have never even worked with a conure. Or they HAVE a conure and he is "nippy" and they want a big cuddle macaw. Um... Do you think it magically won't bite? To be honest, if you have never interacted with these birds, never sat down and listened to one scream, never been bitten, never met and handled a sexually mature individual, you should not be considering one.

This is perfect advice I can totally relate to you wanting a bird (as I myself am a young female just turned 20 whoop whoop) but for three years now I've wanted a big Mac and I dont have one of my very own .... Guess why it takes money and loads of time and I atm spend all my time at the resort taking care of 15 birds there and even all of them aren't getting as much attention as they would like and need and it takes money for these guys I spent( the resorts money) a $50 wood to for Ralph our umbrella cockatoo and it was gone in 2 days..... and they need toys for enrichment or you will get a bitter

listen to these guys they know what they are saying and you can trust what they say 100% they have been doing it (some have anyway ) longer than I have even been alive

also I have been bitten its not fun by any means but its part of the training gig ya gotta work though it and you HAVE TO KNOW YOU WONT GIVE UP ON THEM if they do bite it'll be hard I know been there done that it blows but once you've worked though it it is so rewarding and fun and they will be your best friend like Apple and I mt GW:red:

 

[MyFlock]

Maybe start with a conure first, I'd recommend a GCC. If you really want to go big a Jenday or Sun, listen to them scream for awhile on YouTube.. I don't mean to be rude but even I with various bird experience would/ could never think about owning a Macaw. You just don't want to get so overwhelmed that the poor bird ends up being Rehomed. This is just my personal opinion of course.

I know of a young girl living at home with a Too, she has a supportive family and cares well for the bird so everyone is different.

 

[kalypso123]

I agree with all the advice given. I am young as well and I pay for all my tiels things and thats a struggle on its own when the vet visit comes around. I will most likely add one more fid (most likely a tiel) to my flock to help keep Kalypso company when college rolls around. For the record we will do anything we can to get Kalypso with me where ever I go to for college. I would recomend a smaller bird and if you really have your heart set on a big mac start volunteering with them. Once your out of college and on your feet, you can consider one.

 

[junglenutcracker]

Hello~I've even heard of the GW being a poor man's Hyacinth, so they seem to be extremely similar...

Hmmm... a GW being a poor man’s HY?!! Only someone who sees parrot ownership as a status symbol (bigger is better) would say something like this.
I don’t think GW owners would agree with that statement. GW owners don’t have a GW just because they can’t afford a Hy. They have a GW because they just love GWs and everything about them (the good and the bad). If you think that the term “gentle giant” means that they are just big huggable birds...think again because you will be in for a surprise.

Speaking of poor man’s... you will quickly find that the cost of acquiring a macaw is nothing compared to the cost of caring for it... responsibly.

 

[Dinosrawr]

I think every parrot is just exceptionally unique on its own. Hys and GWs may be known for being gentle giants, but like everyone has mentioned it really comes down to training, socialization, and also the bird's disposition. I have certainly seen a lot of people jump into macaw or Hy ownership and have flourished, but there's also a lot of people who haven't... hence so many that need rescuing.

While I think it's awesome your parents are willing to help you get a Hy in the future and that you love macaws, what's more important is getting the experience to deal with one first. I know for myself my boyfriend and I are arranging time to volunteer at our local rescue and work with their big birds so we can know what to expect when 5-10 years rolls around and we can finally financially and emotionally invest in a macaw.

And please don't take offense to all of us being edgy about macaw ownership. Our members most certainly realize how difficult it is to care for one, and we don't want anyone to simply dive into caring for a perpetual two year old for the rest of their lives without having an inkling of what to expect. We aren't dismissing your ability, we're just always putting the bird first.

 

[Birdman666]

Hello~I've even heard of the GW being a poor man's Hyacinth, so they seem to be extremely similar...

Hmmm... a GW being a poor man’s HY?!! Only someone who sees parrot ownership as a status symbol (bigger is better) would say something like this.
I don’t think GW owners would agree with that statement. GW owners don’t have a GW just because they can’t afford a Hy. They have a GW because they just love GWs and everything about them (the good and the bad). If you think that the term “gentle giant” means that they are just big huggable birds...think again because you will be in for a surprise.

Speaking of poor man’s... you will quickly find that the cost of acquiring a macaw is nothing compared to the cost of caring for it... responsibly.

There's a bad side... ?! I guess Maggie didn't get the memo...

 

[Bandespresso]

Any big mac is a big, expensive, responsibility. Hys are a big, absurdly expensive, responsibility. It's great that you're researching! Conures are great for younger folks because they are much more "portable" than Macaws. They also give you the personality of a macaw without the big beak so you can prepare yourself for what is to come if you get a big guy in the future. You can always add to your flock when you get in a position to do so! I'm a macaw person but I know full well that, even at 24, I am in no position to take one on.

 

[Sterling1113]

I was in your situation a year or two ago. I always wanted a "big" bird, and felt like I could handle one. I was in a position that I could afford one (with savings, living on my own, no help from parents. Just me and boyfriend) but I'm so glad I didn't get a macaw, or African gray, or cockatoo. Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I strongly agree with the advice to start with a smaller parrot, like a conure, and devote to them, and one day if you're ready to add a large bird, you can more seriously consider it.

If I may suggest, a Pionus. They're medium-sized (barely smaller than a Timneh Grey, depending on which species you look at.) I won't say they're all quiet; because any bird can be loud; but my pionus is the quietest bird I've ever had the pleasure to meet. She is sweet, affectionate, cuddly, again, quiet, smart, and generally low maintenance. She is perfectly happy by herself, or on a shoulder being cuddled. And I got her from Craigslist, thought to be a boy at 6 years old. But last February she popped out an egg, oops. Lol.

Spend time with lots of birds. I never thought I'd need a pionus in my life, but she has me wrapped around her wing and I can't imagine life without her. She's bitten me once, by my own fault, and yes she bruised and drew blood on me. But I overlooked the warnings. Get to know your bird.. build respect.. and great things happen. I hope you find the perfect parrot for you, when the time is right, whether it's a budgie or a Hy-hy.

 

[June2012]

I apologize beforehand in case you feel offended.

According to numerous of your previous posts you are a super young girl, living at home, being home-schooled, and have ZERO big mac experience. When you first joined, you 'appeared' uncertain of what type of bird you even wanted, and within a relatively short amount of time your mind was made up that you were going to be getting a macaw. And of all macaws, a HY.

...
Hyacinth Macaw (I'll be getting one in a couple of years, as a gift from my parents. HYPED!)
Blue Throated Macaw
Eclectus (If not only for their specific diet, I might've already gotten one, lol.)
ANY Cockatoo! (I love their personality, but omg, their voice boxes are something else. XD)
African Grey (Mom's allergic to dust...)...

You've received some outstanding advice on this forum from so many members who have taken their time answering your questions, yet you always seem to have a 'better' answer already lined up. This is the perfect thread as an example:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/53197-loud-african-grey.html

And this one, too:
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/53665-what-s-scarlet-like.html

You ought to really listen to your own advice, the one you gave right here:

A macaw shouldn't be for just, "PRETTY!" They're really intelligent and I see so many ads, legit ones, from people that dropped a couple thousand because hey! Why not? They bit the kids, and everything went downhill. I ain't a parent, but you have to understand, that a parent's own instincts to their children is a very strong thing. Are you sure you will forgive your parrot if he or she bites your children? What about noise? PRICES! Being a DIY master or finding Leprechauns to pay for toys? Stainless steel cages for the bigger macaws?

That, and she made it without second thought after watching the movie... It's not bad, but she has to realize that these birds also need a lot of time. It's not a canary. It needs to be out and with the family. My neighbor has a Congo African Grey and left it outside. No one goes outside to play with it, look at it... Just a morning feeding and change of water. I don't think my pound can care for a parrot and rescues can't do much, truly. Plus, my neighbors aren't "people." (Their lifestyle in general...) They're irresponsible obviously, but have many problems as well. [EDIT: She isn't the neighbor, it's the OP's "friend'] Not to say she's a horrible person, but evening just casually leaving them outside is easy but not what birds are for!

Those people are what can tear an African Grey apart. Now just think of a macaw! I don't know about their intelligence against, but it still isn't right. Rehoming them is also dangerous since no one wants a plucked bird/a beak like that. I would get a macaw RIGHT now if my mother wasn't allergic and if my grandmother stops asking me why their eyeballs are so big. (Dunno if it's because I'm Asian lol!) But it's not because she's weird or mentally not there, she's still the genius she is. It's just that I don't want her peering into my macaw's eyes or mishandling the parrot. You know? You really have to plan! Especially since I'm getting a rescue so it could change the circumstances.

EDIT: Also, more than just planing, can she have a consistent schedule? How old are the kids? Any age is fine, it's just from a personal point of view 8 or 9 seems okay for a scratch on the head or simply perch on the arm. I'm sure she isn't a horrible mother dragging her kids into a lion pit, but it just seems she is sort of not taking everything in. Plus, is anyone allergic? (Even if a macaw, some people can be allergic to a hypoallergenic poodle. A macaw is considered equivalent allergies wise, but allergies to something considered hypoallergenic is still a potential trigger.) Okay with the noise? Everyone has to be educated. Okay, they don't have to know how to make chop like a parrot chef. They should know the basics. There are tons of classes too! Many rescues give such classes. Volunteering or taking the family there to just interact with one would be awesome too.

No matter WHAT type of bird you actually end up with, they all require consistent training and socialization, just as Bandespresso has already pointed out, to remain cuddly and sweet.

....I'm off now to cuddle with my knock-off Hy.... ROFLMAO!

I'm not posting this to get one, no! I'm a human minor. It's just that whenever I read up on Greenwings, everyone says them and the Hyacinth have similar personalities. What's the difference? Excluding individuals, but there has to be SOME known differences. This is *not* for me to decide which one. I love all parrots, but I love to read about them and research about them. I'll be owned by own someday, so why not read about them now? It doesn't hurt anyone or anybird. :3 I hope I don't sound angry about your post, by the way. I appreciate the thoughts and advice experienced bird owners give me. ^^

EDIT: About the Hyacinth macaw my parrots are getting me in a couple of years, that's a gift my parents are going to give me when I'm done with college and everything. I don't think it'll happen, but I can dream! ^^