Hybrid Macaws

[missylynn]

So they say that the Blue & Gold, Greenwing, and Hyacinth are the friendliest of the macaw family. But what about the hybrids? Is a Harlequin the ultimate in friendly because it is a mix of B&G and GW? Or how much of the B&G friendliness shows up in a Catalina, versus the attitude of a Scarlet? And in a Camelot, there is 2/3 Scarlet and 1/3 B&G -- is that obvious in the Camelot's temperament? There are so many different hybrids, but I can't find anything on how their temperament comes out through the mixes of parents. It would make most sense to me that the traits of each parent are blended into the baby, but who knows. Anyone experienced with macaws have some thoughts?

 

[Tarkus]

Re: Hybrid Macaws
I can't speake for all hybrids but I have a Catalina and she is about as sweet a bird as I have ever been around. Her disposition is more B&G with a hair of scarlet attitude. Mom was the B&G. You don't read a lot about temperament because it's different from mix to mix. Of course that's true of all birds but hybrids are a llittle harder to judge.

Then there are second generation hybrids, say two Catalina's breeding.
Not to upset other hybird owners but I would suggest sticking with the purebred macaws. There a plenty of different personalities without mixing.

Just my .02, of course I'm also not a big fan of breeding for the pet market so I'm a bit different than most here.

Thats being said I have had hundreds of birds go thru my house over 40 years and my Catalina Lola is without a doubt the sweetest most loving bird I've owned.

Be Big,
Alan

 

[JJones1719]

You never know what your going to get when it comes to Hybrid Macaws. Sometimes they are friendly and sometimes they are hands off. I know of many hybrid Macaws and most are hands off. They also seems to be more illness with the hybrid macaws then the pure blood Macaws. If your looking for the most gentle and close bond Macaws, I would advise you to go with the GW, Hy, or bluethroat Macaws. Thanks Joe

 

[Mike]

I've heard that hybrid behavior is difficult to standardize. Some would say the same with all Macaws, but generally speaking purebreds are supposed to be more regular in their behavior.

 

[MikeyTN]

As beautiful as the hybrids are, I personally don't agree with hybrids. Do I like them yes, do I support what they do to make hybrids, absolutely no. With my B&G Willie, other then his hormone issue back in the winter time, he's back to his old self being sweet and all. At least I can hold him again without being bit. He was being his silly self while I was holding him tonight.

 

[JJones1719]

Mike, I'm glad to hear that your B&G is back to his sweet self. It's amazing how hormones can change a Macaw's personality so much and can overwelm the bird's relationship with it's owner.
I agree with you on the hybrid issue. They are amazing to look at but the purebred Macaws are so much more. Thanks Joe