Learning about Macaws has confused me a little...

[Grinder]

Hello everyone - first time post, but longtime lurker. I do have experience with African Greys and I currently have a DYH Amazon who is 2 1/2 years old. Anything I know about Macaws has come through research, videos and a local(ish) breeder. We are planning on getting our female Military Macaw next Sunday. This is a smaller breeder so they have more time to socialize each bird and spend lots of one on one time. She seems to be very sweet and actually quieter than the Macaws I have experienced screaming in most aviarys.

I was pretty comfortable with my choice until I came across this forum. For some reason this forum - which is more active than any forum I have found - seems to favor the B&G Macaw and the Greenwing Macaw. I know of the popularity of the B&G and only know somewhat of the Greenwing. Why is the Greenwing so popular? I know they are beautiful and striking, but is there a behavorial trait that makes them so popular?

Also a few times I have read on these forums that the Military Macaw gets mean when they are older. This is the first time I heard this (beyond terrible twos/ hormones) and yet I have read it a few times on here. Of course I know much of their personality will have to do with their care and socialization, but is this true?

Thanks for enlightening me a little more on this subject.

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

I am not familiar with Macaws so I cannot advise you on that one, but we have many Macaw Members that will be able to answer your questions

Do you have a pic of your Zon?

 

[Grinder]

Sure, here is Kiwi.

 

[wenz2712]

Kiwi is absolutely adorable

 

[birdbrainzz4me]

hey grinder, i don't know a whole lot about the military mac's per say, i too came to this forum to learn on macaws because i would like to get a green wing. and to fill you in on what i see a green wing to be like. if you really like the hyacinth's with the size and their gentle giant demeanor then the green wing is probably another good idea. easier on the wallet. because hy's are expensive, they share alot of the same qualities just the green wing is more realistically within reach.

 

[Turquoise]

Welcome to the forum Grinder. One of the reasons Green Wings are favored so often is they are known to have a very calm, gentle personality despite their large size & equally large beak. And of course not all GWs will display this trait, but it is the general behavior in well socialized cared for GWs.

I will be getting my first GW in a month or two when she is weaned. I don't have any experience with Military macaws, so I can't help you with any info on them either. My two Catalinas are a cross with a B&G and a Scarlet and from my personal experience with them, the B&G in them gives them a clownish playful nature.

Good luck with your Military when you gt it home. I personally think all macaws are beautiful. Macaws are my most favorite parrot I have or have ever owned.

 

[WharfRat]

GW's are commonly referred to as the "Gentle Giants" of the Macaws due to their "common" demeanor. I can attest to both sides of the spectrum though. :54: I have 2, both females, my ReaRea is the epitome of the gentle giant description, Miri however can be a tad difficult at times although she can also be terribly affectionate as well (when she chooses to). I have no doubt this is a jealousy thing she has with ReaRea, although she really has been improving lately with me paying more attention to her and training her to listen to me better. Hope this helps

 

[Bird_Mom_to_Coby_the_GW]

I don't have any experience with Military macaws but I have had my Coby (He's a Green Wing) for three and a half years. Though he wasn't very nice when we first got him, he has come around quite nicely. He is such a sweet, affectionate boy. I think he has completely forgotten the jerk that had him before us that neglected him. GW's are very resilient, sweet, affectionate birds. Which is probably one of the many reasons that people love them so much. I know I love my GW to pieces.

 

[Grinder]

Thank you for the insight. We are still excited about our Military Macaw coming home this coming Sunday. It does seem through the various forums and just pricing in general that the GW is more popular than the Military. I was worried at first that we may have made the wrong decision, but in the end her personality is what won me over.

 

[MeganMango]

Thank you for the insight. We are still excited about our Military Macaw coming home this coming Sunday. It does seem through the various forums and just pricing in general that the GW is more popular than the Military. I was worried at first that we may have made the wrong decision, but in the end her personality is what won me over.

I am new to parrots, and I know very little about macaws, but I wanted to caution you away from categorizing. Im a scientist, and if there is one thing I do know, its that as humans we like to categorize everything. I personally think that all animal species can develop a wide spectrum of behaviors depending on how they are cared for and trained. Granted some species of birds can be more difficult than others, and some species may have a tougher hormonal period in general, I think it really just comes down to care and affection.
I would love to have a larger bird at some point in my future, and I would prefer a macaw or grey. So far, while researching I have yet to meet anyone who does not LOVE their macaw, no matter what species. Everyone runs into a little bit of trouble with their bird once in a while, and thats why the forum in here. Dont let your human nature categorize your bird by species. He/she will have a personality and challenges all his/her own. In my opinion, it's the journey or discovering that personality and rising to those challenges that builds such a special bond. I do recognize that certain species are known for certain traits, and its important to be familiar with this. Ive noticed that a lot of people get really hung up on this though, and they go into bird ownership with an in-depth perception of what their birds personality and behaviors will be like. I dont know if this is a great way to approach bird ownership.

 

[WharfRat]

I am new to parrots, and I know very little about macaws, but I wanted to caution you away from categorizing. Im a scientist, and if there is one thing I do know, its that as humans we like to categorize everything. I personally think that all animal species can develop a wide spectrum of behaviors depending on how they are cared for and trained. Granted some species of birds can be more difficult than others, and some species may have a tougher hormonal period in general, I think it really just comes down to care and affection.
I would love to have a larger bird at some point in my future, and I would prefer a macaw or grey. So far, while researching I have yet to meet anyone who does not LOVE their macaw, no matter what species. Everyone runs into a little bit of trouble with their bird once in a while, and thats why the forum in here. Dont let your human nature categorize your bird by species. He/she will have a personality and challenges all his/her own. In my opinion, it's the journey or discovering that personality and rising to those challenges that builds such a special bond. I do recognize that certain species are known for certain traits, and its important to be familiar with this. Ive noticed that a lot of people get really hung up on this though, and they go into bird ownership with an in-depth perception of what their birds personality and behaviors will be like. I dont know if this is a great way to approach bird ownership.

While in general I do agree with this, it's kinda hard not to take into account some bird's common traits in general when comparing breeds (or other pets like dogs). I probably have one of the "crankiest" Green Wings on the board, but she still exhibits the common traits associated with GW's. She can still be very loving and affectionate and is getting easier to deal with as time goes by. I have a much easier time with her than I do with our Hahn's. It'd be like saying pitbulls are good with kids (yes they exist and ARE out there I know for a fact!). But in "general" are not known for their "cuddle" factor either. (Mainly due to improper/non-training by the owners). GW's have come that reputation honestly and due to reports from a vast number of bird "specialists" as well. While it is true that they all will have their own personality, I think you can still go by general "characteristics" associated to a particular animal in the selection process. (Oh, I ain't no scientist, just a Texas boy )

 

[Alisana]

Ah, I love the Military Macaws! I would've loved to have put that (or the Buffon's/Great Green Macaw) down on my want list, but they're harder to come by in my country.

Gorgeous colouring! (Particularly in flight!) Both Military and Buffon's look very similar except for sizing.

Congratulations on your addition! Post pictures when you get it! Have you got a name?

 

[Grinder]

No name has been chosen yet. We seem to be hung up on two syllable names. Mostly because it is easier for each pet to recognize their names.

Bellbell - cat
Eco - Cat
Willow - beagle
Sasha - mutt
Kali - King Charles
Luna - African Grey
Kiwi - DYH Amazon

Any suggestions?

 

[birdbrainzz4me]

how bout jane, off of gi jane because it's a military macaw or joe for gi joe

 

[birdbrainzz4me]

oop, scratch gi joe, i had to look to see weather it was a male or a female

 

[Jumpinslizzy]

I am new to the forum but I think I can bring some insight into military's. We have had our Military for about 5 months now and she can definitely be a handful in terms of biting. When I say biting I mean more of a chewing and testing thing she does. Give them an inch and she will certainly take it. Always be dominate. Never let them get the upper hand in a disagreement. If the argument gets too heated, out 'em back and try again in 10 or 15 minutes. Our military responds very well when she is done with training. We like to train with pine nuts(she will stop all bad behavior at the idea of pine nuts). As long as we keep her mentally stimulated, the bad behavior seems to be kept at bay. Congrats on your new baby and certainly let me know if you have any military specific questions.

 

[JJones1719]

Welcome to the forum, I curently own a 5 year old GW Macaw who's name is Neleno. My brother owns a 15 year old military Macaw who's name is Ricky.

First of all, all Macaws are very different. They have their own personalities, behavior issues so you cannot judge them based on ones description from an owner or one book you may have read.

First of in my brother's case, Ricky the military Macaw was a rescue, my brother rescued him approx 10 years ago. Ricky was very abused and left in a garage for years alone and the only time their owner spent time with them was feedings.
His cage was a mess, he was feather plucked, and over all health was poor due to a bad diet.
My Brother took Ricky in and started working and handling him. He was extremely mean, screamed a lot and would rattle your fillings. Over time and the amount of time spent with him. Ricky started coming around, the feather plucking was the first thing that stopped, then the screams, and now the only issue if you can call it an issue, Ricky is a one person Macaw and just loves my brother but hates any girlfriend my brother brings home and attacks them. Guess you cannot blame Ricky as I believe he feels threated by the attn my brother gives his girlfriend.

On the other hand there is Neleno my wonderful GW Macaw.
First GW are known as the gentle giants and my big boy weighs in at well over 1700 grams and just shy of 1800. He is as big as the HY Macaws and bigger then some I have seen. GW are know to be a one person Macaw but I too know many that are not so this is an example of don't believe all that one reads about the GW.
GW bond with their owners like no other Macaw, they thrive on your attn, they want to be in the middle of whatever is going on. They are cuddle bugs and demand that you spend lots of time with them and look forward to the scratches, treats, and believe it or not the training sessions. My Neleno gets so excited when I introduce him to new objects or ask him to perform a new task. I just bought him bird roller skates, while he loves to bite at them and stand on them while I push him across the wood floor, he has not learned how to use on foot then the other to get them to roll on thier own. One day he will get though.
GW are very smart and you can see their wheels turn in their minds when you give them a puzzel to do or place a treat inside an object and watch them figure it out as to how to get to the treat. Sometimes, it takes longer to place the treat inside the object then it takes them to figure it out.

Your lucky to bring a Macaw into your life, spend lots of time with them. They will go through the terrible 2s but work through it and you will be just fine. Allow your Macaw to see you as the alfa in your relationship and flock member. Best of luck Joe