Medium size for new owner

[Josh8027]

Hi all, I’ve always been into birds and I’ve always wanted a parrot of my own. A couple years ago I was getting ready to get a meyers parrrot from a breeder. Sadly, it died before I collected it and after that my parents wouldn’t let me get a bird. So I got a dog instead but I’ve still been researching to find the perfect medium sized bird for me. I’ve had lots of experience with birds especially with macaws, cockatoos (my worst enemy), etc. Due to my knowledge and experience I was thinking a Hahns macaw as they are reletively small in size but a lot of the ones I’ve seen have plucked. Do you guys have any suggestions for my research?
Cheers
Extra Info-I do plan to keep the bird flighted, flight train it and under the right supervision and training MAYBE free flight (I said MAYBE)

 

[itzjbean]

Hello and welcome!

Getting a parrot really does depend on several different things...

1. Your age -- depending on how old you are, I would not recommend a medium parrot for anyone under the age of 21. This is because at a younger age (we get kids 12-20 here asking about this a lot) you simply cannot provide what a parrot like this needs to have a happy life. This means providing your bird with a huge cage, food prepared daily (they require a diet of fresh fruits and veggies), as well as a couple hundred dollars of toy expenses a month, not including trips to the vet, etc. At a young age you are just starting to figure out your life, your social life, dating, going to college, moving, etc. Just so much easier to wait until your life has settled and you have a stable source of income and a reliable vehicle.

2. Your income! - How much you make on your own will be a huge factor to what you can provide for a Hahn's macaw. Please take a look at this thread -- The cost of wning Parrots and it will give you some insight into how much it truly costs to own these bigger species. If you do not have your own income, your parents won't support you forever, eventually your parrot will grow and may even outlive you!

3. Time -- Yes, parrots will take up lots of time! With their feeding, training, and socializing, parrots like the Hahns require lots of attention and want to be a member of the family. If you go to school all day, or work 12 hours shifts, or go out with friends, it may not be enough time for your macaw to be out of the cage. They need at least 3 hours a day (minimum) to be outside the cage and play with you.

4. Patience! - Training parrots and earning their trust will take time and lots of patience! baby Hahn's macaw can be purchased for around $1400 from a reputable breeder. You may be able to find one (or other medium species, like African Greys, Eclectus, Amazons) in rescues, many need a great home. But with this they often have issues with socialization, trust, etc. Or may need trips to the vet for medical attention from past illnesses.

I hope this has been informative to you! Again, welcome!

 

[SailBoat]

The resources available to you differ greatly depending on where in this Huge World you live. That also includes what Parrots' are available. The whole discussion of Parrot Care also comes into play and your abilities to quickly get to an Avian Specialist, as emergencies do happen.

If your extensive knowledge of Medium size Parrots does not include an in-depth visit to the many Forums available here on Parrot Forums. I strongly recommend a detailed review of the Forums here. Take the time to read with understanding the first set of Threads in each Forum. They are refereed to as Sticky Threads and are highlighted in light blue. They contain extensive knowledge regarding that Forums Subject.

If you are living with your Parents, you really need their approve to bring any living creature into their home. It's a polite and proper thing to do! Also, if they are providing the funds, space and access to medical care. Their pre-approval is critical.

If you are living on your own, possibly renting, assure that a Parrot is permitted based on the Renter's Agreement.

Put together an honest cost of obtaining and maintaining a Parrot, for each of the next five years. Regarding this point, A medium size parrot can live for as many as 55+ years. You must be willing to provide the Parrot with a forever home! Are you willing and able to make that kind of life time commitment.

Once you have addressed the above points, you will be honestly really to determine what Parrot maybe best for you!

FYI: How Open Are You To Letting the Parrot Choose You?

 

[wrench13]

SUPER DUPER accurate posts people, I hope the original poster reads them thru and takes your very sound advice to heart. These should be a sticky some where they are so on message. Thanks.

 

[dhraiden]

Welcome Josh! Keep reading and learning. All birds require a baseline level of decent care, attention, good diet, space, etc. But a smaller one is a bit more manageable in terms of proportionate logistics of housing and so on. A Hahn's Macaw sounds lovely - and perhaps you could manage any plucking tendencies with a good supply of toys.

 

[Josh8027]

I’m also considering an aratinga conure as well as a hahns macaw as I’ve seen very few if not any plucked aratinga conures and tons of plucked hahns macaws. I also feel aratinga conures are more of a beginner bird. I want a bird that would be able to recall and MAYBE (I said MAYBE) free fly in the future when I have received the correct tution and have perfected recall and indoor flight.

 

[clark_conure]

Regarding COST here is a helpful post from our members from not to long ago....

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/71897-cost-owning-parrots.html

the third post down was mine and it's for a typical HEALTHY green cheek.

Make sure you have the resources before you jump into getting a new best freind you have to care for.

 

[Josh8027]

Regarding COST here is a helpful post from our members from not to long ago....

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/71897-cost-owning-parrots.html

the third post down was mine and it's for a typical HEALTHY green cheek.

Make sure you have the resources before you jump into getting a new best freind you have to care for.

I currently have around $738 (I had to have exchanged as I’m in the UK). I’m going to save for the next year or two. I get around $1080 per year. Also my parents wouldn’t mind looking after my bird while I’m away. I’ll try to find accommodation that would allow (quiet-ish) birds as looking at costs I think it’s better I start off with a greencheek rather than an aratinga conure or a mini macaw

 

[bigfellasdad]

Where in the UK are you Josh? Im from the north west (liverpool/preston)

 

[Josh8027]

Where in the UK are you Josh? Im from the north west (liverpool/preston)

South West (Gloucestershire)

 

[bigfellasdad]

Where in the UK are you Josh? Im from the north west (liverpool/preston)

South West (Gloucestershire)

Ok, I think there is a bird rescue in the midlands, there may be one closer still. If not too far away it may be worth a visit to introduce yourself to various birds and maybe get an idea if temperaments.