New Member Interested In Macaws

[Taako]

Hi all!
I am most likely going to get a macaw in the next month or so and figured joining a parrot forum would be a good place to start.
I do have experience with birds, I have a rescue lilac crowned amazon(Turkish), peafowl, and a bourkes parakeet(Keet-Keet). I have also had budgies and canaries in the past, and realize a macaw is a large step up.
I live in an equestrian area, and with the peafowl the neighbors are used to loud noises(as well as large fireworks at all hours of the night) so a macaw shouldn't be an issue(and yes, I have heard them before so I am well aware of just how loud they can be!). I plan to get a younger bird, and realize that when they go through their teenage phase they can get nasty. I am fully prepared for a macaw, and plan on harness training him or her, as well as eventually building a large outdoor enclosure.
I originally wanted(and still want) a scarlet, but from what I've been reading they can be very bitey. I am also open to a greenwing or catalina, but I am leaning more towards a greenwing at the moment.
If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it!
Here are my current birds!

This is Turkish, we think "he" is around 20. We don't really know his age or gender since he was a rescue.

This is Keet-Keet, he's around 7 years old.

These are our peafowl! The male is named Merlin, and the adult peahen is just called Mamma. We had 5 peachicks this year, 3 males, 1 female, and one that sadly died before we could sex it. We're down to three babies, as well as last years baby who we call Coral. Sorry for the sideways pictures!

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, enjoyed your introduction and pictures!

My personal macaw experience is limited to B&G and Greenwing. Personal preference is for the latter for reasons of temperament and personality. Macaws are high-reward parrots, but require strong leaders, particularly as they mature.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome, fellow Floridian!

 

[clark_conure]

Welcome! It seems you know what's in store so I'm not worried. I know I'm not ready for a larger bird but you seem prepared, ...so best of luck!

 

[itzjbean]

Hello and welcome! Glad you seem to know what you're getting into with the macaw. As far as the Scarlet being 'bitey', ithey're more pinchy than anything, high-strung and very active. I myself am a huge fan of hybrids (Catalina, Halrequin, Camelot, Flame are my favorites) but of course each bird will be different in personality when you cross-breed different species.

I encourage you to read the first 10 pages of threads in the Macaw forum and also read any of Birdman666's threads on macaws, he has tons of experience and has great advice on them. Good luck and let us know what you decide on!!

 

[Taako]

Thanks for all the welcomes, I will definitely read through those threads!
Right now I'm leaning towards a GW since they seem the most beginner friendly, but in the end I might end up with something completely different. I still have to get a cage(any recommendations?) and research more about their needs and such. I do have a few questions though.
Could the macaw be out of it's cage along with my amazon? Would I have to keep the parakeet and macaw's cages in seperate rooms?

EDIT: I have contacted a breeder and there are two Scarlets and a GW available. I'm waiting to hear back if I can visit and meet the birds.

 

[Scott]

Birds of multiple species *can* get along, with many caveats. Most critically, it is impossible to foresee whether two or more of even the same species can safely coexist. Sizes ought be reasonably similar, though it is possible for an Amazon and Macaw to coexist. Much depends on temperament, the presence of other birds and humans, and all sorts of physical parameters we don't well understand. Bottom line, you won't know until you have them within reasonable distance.

 

[wrench13]

Any one who keeps an Amazon is A OK in my book. Good luck with the new macaw. Take some pics at the breeders, and DO NOT ACCEPT THE BIRD IF IT IS NOT FULLY WEANED. We've had some sad storues on here lately , with parrots being sold and released to the new owner before the parrot was fully weaned. Good Luck and enjoy your new addition

 

[Taako]

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll keep you updated!