The big Blue

[Shourn]

Hi everyone. I have two medium sized birds both adopted, an Panamanian Amazon and a Patagonian Conure. The one bird I always was enchanted by has been the macaw, the Hyacinth to be more precise. Been wanting one for many years and will most likely want one for a few years more.
This is an ongoing project of mine, meaning when I do eventually get one I want to be fully prepared. When we adopted Rio we already had a cage, toys, vet info, and all the other little things at home (cage actually for 1 1/2 years before she came). Adding a bird to your family isn't a commitment of a few years but a commitment of a lifetime so I like to get it right the first time. I would like some feedback from owners that have Hyacinth, their experiences.

 

[JerseyWendy]

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/44066-wanted-hyacinth-macaw-info.html

 

[lucy1]

There are very few UK Hyacinth breeders. Sadly due to their looks and high price tag they are commonly used in scam adverts.

Anything on preloved, gumtree etc is a scam (*noone* is going to sell a Hy through free ads. Ever.). Anyone offering to import one is a scam (unless you approach an overseas breeder directly).

Hys are CITES 1 registered birds and need the appropriate paperwork. Expect to pay around £15,000. Anything less than £10,000 is (again) a scam, whatever sob story might be attached...

 

[Mekaisto]

They are an absolutely beautiful bird, personality-wise very similar to B&G macaws.
But in my opinion, unless you can give them a massive aviary or free-fly them, they're not a good option.

 

[Birdman666]

I don't own one, but a friend of mine bred these and I have played with them.

They are hands down the most powerful macaw, and one of the easiest to work with - provided you don't intimidate easily... if you do, that bird will OWN you, and do what it wants, when it pleases. These are VERY confident birds because they are fully aware of how powerful they are. All macaws require a firm hand. Big blues?! Be firm (but don't piss them off...) because boundary setting works both ways with these guys.

Fortunately, as powerful as they are, they are play-a-haulics, and the mushiest of lap birds.

The expense of the bird, is only the beginning...

Stainless steel cages are not optional with these guys. (Cage welds on conventional cages don't stand a chance against that beak.) And they aren't cheap either in XXL. So, expect to pay upwards of $2,500 for the cage alone.
Probably closer to $3,000.

Macadamia nuts and palm nuts make up a large part of their diet, so feeding them ain't cheap either.

And a they can go through a 25-35.00 macaw toy in a day. So, prepare to buy lumber and craft...

If I were rich, I'd have two! Since I'm not, I have a greenwing, and you know what?! She's every bit as mushy as any hyacinth...