Thinking about undertaking a huge task...

[Ltygress]

*Deep breath*

Okay. I own three macaws at the moment - a scarlet, a blue and gold, and a hyacinth. All three are technically rescues - surrendered by people that REALLY needed to get rid of them for some reason or another, but they are all now happy, healthy, bouncing and dancing birdies! The Hyacinth is the oldest at about 31. The scarlet is the youngest at 12.

I know Hyacinth Macaws are extremely rare and extremely delicate (as babies) and expensive to keep (diet is mostly nuts, not pellets). I've been reading a lot about them lately, and the now CRITICAL endangered status both as pets and as wild birds! And that motivated me to look into possible breeding.

I have the finances for it. And I'd like to get EVERYTHING ready before jumping in. But I just got contacted by someone looking to rehome a 18-year-old female, and another guy wanting to rehome a 10-year-old male.

My question is: what are the chances that these two could bond for breeding? Are they too old for THAT type of bonding? I know there is no guarantee that they will bond at ANY age. But with Hyacinth macaws being so critically endangered, I'd like to at least give it a try if it's even remotely possible. Has anyone heard of macaws being successfully paired at these ages?

 

[SilverSage]

I admire your thought here what I HIGHLY suggest is getting in touch with a hyacinth conservation group or hyacinth breeder asap. My guess is that a conservation group would be willing and glad to take any help they can, and would be the best resource for you as far as determining if it is a good idea, if you are set up for it in your current location, etc, as well as helping you take the right steps to gain the highest chance of success. Please keep us updated!

 

[LauraM]

My daughters are completely enchanted by the Hyacinth. I'm so happy that you are taking the steps in this direction. They're such a gorgeous creature, and it's noble your efforts to help out the species. So get cracking! I can't possibly afford to get one for my girls because of their status.

 

[veimar]

Wow, great idea. Where do you live? I saw a breeding pair of Hyacinths for adoption on Chicago CL a few weeks ago.
I think it was a very good suggestion to contact a breeding/conservation group(s) for assistance and advice. BTW, I just read a story on the news that a woman in Canada was breeding blue throated macaws and then taking them to Bolivia, preparing them and releasing to the wild. I thought it was amazing. Wow, I just found a link:
Island macaws find new home among endangered Bolivian kin - Local - Times Colonist

 

[mollybird]

I know I might take some heat for this, but look at the number of 'unwanted' birds. You have already taken in three (and thank you for taking in those three and giving them a new life) and two more are being offered to you. Do you really want to add to the number of birds that need homes? Personally, I couldn't do it. I'll stick to taking in the birds that need loving homes.

 

[Tosca]

I am for breeding to repopulate in the wild but not for the pet trade. A lot of people think the birds are gorgeous, but get over their heads once bringing one home. I wanted one years ago, but I am glad I didn't because of the cost to keep one. Homes are not built to accommodate these beautiful creatures. Let the conservation groups do the breeding.

To the OP, where will the babies go once weaned? I see ads on CL all the time for these birds so I do not think they are as endangered as portrayed. I think there are more than enough birds looking for homes.

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

To the OP, where will the babies go once weaned? I see ads on CL all the time for these birds so I do not think they are as endangered as portrayed. I think there are more than enough birds looking for homes.

I see ads on CL here as well and they are ALWAYS scammers, I have never seen a legit ad for a Hyacinth.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Tosca is right, they are not nearly as 'endangered' and scarce as once believed.
Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) - BirdLife species factsheet

As magnificent as these creatures are, it truly takes a whole lot more than just dedication and money to care for Hyacinth Macaws properly and adequately.

IMO unfortunately many Hyacinths end up in households as 'conversation' and 'show off' accessories, mainly due to their price tag(s).

 

[Birdman666]

The biggest factor in Hy breeding is that these babies take a very long time to wean...

They probably can still breed into their 30s. No guarantees that they will though. And macaw pair bonding is an inexact science...

 

[Ltygress]

Just agreeing with Sunset Dancer that most ads on CL for Hyacinth Macaws are scams. If you contact them, they'll tell you the bird is free.... but they recently moved to X-location (out of driving range). BUT, they'll happily ship said "free bird" to you if you'll just pay an up-front shipping fee of $200 to $300! They just use Hyacinth Macaws in these ads to give that feeling of exhiliration for getting a $10,000 bird for free.

 

[Birdman666]

Just agreeing with Sunset Dancer that most ads on CL for Hyacinth Macaws are scams. If you contact them, they'll tell you the bird is free.... but they recently moved to X-location (out of driving range). BUT, they'll happily ship said "free bird" to you if you'll just pay an up-front shipping fee of $200 to $300! They just use Hyacinth Macaws in these ads to give that feeling of exhiliration for getting a $10,000 bird for free.

Does anyone ever actually really fall for this one... I mean these are so obvious!

I mean, if you had a Hy, and WERE inclined to give it away, would you be posting it for a random stranger on CL, or something?! Or would you be the sort of person who had friends with large macaw experience...

And as you also know, there's no such thing as a "FREE" parrot anyway... especially when that parrot is a Hy...

Stainless steel cages. Toys... replacement toys... replacement for the replacement toys... and Food... (Some to eat. Some to toss around the room.)

 

[Birdman666]

Wow, great idea. Where do you live? I saw a breeding pair of Hyacinths for adoption on Chicago CL a few weeks ago.
I think it was a very good suggestion to contact a breeding/conservation group(s) for assistance and advice. BTW, I just read a story on the news that a woman in Canada was breeding blue throated macaws and then taking them to Bolivia, preparing them and releasing to the wild. I thought it was amazing. Wow, I just found a link:
Island macaws find new home among endangered Bolivian kin - Local - Times Colonist

Well, that seems like an exercise in futility, because the wild ones are dying off due to loss of habitat, and being shot by farmers for raiding crops (because their natural food sources are gone.) Releasing them back into the habitat that no longer supports a wild population seems like breeding them for the purpose of leaving them to starve...

Something needs to be done or these guys and the red fronts will soon be gone. But they need an established and protected habitat in order to do it.

 

[Ltygress]

Well, that seems like an exercise in futility, because the wild ones are dying off due to loss of habitat, and being shot by farmers for raiding crops (because their natural food sources are gone.) Releasing them back into the habitat that no longer supports a wild population seems like breeding them for the purpose of leaving them to starve...

Something needs to be done or these guys and the red fronts will soon be gone. But they need an established and protected habitat in order to do it.

That's why I think they're going the same way as the domestic dog or cat. Sure, both of those have wild ancestors, but the basic dog does not exist in the wild anymore. The cat kinda does, but only because of domestic cats being abandoned and creating feral colonies.

As for breeding Hyacinths for pets, the two being offered to me of breeding age are NOT free. I'd definitely pay - although not nearly as much as I would for a young baby Hy. The one 31-year-old Hy that I have was free, but she has a story behind that. And like many of you have already said, there is no such thing as an actual FREE bird.

But unlike the millions of scam ads, Hy macaws really aren't that common. I think they are IN CERTAIN AREAS, but not everywhere like the blue and golds. I live in the Atlanta area, and the nearest breeder is south Florida! But when you think about those ads on craigslist, you can see how no one in Atlanta wants to buy a macaw from south Florida!

If I bred them (notice I'm STILL saying "IF"), I would certainly be prepared to keep babies if needed. Money is no object here. And my work schedule isn't either. So if I created a huge outdoor aviary with a few dozen Hyacinths in it, I'd be fine (and happy, lol).

And I did reach out to a couple of conservation groups. No responsevyet.

So I really just want to know if two older macaws like that COULD bond for mating.

 

[JerseyWendy]

...
So I really just want to know if two older macaws like that COULD bond for mating.

Yes, they certainly could.

And if you indeed set up a HUGE aviary for them, then you'll know who likes whom soon enough.

The breeder where I got my B&G from has several Hys, and she set up a breeding pair the same way. Mind you - it took 3 years for the pair to actually be successful, but yes, it can indeed be done.

 

[veimar]

Just agreeing with Sunset Dancer that most ads on CL for Hyacinth Macaws are scams. If you contact them, they'll tell you the bird is free.... but they recently moved to X-location (out of driving range). BUT, they'll happily ship said "free bird" to you if you'll just pay an up-front shipping fee of $200 to $300! They just use Hyacinth Macaws in these ads to give that feeling of exhiliration for getting a $10,000 bird for free.

I know, but that wasn't ad like that - they listed location in Chicago, and some pics and information. They had their own pics with the macs, so I don't believe it was a scam. I was quite surprised. I didn't call because I don't want to bother people just out of curiosity. They are $8-10K here.

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

a lot of times these scammers search online for pictures showing hyacinth in family situations, the most recent ads that I have seen on Craigslist in my area says they live in Baltimore Maryland and they're moving to Australia and can't take their much loved bird with. they state that their bird is used as a therapy bird, nursing homes, school visits etc. Funny, they didn't have any pics of their "outings"! They would " give" their hy to me, all I have to do is pay shipping and send some information. age, address and the like.

 

[Dopey]

a lot of times these scammers search online for pictures showing hyacinth in family situations, the most recent ads that I have seen on Craigslist in my area says they live in Baltimore Maryland and they're moving to Australia and can't take their much loved bird with. they state that their bird is used as a therapy bird, nursing homes, school visits etc. Funny, they didn't have any pics of their "outings"! They would " give" their hy to me, all I have to do is pay shipping and send some information. age, address and the like.

Next time you see one in the Baltimore Area you let me know. I will go and get the bird for you and then we can work out how I'm to get it to you.

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

Thanks for the offer Dopey but I am positive that these are scams, their wording was off in their ads, and why would they post an ad all over MN CL if they are in Maryland? All papers included, utd on shots etc. I told them "what a coincidence, my brother gets off work shortly (he's in law enforcement) and can swing by after work to see your hy, what is your address?" At this point I never hear anything back:54:

 

[Birdman666]

Thanks for the offer Dopey but I am positive that these are scams, their wording was off in their ads, and why would they post an ad all over MN CL if they are in Maryland? All papers included, utd on shots etc. I told them "what a coincidence, my brother gets off work shortly (he's in law enforcement) and can swing by after work to see your hy, what is your address?" At this point I never hear anything back:54:

This the ad?!

I'm guessing the scammers are running it in every city in the USA. What a coincidence that this bird is in Maryland and San Antonio at the same time, eh?!



Hys and black palm toos generally are not posted on CL... those are sold either through bird brokers, or to someone the person knows.

 

[Dopey]

Thanks for the offer Dopey but I am positive that these are scams, their wording was off in their ads, and why would they post an ad all over MN CL if they are in Maryland? All papers included, utd on shots etc. I told them "what a coincidence, my brother gets off work shortly (he's in law enforcement) and can swing by after work to see your hy, what is your address?" At this point I never hear anything back:54:

Yep - it gets them every time. I just don't the law enforcement bit. I'm willing to go by and see them.