Can't Decide: Blue and Gold or Greenwing Macaw?

Hi all,
My partner has decided to get me a macaw next year and we are currently stuck trying to figure out which species to go for.
We are weighing up a Blue and Gold female or a Greenwing male. (We may up getting two as well)

I've had a chance to play with both - the blue and gold I met was at a open aviary tourism attraction: the first time I met him, he was great. Happy stayed on my arm while I walked around the aviary, very calm and would hop off when requested. The second time I went to see him, he was rather acting dominant/stubborn, refused to step off, nips, etc. Given that it was a tourism open aviary with tens to hundreds of people interacting with the birds each day, I wasn't expecting a "behaved" bird. So I understand that training has a lot to do with it.
The second blue and gold, whom a petstore was trying to 'sell' me, was also rather nippy, and would often attack the employees. I got to watch her through a glass window but that was the extent of my contact with her. The staff said that if I was interested, I could go in and talk with her, but not touch/play with her. When asked about what documentation and/or certificates they come with, the store responded with "We give you a receipt" ... needless to say I made my excuses and walked out.
My greenwing experience has been rather positive. I got to visit a greenwing male and play with him for an extended period of time. What really surprised me was that he was gentle with his beak. Rather affectionate, could 'play wrestle' and adored attention (though, ALL the macaws do )

I have no idea what I want. The breeders I've contacted have both blue and golds and greenwings, and are happy for me to visit their aviaries/play with them, but they are located down south, so it's not a trip I can make frequently enough to gage long-term behaviour/interact with my young macaw. I am planning on flying down before the macaw is weaned and spend at least two weeks at the aviaries to get to know my macaw before bringing it home (and hopefully lessen the stress of being with a new/unfamiliar person). But that won't be until the bird is weaned - and I'd have to pick a species as well.

I know that they have different personalities - but has a general rule of thumb - which would be better? It'll have to be friendly and sociable as I'll be bringing my macaw with me to work at least twice a week, and chances are students will want to talk/interact with the macaw. The other thing is teaching it 'gentle'... I don't have kids, and don't plan to for a few years yet, BUT I do have younger cousins who may want to "pet the pretty bird". I don't know if I should have a "off limits" attitude, or if the macaw will be safe enough to be with a child (supervised).

So - which do you think? Blue and Gold or Greenwing?



Some information on me:
My hours are flexible 5 days of the week, only two I have a set "start" time - apart from that, my start/finish times are up to me. I'm a female in my 20s. We plan to introduce a dog and cat as well - but not sure if it should be before or after the macaw is brought home (thoughts, experience?) - I want my animals to all get along. My experience with macaws has been secondary, rather than first hand, but I am learning. I am still learning and have been over the last year and a half. I've talked with breeders and vets to get as much experience/knowledge as I can so I do know what is in store for me. Including noise, tantrums, attention, etc.

We haven't gotten a cage yet, but are looking. So far the only one I approve of is this: Hybrid Bird Cages : 72"H x 96"L x 48"D H3 toucan cages, African gray cage, greenwing cages however shipping to Australia is INSANE and is 3x the cost of the cage. I've contacted local companies to get a quote on building one, but have yet to hear back. For anyone familiar with Queensland/North Queensland weather, can you advise if the acrylic/glass front is a good idea or not? (Weather wise) - I'm concerned about ventilation.

I was thinking of this http://www.crystalflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Crystal-Shuttle-Cage-Carpets-1.jpg for vet trips/trips to work, but same thing - is ventilation a concern in my climate? We'll have a dog/large wire cage for flights, e.g. spe******t visits/holidays; but same thing - still looking and weighing up factors.

The bird will be mine - my partner likes macaws but not the responsibility*, so he is hoping for a friendly relationship. We looked at Amazons and Cockatoos, but given how attached they can be - we opted for the macaw. As I said - I'd like a social bird. (I'd like to avoid bonding if possible, and we are prepared to get a second macaw down the line as a companion within a year)

We just need to decide the first species!!

* - I have a plan in place already in case something happens to me. Three places will be willing to take my macaw if anything happened to me (one place depended on a behavioural assessment first though)

Thanks!

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Edit:

I was concerned about what would happen if I decide to get two, and which to start off with. There is a high chance we may find one macaw a handful and only want one, but there is also a chance that we may get a second macaw a year or two down the line. (As a companion to bond with**) Called the breeder to get their opinion.

Alisana said:

Just got off the phone with the breeder and their recommendation was to start with a Blue and Gold, so that way it is more comfortable and dominant before introducing a baby Greenwing.

She said that her Greenwing babies weigh in at about 1500g, so they're rather big and a year old Greenwing may intimidate a 5 month old Blue and Gold when they are introduced to each other.

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** - If anyone has two macaws, could you post your experiences with them Are they still socialble with you, or do they want nothing to do with you?

Alisana said:

Hi all,
[...]

I have no idea what I want. The breeders I've contacted have both blue and golds and greenwings, and are happy for me to visit their aviaries/play with them, [...]

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I love them both. But not sure.

I'll add as well - we will end up with two macaws at some point; but we thought it would be insane getting two babies at the same time and trying to train them.

We'll be getting one of each in the end - BUT I need to decide which one to get first. Will size be a concern between the blue and gold/greenwing?

Keep in mind - I have to be completely satisfied with my original choice, because if we find that ONE macaw is a handful, then we will only have ONE - so we can't "expect" to get two. That being said, friends of ours have a greenwing and have agreed to allow 'play dates' on the condition the macaws like each other.

Hi and welcome to the forum. There is a lot of great help and knowledge to get here!

First of all it is great that you have done your research! That is the number one most important thing before getting a parrot.
I do not own and have never owned a Macaw but down the road hopefully I'm going to.
I've interacted quite a bit with blue and golds and greenwings and personally I prefer the greenwing. Eventhough they are a bit bigger than the blue and golds they tend to be more gentle. From what I've experienced (not much) the blue and golds like to play and act silly more than the greenwing but that also include that they can be a bit nippy. Having in mind that you're going to have kids in a few years I would choose a greenwing.. Keep in mind that this is from what I've experienced and compared to some other members experience here with Macaws my experience and opinion is equal 0

I have a blue and gold that is amazing, but the only real way to get to know a bird's individual temperament is to get it as an adult. These large parrots are such individuals that while generalizations can be made it it impossible to predict. My Sparky bird is a love, and seems open to other people, but no one in my household has any interest. (sigh) Greenwings are known to be fairly gentle, but both species are capable of doing real damage.

The downside of getting a baby is that while you do get to have them grow up with you, you also have to go through the horrible process of them coming of age and all the hormonal challenges that causes. The upside is that you know everything that has happened in that bird's life. I have chosen to rescue for many reasons, overpopulation, knowing the temperament beforehand, allowing the individual to pick you ect ect. It is a personal choice, but one that is a great option as well. A bonus is that our local rescue teaches tons of classes for the public for free, from behavior and nutrition, to toy making and veterinary basics which is a great bonus for all of us. PS, where do you live? state or east west ect is fine. Many of us have great contacts for reputable breeders and rescues.

It is great that you are doing a lot of research and are well informed.

RescueMe said:

I have a blue and gold that is amazing, but the only real way to get to know a bird's individual temperament is to get it as an adult. These large parrots are such individuals that while generalizations can be made it it impossible to predict. My Sparky bird is a love, and seems open to other people, but no one in my household has any interest. (sigh) Greenwings are known to be fairly gentle, but both species are capable of doing real damage.

The downside of getting a baby is that while you do get to have them grow up with you, you also have to go through the horrible process of them coming of age and all the hormonal challenges that causes. The upside is that you know everything that has happened in that bird's life. I have chosen to rescue for many reasons, overpopulation, knowing the temperament beforehand, allowing the individual to pick you ect ect. It is a personal choice, but one that is a great option as well. A bonus is that our local rescue teaches tons of classes for the public for free, from behavior and nutrition, to toy making and veterinary basics which is a great bonus for all of us. PS, where do you live? state or east west ect is fine. Many of us have great contacts for reputable breeders and rescues.

It is great that you are doing a lot of research and are well informed.

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I live in Australia, so "rescue macaws" are a very rare thing. Most people choose to onsell their bird, given that B&Gs go from $4500-$8000 and Greenwings go from $10000-230000. They've come down in price over the years, but you'll never find one in a rescue centre here in Australia. Even the parrot rescue organisation for Australia has a disclaimer saying that they get may requests for rescue exotics - and that it is unlikely they will ever fulfil that request. They have heaps of cockatoos though (given they are native and sit at around the $1000 mark normally).

I had originally wanted to get a Red-Tail Black Cockatoo, they're about $1500 here, but when I looked into the potential for behavioural issues - excessive bonding/velcro birds, feather plucking, etc - decided to steer away from it. The macaws from what I have seen seem to have less issues (though, they still can if neglected)

The breeder who I've been talking to regarding Blue and Golds mention they may start getting "sulky" during their first molt as they begin maturing. For us, we wouldn't mind an adult, but it's too high of a risk if there is an issue behaviour wise we can't fix, seeing as we aren't professional trainers - particularly given that I want an extremely social bird. So an adult is out for me.

How is your B&G anyway? Do you find Sparky to be 'nippy' or does he/she understand the concept of 'gentle'?

It helps to get to know the adult as an individual first as many adults have no behavioral issues, though some do. Sparky can and does bite occasionally, but actually hurts less than our lovebird I think. She has not ever bitten with conviction though. I do everything in my power to not create a situation where biting is the option she can choose.

I have had cockatoos as well as fosters and one that we adopted, but sadly she died. My toos have been a range, one never bit and was the most gentle bird ever, she also learned to play well by herself and was well socialized. Another was great with men but hated women, yet another was comical and silly but not physical. I am really a too person at heart, it really just depends on the bird. I wouldn't rule out a too if the right one is about, maybe your local bird people can offer you some time with them so you can see the good and the bad.

I am amazed at the prices of macaws, goodness, here the price of a Hyacinth is around $10,000, everyone else is in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.

RescueMe said:

It helps to get to know the adult as an individual first as many adults have no behavioral issues, though some do. Sparky can and does bite occasionally, but actually hurts less than our lovebird I think. She has not ever bitten with conviction though. I do everything in my power to not create a situation where biting is the option she can choose.

I have had cockatoos as well as fosters and one that we adopted, but sadly she died. My toos have been a range, one never bit and was the most gentle bird ever, she also learned to play well by herself and was well socialized. Another was great with men but hated women, yet another was comical and silly but not physical. I am really a too person at heart, it really just depends on the bird. I wouldn't rule out a too if the right one is about, maybe your local bird people can offer you some time with them so you can see the good and the bad.

I am amazed at the prices of macaws, goodness, here the price of a Hyacinth is around $10,000, everyone else is in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.

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Oh, I love the Hyacinth! If they were available/not-expensive here, it would've been my first choice. The last two sales I heard for Hyacinths in Australia was $100'000 for a pair, and I think $38-45000 for a single bird. There aren't many here. Adelaide Zoo has two males I think, but no females. (They were seized from a trapper/smuggler if I recall correctly)

Conviction biting is what I worry about. Knowing how much pressure their beaks can exert is always a concern!

What do Aussies consider the best pet parrot?

CAGLulu said:

Hi and welcome to the forum. There is a lot of great help and knowledge to get here!

First of all it is great that you have done your research! That is the number one most important thing before getting a parrot.
I do not own and have never owned a Macaw but down the road hopefully I'm going to.
I've interacted quite a bit with blue and golds and greenwings and personally I prefer the greenwing. Eventhough they are a bit bigger than the blue and golds they tend to be more gentle. From what I've experienced (not much) the blue and golds like to play and act silly more than the greenwing but that also include that they can be a bit nippy. Having in mind that you're going to have kids in a few years I would choose a greenwing.. Keep in mind that this is from what I've experienced and compared to some other members experience here with Macaws my experience and opinion is equal 0

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Sorry, I missed your post before!

We have been looking at the Greenwings just due to their gentle nature. But at the same time - we don't know how it will be if we introduce the blue and gold after due to size difference. (If anyone has experience introducing birds, let me know )

The breeder recommended that if we get two, get a B&G first, allow it to gain enough confidence to stand its ground, then get the Greenwing, whereas if it's vice-versa, it may feel intimidated by the size.

Opinions?

PortaPerch said:

What do Aussies consider the best pet parrot?

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Budgies are certainly popular. I've seen a lot of people with sulphur crested cockatoos. Exotics, such as macaws/amazons/greys you don't see very often, it took me a little looking around to find breeders initially - but they are there if you know where to look.

Not sure on the definition of best pet though - ... most commonly kept, or best behaviour, or something else?

Alisana said:

PortaPerch said:

What do Aussies consider the best pet parrot?

Click to expand...

Budgies are certainly popular. I've seen a lot of people with sulphur crested cockatoos. Exotics, such as macaws/amazons/greys you don't see very often, it took me a little looking around to find breeders initially - but they are there if you know where to look.

Not sure on the definition of best pet though - ... most commonly kept, or best behaviour, or something else?

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Lorikeets is another as well! They're good talkers from what I have heard. But can be very nasty at times (surprising, considering how small they are!)

Bird Health - Parrots as Pets List of Australian parrots

On another note, before I decided on a macaw, I really wanted a double-eyed fig parrot.

Double-eyed Fig Parrot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They are SO CUTE! I'll have to post a picture of it sometime of the hand-raised one I played with.

From what I hear though, they are notoriously hard to keep due to their diet. The only people I know who have kept theirs friendly and healthy were a couple who were both vets, one being an avian vet; oh, and another lady who was a wildlife carer - but she only kept it for a few months before releasing it back into the rainforest

What a change in species, I think its amazing how many species you have available to you. In the US there are not many native species, though there are some feral colonies. Everything has to be bred domestically here. so the variety is somewhat lacking.

RescueMe said:

What a change in species, I think its amazing how many species you have available to you. In the US there are not many native species, though there are some feral colonies. Everything has to be bred domestically here. so the variety is somewhat lacking.

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From what I hear, 'toos like the Gang Gang, Major Mitchell, Red-Tailed Black, Palm etc are rather expensive on your end. They're gorgeous though, and it's so great to see them in the wild.

If I ever do an all nighter at work, sometimes first thing in the morning, you can see anywhere from 20-50 Sulphur-crested cockatoos or Corellas picking through the grass seeds and dew.

We have a family of three Red-Tailed Black's that live/frequent in our backyard.

Yeah, I would kill for a Major Mitchell, I love them and they are impossible to find here. I did meet a lady not too long ago who got a Hyacinth and a Major Mitchell from a rescue, they were bonded and couldn't be separated. That was kinda crazy, the Mitchell was a difficult bird though. I've never seen a gang gang or a red tail, but have seen palm toos in a zoo. Macaws on the other hand are all over the place and relatively inexpensive which is a shame because then idiots buy them and then they get tossed around to different homes all the time. Of course this happens with many birds, but I am just amazed how someone will drop a few thousand dollars and then loose interest in 6 months.

Looks like a lot of people are voting for the Greenwing.

Though I'd like to know the reason why.

I've heard that the Blue and Gold's have more "attitude" but at the same time, I've also heard that it's down to the personality of the bird.

If anyone has a Blue and Gold, could you give me your experiences as well?

Thanks!

Just got off the phone with the breeder and their recommendation was to start with a Blue and Gold, so that way it is more comfortable and dominant before introducing a baby Greenwing.

She said that her Greenwing babies weigh in at about 1500g, so they're rather big and a year old Greenwing may intimidate a 5 month old Blue and Gold when they are introduced to each other.

I've got pictures of both the Blue and Gold and Greenwing macaw babies from the breeder. These are from this years batch. I'd be getting one from next year's.

Still can't decide!! I'm going to visit someone who has a Blue and Gold next week to see how I go.

Blue and Gold's


Greenwings

Alisana said:

Looks like a lot of people are voting for the Greenwing.

Though I'd like to know the reason why.

I've heard that the Blue and Gold's have more "attitude" but at the same time, I've also heard that it's down to the personality of the bird.

If anyone has a Blue and Gold, could you give me your experiences as well?

Thanks!

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Two words for why the GW is getting so many votes: gentle giant. They are an absolute favorite of mine.

Welcome to the forum,
Comparing B&G Macaws to GW Macaws are like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different spieces and depending on the Macaw you end up with is truely up to you.
B&G Macaws are known to be very sweet as young Macaws and can mature into sweet macaws, some can be nippy, specially during mating seasons. This is also true for many Macaws. I know many B&G Macaws and most are pretty sweet but have their moments.

GW Macaws on the other hand and more independant as young Macaws but form amazing bonds with their owner and in most cases are a one person bird. Once the GW decides who they are going to bond with, the deal is done.
They do call the GW Macaw the gentle giants due to their amazing personalities. HY and GW Macaws are very close when it comes to being gentle with the one they love.
I would advise you as a first time Macaw owner to go for the GW over the B&G.

You advised that you have a dog and cat, please keep these animals away from eachother, dogs and cats and birds are a bad combination. If the dog or cat bite or scratch the Macaw, this can be fatal for the Macaw, the spit of a cat can kill very easy and in most cases will.

I hope that whatever you decide here, the decion you make is the right choice for you and your family. Do your research and gather as much info as possible before your purchase. Best of luck Joe