Older vs. young bird

anyone have any thoughts about this when it comes to macaws? I have a green wing who came to me when he was 15 months and we are going to get another macaw. I've seen some friendly mature birds and I know hand raising a baby would be a nice experience. Anyone have thoughts or good articles to point me to? Thanks

In my opinion it's the responsibility of the breeder to raise and provide a healthy weaned baby. It only takes one mistake to end up with a baby in critical condition or worse. I think it is alright if your breeder lets you come to their home and be trained to feed your baby, and only after many sessions and the approval of a reasponsible breeder(not a breeder who only does one session and let's you take the bird off their hands) should the baby be brought home.

After seeing post after post, oh what to do my baby Macaw is vomiting, crop burn, sour crop, infection, etc etc. And the most recent post death of a baby Macaw. Get one that's weaned or adopt one! I adopted Willie when he was around 2 years old and he's been doing just fine with me especially he chose me from day one. Now I adopted my second macaw that I'm still working on. So far I can get her to step up onto my arm, she's nipped me a few times but it was expected. She's already trying to regurgitate on me, she did it last night too....It didn't take her long...lol....I'm already able to pet her and she likes to lick me. After having Willie for 10 years, I pretty much know what to expect out of her. So take what you know about your Macaw and apply it towards the new Macaw. They would be just as good as a baby macaw!!!

Niko came to me when he was 4 months old. I visited him 2-3 times/week from the time he was 1 month old, and I first met him.
Ripley came home when he was 18 months old. He was raised in a HUGE bird store and had some initial issues.

Both my big macs are AWESOME guys and we have a VERY strong bond.

I have hand reared numerous birds, but I strongly recommend against bringing home an unweaned baby macaw.

If you find a mature (I won't even use the word "older" since they live quite long) Macaw who takes to you, I don't think there is a reason to turn him down.

I have experience handfeeding babies even macaws. That's not a problem for me. What's want to focus on is the older/mature bird aspect of things. I'm looking at adopting an 7yr. old blue and gold. He is friendly very well socialized. I'm sure there will be a transition time however beyond that I wonder if this is a wise move vs a young weaned or unweaned baby?

Birdman. said:

I have experience handfeeding babies even macaws. That's not a problem for me. What's want to focus on is the older/mature bird aspect of things. I'm looking at adopting an 7yr. old blue and gold. He is friendly very well socialized. I'm sure there will be a transition time however beyond that I wonder if this is a wise move vs a young weaned or unweaned baby?

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I think the 7 year old sounds fantastic, a well raised bird is amazing.

If the 7 year old macaw is friendly and well socialized he would be the perfect candidate!

Birdman. said:

anyone have any thoughts about this when it comes to macaws? I have a green wing who came to me when he was 15 months and we are going to get another macaw. I've seen some friendly mature birds and I know hand raising a baby would be a nice experience. Anyone have thoughts or good articles to point me to? Thanks

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Have you considered adopting an adult macaw from a rescue? You'd have the chance to slowly get to know the bird and make sure she/he gets along with your green wing, as opposed to buying a baby and finding perhaps the birds don't get along well. My local rescue has over a half-dozen macaws that are 10+ years old of all different temperaments and personalities. I imagine other rescues have a number of birds to choose from too.

I don't have an article on hand to back me up with research. But I firmly believe in getting an adult macaw that's past the baby and puberty stages. And want to help the need of so many adult macaws that need a home.

Also, if the macaw chooses you when it's an adult, I feel like it's more meant to be and your bond will be strong (not saying you won't bond strong with a baby, you can of course). Plus as an adult you'll see their personality full blown. When you get a baby you aren't 100% sure what their personality will be as an adult. I've seen macaws change when they hit puberty and ended up changing owners cause of it. But that's not always the case. So I side on getting an adult, but having a baby to grow up with you is a great experience too.

LakeDesire said:

Have you considered adopting an adult macaw from a rescue? You'd have the chance to slowly get to know the bird and make sure she/he gets along with your green wing, as opposed to buying a baby and finding perhaps the birds don't get along well. My local rescue has over a half-dozen macaws that are 10+ years old of all different temperaments and personalities. I imagine other rescues have a number of birds to choose from too.

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Where is your local rescue out of curiosity? As you can see from my response I prefer adopting an adult GW.

Roxy,

I have to say they are what they are depending on how they were raised! They're the same bird regardless rather as babies or adults. The only reason they change is during hormone season but nothing else really changes. I'm all for adopting adult parrots! But usually adult parrots come with a baggage and need specific training.

Western Washington State. They do have a few GW but don't ship birds.

Mikey, I do agree you need special experience in getting an adult cause of baggage it can have with it. Didn't think of that while I was typing

LakeDesire, thanks for the info. And no I don't expect a shipped bird. Honestly the idea worries me.

Not all second hand (plus) pets are terrible. Not all come with baggage. Sometimes, good pets have to find new homes because owners have to move, they have passed away, there's been a tragic accident or for some other reason.

I've never had a hand raised conure before, but have adopted two. My first conure wasn't very hands on and he had health problems, but we still had a special understanding of each other. My second conure has been the complete opposite! He's friendly, hands on, noisy, goofy, hilarious, cuddly, bratty, etc! He is extremely trusting of me and there are things I can do with him that I could have never done with my first conure.... one includes laying him on his back and gently tossing him in the air. He is the epitome of the word 'conure', and he is everything I expected of a hand raised conure! Only, I've only had him for about 6 1/2 years and he's around 19 years old.

I would love a hand raised conure! I'd love to experience that 'young conure' behavior! But I'm drawn to adults... and am in the process of adopting another conure who's 10 years old and probably the youngest conure to be adopted, and probably will be the youngest flock member now. She is not trusting of humans and has some issues, but that's ok. I have more experience with adult parrots with trust issues than I do young birds!



If you are thinking about adopting/buying an older bird, before you turn that bird away, just go and interact with them! Maybe you'll form a bond or some sort of connection! Don't be afraid to try interacting with an older bird. If you decide an adult is not for you, well, that's fine, too.