Blue and Gold or Green Wing?

Hi. My name is Mohammed and I'm new to this forum. I created this account so I could get some reliable answers from experienced bird owners about whether I should get a blue and gold macaw or green wing. First off, I'm a 13 year old, and I know your probably thinking that I'll be irresponsible or uniformed and this is a rash decision I made because I went to the zoo last week. On the contrary, I have been researching owning parrots for the past 2 years. I have had parakeets, which I know are nothing compared to macaws, but I think I'm able to own for one. If college is a hinderance, my dad will be able to take over as he is willing to care for the macaw. I also, want to rescue one rather than buy one from a breeder, as I've hear rescue parrots should usually have already undergone their "hormonal stages." Now I'm interested in the green wing and blue and gold. The blue and gold appeals because it seems to be a more "adapatable" and the green wing appeals because I've heard they have very calm temperments. I'll have all afternoon after school to give the bird attention. So first off, are macaws suitable for me, and if so which one. Thanks.

Welcome to the forums.

Please have a look at this thread:
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/19219-can-t-decide-blue-gold-greenwing-macaw.html

Mohammed, you mentioned you would prefer to get a rescue big mac over a baby. Unfortunately I don't know of any rescues that would adopt to a minor. Of course your parents could possibly adopt, but then again, 'usually' big mac experience is required by rescues, especially because these guys aren't always the easiest to handle and care for properly.

If there are any bird stores/rescues in your vicinity, I'd suggest visiting them often, and to actually interact with as many big macs as you can.

Thank you. Personally, which would you reccomend adopting from shelter or buying from breeder? Based on the old thread you linked, I'm leaning towards Green Wing because almost everywhere I check they're described as one on the gentlest macaws.

Also, it seems to be you own a blue and gold and green wing yourself. How have your personal experiences been with them?

I will guide you to a few more threads to read, ok?

Yes, I am owned by both a B&G and a GW, and I love them both equally. Can't ever imagine my life without them. They are VASTLY different in some ways, and very much alike in other ways.

Please, don't believe that only GWs 'can be' gentle giants. Everything depends on how the bird was raised, socialized and handled. They don't remain sweet and docile if they are kept in a cage, if they are not played with, entertained, etc. It's a LOT of work to care for one properly, let alone 2. It's also not necessarily cheap. They go through quite the amount of toys/wood.

My GW is a lot more laid back than my B&G. He doesn't rattle easily, while my B&G will take off like a rocketship when there's an 'intruder' in the back yard while he's out on the play tree. :54: Both my guys are fully flighted.

I bought Niko (B&G) as a baby, and Ripley (GW) was 18 months when I brought him home.

Ok, here are some threads. Consider it your homework assignment.

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/54622-stop-me-if-you-ve-heard-before.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/54403-just-got-blue-gold-macaw-need-some-advice.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/54963-hyacinth-vs-greenwing-macaw.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/54805-macaw-yell.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/54590-macaw.html

If you decide to adopt from a rescue don't be surprised if you get something entirely different than what you were originally thinking of bringing home. Go in and be open to meeting everything and you will find a bird that fits your family.

I've always had a fondness for the green wings based on looks but after meeting a few I'm not overly fond of them in general. Not because of anything they did they just don't appeal to me like other birds do.

The rescue I work at wouldn't adopt to you but to your family. Meaning that while the bird would be adopted for you the whole family has to be on board. They all have to be able to handle the bird and be willing to take on the care. No prior experience would be required because we would throw a bunch of different macaws at you with varying temperaments to get you used to handling one. Hopefully there is a rescue like that near you too!

Both are great personality... The scarlet is a bit nippy of the macaws