A military macaw, good companion?

Merv · May 28, 2018

I've met a beautifull military macaw about 2 months ago and he's just the greatest and i've been visiting him a couple times now.
He does not really like a lot of people but for some reason when i'm near he gets very active and happy and wants to cuddle.
The bird is not for sale, the owner of the store wants to keep him.

But i do know now what i want my third macaw to be

Or do i?

I've had people telling me i should not go for a military macaw since they are a harder bird to care for?
I did not find anything on google about this actually..
Some claims:
Very loud compared to other macaws
They get angry easily
Need more attention / training

Lets take a B&G for a reference to compare some general personality traits.
Anyone here who can tell me more?

GaleriaGila · May 28, 2018

If you're already managing a couple of macaws, I'd say you'll be in good shape to treat your new macaw as more MACAW and then MILITARY.

I have known only one Military well, and he was the most mischievous but sweetest thing! Let's see if somebody happens along who has known a few.

By the way, great thread for Memorial Day.

And I never miss a chance to say thank you to our brave forces!

chris-md · May 28, 2018

They are one of the nippier macaws, more prime to communication with their beaks. This is one of the main reasons. You have to work to tame the beak early before it becomes a problem.

psychocircus91 · May 28, 2018

Great companion? Yes. Great PET? not really. But that's how I feel about all large parrots. If the commitment to care for a strong-willed, intelligent, wild animal is there, then they are just as great as any macaw.

Merv · May 29, 2018

I'm not scared off by beak communication / nippy-ness, in fact my b&g really does this a lot and i personally dont see it as a problem. also she's very carefull with bite force and she has never hurt me (on purpose.. scratched my eye pretty bad once with her nail while landing on my head ._. )

But i think a millitary might be a bit more rough then?

So basicly what it comes down to is that i think i have to be a little bit more strict with a military then becouse they have a strong personality and will and are not afraid to show it.

Oh yeah also how are they with the noise? do they scream more than any other macaw or is that just not true?

Thanks for the replies btw!

LordTriggs · May 29, 2018

I think your best bet is to look for 1 you feel a connection with, you never know you may end up finding a completely different parrot or find exactly what you're looking for. As you're aware of course no 2 parrots are the same

Kiwibird · May 29, 2018

Oooooh military macaws are one of my favorite birds (appearance wise, never looked much more into them than that). Absolutely gorgeous birds, but overlooked by so many for the red and blue macaws for some reason

As they aren't very common, I'd imagine information on them to be somewhat more limited and not as big of a pool of owner commentary to really judge them personality wise. I also think in the nature VS nature argument with birds, nurture generally wins out in how a bird will turn out. Perhaps an individual may be a bit less cuddly or louder etc... but in general, I think a well cared for, loved, properly trained and socialized bird simply won't be a behavioral biter or screamer etc... A good owner makes all the difference, and by the sounds of it, you already have some Big Mac experience.

flyzipper · May 30, 2018

If I had paid attention to (almost) everything I read online about how bad Severe Macaws are, I wouldn't have adopted my Jericho... and he's awesome.

Don't completely ignore species generalizations, but I'd recommend people assess the individual bird.

chris-md · May 30, 2018

flyzipper said:
If I had paid attention to (almost) everything I read online about how bad Severe Macaws are, I wouldn't have adopted my Jericho... and he's awesome.

Don't completely ignore species generalizations, but I'd recommend people assess the individual bird.

What are you seeing online exactly? I wholeheartedly agree with everything you’re saying. . But with severes the only bad thing I’ve really ever read was they overbond more severely (see what I did there?

) than other macaws and for most, makers it nearly impossible for others to handle them. The worst of the worst where it comes to becoming one person birds.

Not the worst thing. Not helpful but not the worst challenge to have.

flyzipper · May 31, 2018

@chris-md

I don't want to hijack this Military thread, but some of examples of what I read about Severes prior to adoption (nippiness, tendancy to over bond, generally not being a good pet)...

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Macaws - Personality Plus!!
https://parrotmusings.blogspot.com/search?q=Severe+macaw
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/52787-severe-macaw-2.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/60156-severe-macaw-really-bad.html

As I said... very glad I assessed the individual.

Merv · May 31, 2018

Well thanks for the replies everyone.
I'm sure i'll be getting a military soon. i've spoken to a breeder i know about getting one.
He's got some eggs right now, so i'll just have to be patient

I know generalizations are no certain thing, but it does help get an idea of what i might expect.
All i can say now is that i'm very excited and cant wait!

chris-md · May 31, 2018

I hope you post lots of photos!

A military macaw, good companion?

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