Hello from Washington State

Weezerj

New member
Mar 29, 2015
381
1
Portland, Oregon
Parrots
Illiger's Macaw (Loki)
So far I have read a lot on this site and picked up a lot of valuable information. Thank you all for being such good providers of information.

I have been visiting my local parrot shop every weekend for a few months now trying to determine if I am ready for this commitment and which type of parrot best suits me and my family.

We are currently a 3 person family with a super sweet English bulldog. I have been wanting to have a parrot in my man cave (where I spend all my time), and fell in love with a very playfull white bellied caique (unfortunately not for sale).

This is the only real parrot experience I have.

I had thought that I wanted a caique, but am also curious about getting a mini macaw, like a hans or noble macaw.

My wife and I both work during the day, so time with the bird would be limited to 1/2 hour before work and then in the late afternoon when my son gets home form high school or I get home from work. The after work time with the bird could be hours and I am usually doing something in the man cave every night until bed.

I am financially ok, so a large cage and tons of toys will not be a problem, and I'm willing to make new foraging toys nightly.

So, given my situation, I would love to get feedback from you experienced parrot owners on which bird you would recommend. Again, I am leaning towards a caique or hans/ noble macaw, but open to other suggestions.

Jess
 

Allee

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2013
16,852
Media
2
212
Texas
Parrots
U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
Hello and Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined us!

Given your situation, I think either of your choices would work. Parrots are extremely adaptable when all their needs are being met.

You might enjoy browsing through the species specific forums to find out a little more about the species you're most interested in. You may discover a few more birds to add to your wanted list.

It's always a good idea to visit pet shops or sanctuaries and spend time interacting with some of the birds. It's also a good idea to hear the birds for yourself. Enjoy your search and please keep us updated.
 

Aruba

New member
Dec 5, 2012
8
0
Welcome!

My advice is to get any parrot where the liking is mutual. We thought about getting a parrot for years, but no birds really clicked w/us. Then one day (I wasn't really thinking about getting one) I saw this big friendly blue & gold macaw...:blue:

As an aside, if you are going to keep it in your man cave (which I assume is in a basement) you'll need to get a full-spectrum light lamp.
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Well... why not get a caique from a breeder?

Those are HUGE personality birds. Super playful. Trick trainable. Love everyone kind of birds. My advice would be to get the bird you really want. Find a Caique breeder in your area, then go and play with the babies. Pick the bird that also picks you.

Hahns and nobles are both good birds. And if properly socialized they'll go to anyone. The mini mac I would stay away from are the Severe macs. Those as a general rule tend to have one person issues, BIG TIME, and need extensive socialization to go to more than just one person.
 
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Weezerj

Weezerj

New member
Mar 29, 2015
381
1
Portland, Oregon
Parrots
Illiger's Macaw (Loki)
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  • #6
Well, I was going to send a PM with this message, but since I'm such a noob, no PMs for me...

I fell in love with a playful caique at the parrot store and thought that's the bird for me....but then was convinced by the store owner to look at macaws.

Problem is, I am a bit intimidated by the big beak of the gorgeous green wing he has for sale, and being a first time bird owner am worried that the bird would end up "owning" me.

I'm also curious about the mess of such a big bird, so I started to research the mini macs. I have read some good things about the Hans, and some great things about the Yellow Collared Mac. I have to admit that the talking aspect of a YCM is what is driving my consideration for one....

Problem is, caiques seem to be readily available and I can interact with one before I buy, but the YCM seem to be rare and the only way to get one would be to have one shipped.....buyer beware.

I have read that the caiques will test their owners for dominance from time to time...but as long as it isn't any worse than a dog or kids, I think I can handle that.

So, my decision seems to be do I want a super playful bird that seems to have the only knock of not talking, or go for a YCM and run the risk that the I may not bond with the bird that is sent?

Seems like you would definitely lean towards the caique?

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.
 

Puck

New member
Mar 8, 2015
802
4
I will tell you this: the coolness factor of a talking bird is something you get over quickly. While it is neat when they pick up new words, it gets less and less exciting, especially since many birds talk up a storm around you but won't ever open their beaks to impress your friends. So the chatter just becomes a normal thing and "talking birds" are no longer quite as exciting as the idea was at the very beginning. I think the overall personality of the bird is WAY more important than talking ability. You can have a bird with a huge vocab that's a total pain, and it's not nearly as rewarding as having a fun bird you are closely bonded to, even if he never talks. Plus no bird is guaranteed to talk, even birds "known for it," like CAGs and Quakers. And birds that are said to rarely talk (like sun conures or cockatiels) can still pick up some words, especially words they hear a ton. I say go with your heart and don't let a bird store owner talk you into a type. I am with you when it comes to the beaks of the big macaws--they are just not for me, at least not in this time in my life. I don't feel I understand parrots well enough yet to risk owning a bird who could take off my finger if I messed up. But that's me personally. I say go with the heart. If your heart says you want a caique, don't let the fact that it might not talk/might not talk well change your mind. Like I said, talking gets old (or at least becomes normal to you) fast while personality effects you forever!
 
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