New - Macaws

Hello - I am new to the forum. I am an avid animal lover, have been since I was a very young. Am now approaching retirement years. I have loved birds all my life. I have had canaries, parakeets and now we have Romeo, a Lovebird. I have always wanted a parrot but the time was not right. Now it is right - Question - I really like the Macaws and in particular the Green Wings. Is this too difficult a bird to start out with as a first time large parrot owner?
My wife and I both work - will the bird be ok while we are at work? Thanks!

First, welcome to the forum!

Second, I'm in no way an expert, although, I've come to believe that if one does adequate research, it doesn't matter that much as to which kind of bird you get.

By adequate reserach, I mean not only internet searches or printed research material, but speaking to experts. Avian vets (not regular vets, but one who specializes in birds), rescues, breeders and bird clubs are good places to get first-hand information. Also spend time with the kind of bird you want, if possible. Greenwings are absolutely beautiful, but they're big and that beak can be intimidating. The last thing you want is to get your new baby home then be apprehenisve around him because of his size. Parrots are very intelligent and will soon learn who's "top bird" in the relationship, so spending time with an adult could help you see exactly what you're getting into.

Third, as far as time alone while you and your wife are at work, as long as your parrot has enough to stay entertained and stimulated, it should be fine. My husband and I both work, and our youngest has 2 years of high school left. So during the school year, our birds are in their cages until about 4:30-5PM. Of course, as soon as I put my purse down, the cage doors are opened and they're out to spend time with the family until bedtime. We try to make up for this on the weekends when we let them out all day. But they have plenty of toys and we leave the radio on while we're gone.

HRH said it perfectly, and I really don't have much to add. If you know what you're getting yourself into (not that it's really bad or anything), and you're sure that you're totally prepared; then go for it. Having these requirements would allow you to buy just about any bird.

Please, do share pictures if you go along with this. The greenwings have always been a dream bird of mine.

Hi and welcome to a great forum
Research is so important, so much to learn
The above members have said it all ......
Good luck in choosing a wonderful bird

APZ you sound about like me...headed into retirement. Greenwings always impressed me as being the great thinkers. Not as playful as maybe a B&G, not as pinchy as my Scarlet; Clifford. They can be rather big even for a macaw. I was thrust into macaw ownership when I was given a Catalina Hybrid by my family doctor. I didn't have a nice bird board to tell me anything, so I kind of learned as I went. Big beaks can be intimidating and surely a macaw is NOT a dog or a cat, but spending time every day will develop a close and trusting relationship for both of you. With three macaws I can say this; every macaw is different! What they like... how they act... but they become very predictable in any given situation. I think they are a little more submissive to your desires if you keep them flight trimmed, plus you can enjoy taking them on walks with you outside. See if there is a bird club in your area where you can get really close to one and disolve some of your fears maybe of handling one. You may even find a breeder connection there. I started with my youngest at the 7 month mark when he was totally weened. For my older birds, I got them to step up for me by sweeping them from behind (so I could see if a bite was comming) Ask around and see if any "Bird Marts" come to your town. This is a good place to meet with breeders and get some of the best prices..... Al