Green Wing or B&G?

[maryclark18]

Alright as you probably know im thinking of getting a macaw in the future. Well I would really love a Blue and Gold. But Ive also heard that the green wings are very friendly and want attention. Can a blue and gold be the same way possibly?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Oh yes, absolutely. Just ask or talk to our Tab. Her Fargo is THE friendliest, sweetest, and most well trained B&G EVER!!

I'll let her chime in, but in the meantime, please have a look at some of these threads:
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/39310-why-i-love-birds.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/35509-genius-fargo-learnt-fetch-2.html

 

[maryclark18]

Oh my! That's exactly how I would like my B&G to be! He looks so sweet.

 

[MikeyTN]

I love my B&G Macaws as you can see we have two. Couldn't ask for better macaws but that's nothing compared to Tab with Fargo. He's too adorable!

 

[maryclark18]

Im hoping to find a breeder around my area so I can actually go and bond with a B&G baby when were ready to get one (Have to get outta this apartment first)

 

[JerseyWendy]

I am CRAZY over Niko (my B&G). He is 4 now, and for the most part he is just SO lovable. He loves playing games, LOVES being the center of attention, and everyone in the family can handle him. He will even step up to people that come to the house on a regular basis.

I met him when he was barely feathered at a breeder/bird store. I put the deposit down and visited him 2-3 times a week, until I was able to bring him home at 4 months.

It's not always necessary to get to know your baby beforehand (as Tab will hopefully explain to you).

 

[maryclark18]

Well I would feel better seeing the baby as he/she grew up and everything. Though if the only way I can find one is across the country then that's ok to.

 

[JerseyWendy]

You've got numerous breeders in your State that breed B&Gs.

Here are just 2 that I found while doing a quick search:
Mountain Ridge Aviary ~ Mount Solon, Virginia

Birdie Brains Aviary

 

[tab_xo]

Hahaha Wendy, you are like Fargo's little manager



I went down to the breeders, looking for a baby boy! But out of 15 babies, there were none, except one, and he was already sold!


A month later, he came back for sale, i said yes, i will have him!

Went down to meet him, the breeder told me i shouldn't get him, he is alot of work, he doesn't enjoy cuddles, no one could catch him..

He even had the nickname 'Feral'


They were like- ohhh look at these girls, look how friendly they are hahahaha


At 7 months old i got him, the first week was rough, i was upset that he would never like me, he wouldn't sit with me, he would run away from me in his cage...

It took a week or 2 before i could sit there and give him scritches! But after that, he turned into the perfect macaw ever!!




Because he was so 'feral' and hated people and macaws as a youngster, it is probably the reason why he is very independent and has never had behavioural issues of screaming when he is alone... He loves being in his cage!




Fargo is 2 years old (2 more sleeps until his birthday )

He has never bitten, or shown any signs of aggression...

Because we missed out on his baby baby cuddle stage, i think he is trying to make up for it

He spends most of his time upside down in my arms getting cuddles hahaha


I think it is also how you treat them.. Treat them like a baby who gets kisses and cuddles, and they will think they are a baby haha


Here are some threads with pictures
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/35568-has-been-1-year-me-fargo.html

Fargo and I also share a room, so it is a very relaxed play environment, where he does what he wants, and can also just lie with my on the couch!
www.parrotforums.com/macaws/40439-fargo-s-room-2014-a.html


Oh and heres a new one i just made
http://www.parrotforums.com/macaws/40466-just-fargo-thread-p.html#post352410

and his tricks! I think you will find trick training REALLY helps with the bond!
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y7hr3ZQojc&feature=youtu.be"]Fargo the blue and gold macaw training tricks - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Birdman666]

Oh my! That's exactly how I would like my B&G to be! He looks so sweet.

THEY DO NOT COME LIKE THAT! THEY BECOME THAT WHEN YOU WORK WITH THEM AND THEY BOND WITH YOU...

Both GW and B&G's are easier macs to work with in my opinion. BUT, you have to do the work. These guys are super attention oriented. They don't like being ignored, or locked up in a cage for long periods of time...

 

[maryclark18]

Oh my! That's exactly how I would like my B&G to be! He looks so sweet.

THEY DO NOT COME LIKE THAT! THEY BECOME THAT WHEN YOU WORK WITH THEM AND THEY BOND WITH YOU...

Both GW and B&G's are easier macs to work with in my opinion. BUT, you have to do the work. These guys are super attention oriented. They don't like being ignored, or locked up in a cage for long periods of time...

I know they don't come like that. Im just saying with enough work I hope mine has a similar attitude. And I know they don't like being locked up and need a lot of attention. Which I don't plan on keeping the bird in a cage, unless im at work or something like that.

 

[Birdman666]

Sorry, just making sure...

I always hate it when someone sees someone else playing with thier bonded bird, or sees a well trained bird that talks and does tricks, and just assumes that if they get a bird, that's what it will be like...

Because so often it is not!

All macaws SHOULD BE like Fargo. They're not, in large part, because people don't train them well enough. The propensity for Mush Mac is in all of them. The difference between Mush Mac and "Problem Bird" is often human. I rehabbed my share of them, so I am biased enough to warn people.

And for the record, Macaws are worth it!

 

[maryclark18]

Yes I understand that. I would just like to prevent my mac from turning into what our..more like my dad's CAG did. We socialized with her and everyone could handle her when she was little, but after a year or so she only liked my dad. And he didn't have time for her so she plucked herself almost bald on her chest. I felt bad and would try to get her out and spend time with her but she wouldn't have it. And I think that's why she died..(just a feeling I have). So I know what happens if you just leave a bird locked in a cage..

 

[maryclark18]

Would you guys recommend a BG or GW as a first macaw?

 

[Birdman666]

Either one, actually. They are both fairly easy to handle, comparatively.

I tend to recommend staying away from the beakier macaws for a first macaw:
i.e. Scarlett's, Buffons, and Militaries.

There is nothing wrong with these birds, except that they do tend to communicate by using their beaks.

 

[maryclark18]

Alright thanks...I can't wait to get outta here so we can officially start looking for a BG...I know their are breeders in VA but by the time we actually get a house well probably be somewhere else.

 

[maryclark18]

Alright another question, I know they need out of their cage for 2+ hours, which I have no problem with...though I work 7am-3pm and the bird would come out when I get home and be put away when I go to bed, does either one do better in a cage for that long until I would get home? Then on weekends I will be home all day with it...

 

[Birdman666]

Alright another question, I know they need out of their cage for 2+ hours, which I have no problem with...though I work 7am-3pm and the bird would come out when I get home and be put away when I go to bed, does either one do better in a cage for that long until I would get home? Then on weekends I will be home all day with it...

With a macaw? I would say four hours per day is minimum...

Mine are out 24/7, but they are trained to stay put and not wander through the house trashing it...

 

[maryclark18]

Alright well even then which one would do better it a cage that long or are they both the same?

 

[Birdman666]

They are both about the same really.

No bird wants to be caged up all day, but they get used to a daily routine.

Cage a macaw up too much, and don't give it enough attention, and the bird will become pissy/bite-ey.

The more you handle them, and interact with them, the mushier they tend to get.

The more you lock them up and don't pay attention to them, the more they tend to act up.

Macaws do not tolerate being ignored. They will do something to get your attention.