Please help me with bird.

[cewal]

I've had a cockatiel for about 5 months. She/he is very tame and prefers us to her cage unless she's hungry or tired. I'm thinking about adding another bird to our family and my thought was either a Hahn's macaw or a Red-fronted macaw. If you have either of these birds, please let me know what you like or dislike about each. I've done a lot of research but have nowhere to actually go and see the birds. I'm not sure how to judge their size compared to my cockatiel. I've also read a lot about letting a bird pick its owner and I wouldn't be able to do that if I have to buy from a breeder and have it shipped. I live in northeast central PA - if anyone can recommend a responsible breeder or pet shop, I would really appreciate it. Sorry this is so long. Thanks.

[Monica]

Hahns macaws are, so to speak, are the same "size" as cockatiels. Both are approximately 12 inches long. However, the hahns macaw is "bulkier" and to get an idea of size, all you need to do is look at perhaps a medium sized conure (jenday, nanday, cherry head, white-eyed) or similar sized bird and that's about the size of a hahns (if not a bit bulkier/larger).

Below are some images that hopefully can give you an idea on size! (taken from Flickr)

[cewal]

Monica,
Thank you very much for the photos. They helped me get a perspective of the size in comparison to my cockatiel.

[Tom Lawless]

I have a Hahns Macaw. I love the little guy. He is funny. He is a good talker although it is in a high, squeaky, Hahns voice. He is intensely loyal. He would do anything to be with me all day. You will read that they can be nippy. I think it is not a mean thing but Bing does get a little beaky to light nippy when he is excited or wants to relay some message to me. It's not a bite. He has never drawn blood. I hate to call it nippy but that's what you will read when you research these guys. He does not get along with my African Grey. I think he enjoys having the company of another bird in the house but they don't hang out together, preen each other, or anything like that. If you are thinking of another bird because you want a companion for your cockatiel there is a good chance it may not work out that way. I just thought I'd throw that out there.

I don't know a lot about Red Front Macaws but I've heard a lot of good things about them. There is a member of our Board, from Pennsylvania, who breeds them and I believe has one or two available. You can find contact information under: Welcome to Dutch Hill Aviary

Good luck. I think both birds are great.

As far as "letting the bird pick you," it's great when it can happen but it isn't always the way it works and a lot of birds would have lost out on good homes if that was the only way we picked them. A good breeder will be able to match the right bird to you. This is not my own opinion. I am basing it on an article in the latest issue of 'Bird Talk' magazine.

[Lori~D]

I do not own one but I have heard red fronts are a bit more Gregarious, louder, and more Macaw like. If that helps

[cewal]

Thanks, everyone, for your help.