New Macaw & Citron Owner

[slpennington]

Hi to this board.
I have just recently aquired a B&G Macaw that is 5 months old and will be picking up a Citron that is 5 months old also.
Couple of questions:
How well will the 2 mix?
Was it a mistake to purchase 2 babies at once?
Which will over power the other?
What are common habits of both?

Any words of wisdom is greatly apprieciated. I'm alittle scared, but my husband says it will be fine. I worry that they may not mix and that I should have started with just one until I knew how to care for each.

My situation was I adored an Umbrella cockatoo, then fell in love with a baby Citron, (which I implused purchased) then went and fell madly in love with a B&G Macaw. We picked up the Macaw & brought him home immediately. I then started to wonder if I should even bring the Citron home but I had signed a contract and can not get any funds returned. I don't know what to do or how to care for 2 different birds.....


Shelley

[David S]

Welcome to BirdBoard. Conventional wisdom recommends against keeping BGs and Toos together in the same airspace so please plan accordingly for the arrival of your Too. To do otherwise risks endangering the respiratory health of the BG. If you are not experienced with large parrots, I would certainly start with one rather than two... having two large parrots going through the "terrible twos" at the same time does not sound like a fun time to me!!!!!!!!

[CALVINS MOM]

Did the store from which you purchased the Citron warn you about the dangers to the respiratory system of the macaw?

[slpennington]

Calvins MOM,

I purchased the Citron prior to the Macaw. So no, the breeder did not know I was going to purchase a Macaw. Now that I hear about these dangers, I'm not sure what to do. I did plan on them being in the same room together...????

Help, what should I do?

[slpennington]

Davis S,

What do you suggets I do? I have $2200 in the BG & 2400 in the Citron.
Do people want baby Citron's like I did? I would perfer to keep the Macaw, but I'm binded to the Citron.....

[CALVINS MOM]

They are both really nice birds. Perhaps you can rearrange your plans to allow for the Citron to be in a separate room from the macaw. Otherwise, I would strongly suggest in investing in a very good avian approved air purifier. It's healthier for the birds and for the humans, as well. :)

[kensbuns]

OK There are lots of opinions on keeping Macaws and Cockatoos together. While I admit that there is a danger to the Macaw's respirtory system, my avian vet had no trouble with me housing them in the same house. He did suggest that I buy a really really good air cleaner and keep them in seperate parts of the house. It is simply your call. There are many many members here who have macaws and cockatoos in the same room. Good luck and to be safe contact your avian vet.

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by kensbuns

OK There are lots of opinions on keeping Macaws and Cockatoos together. While I admit that there is a danger to the Macaw's respirtory system, my avian vet had no trouble with me housing them in the same house. He did suggest that I buy a really really good air cleaner and keep them in seperate parts of the house. It is simply your call. There are many many members here who have macaws and cockatoos in the same room. Good luck and to be safe contact your avian vet.

Exactly my opinion.

[slpennington]

Thank you for the help. I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get the Citron home.

Is it true that the Citron can influence the Macaw into screaming? Right now Jack (BG Macaw) is so quiet. He only screams alittle when I put him back into his cage.

[CALVINS MOM]

Jack and the Citron will probably "talk" back and forth. Not to worry though. Jack is still young. He will learn to scream with or without the Citron! I have three macaws. It's not a constant "screaming" - just for a short time in the morning.