Greenwing questions

[SDavid]

Hi everyone. I guess you can say that me and my wife are both bird people. We have two English budgies, an "American" budgie, and a Timneh grey. Recently we've fallen in love with a young Greenwing at a local bird store. It is very gentle and loves to cuddle and we would love to have it. We've been to see it a few times this weekend already. We've discussed everything from proper cage size to personality with everyone at the store. Some people have told us that they become "one person birds." Is this true? I'm hoping not because me and my wife like to enjoy our pets together. Not to mention that, because of work schedules, both me and my wife have to be the care-takers and playmates of our birds. Neither one of us can do it alone. Do their personalities change over time? Do they stay as gentle when they get older? How will the smaller birds react to the arrival of a much larger and louder bird in the home? Also, and of course, we're both intimidated by that huge beak. Do they tend to be nippy birds or do they learn over time not to bite their owners? I know that every bird has it's own personality and that some of these questions may be impossible to answer definitively but any help from anyone with experience is appreciated.

The biggest issue for us, I think, is that the bird interacts with both of us equally and does not choose a favorite. It would just make for a more harmonious household.

[macawlover]

To make sure that he doesn't bond to one person, spend equal time with him. My GW is pretty bonded to me, but we're working on getting him to be "nicer" to other family members, and he's doing great! As for the beak, I was pretty intimidated as well, but you get used to it after awhile. Just make sure you watch his body language and you can almost always avoid the bite. But, macaws will often snap as part of their playing routine, I've read. I've found this to be true with my GW. :P And yes, his personality will probably change once he's sexually mature, where he might be a little more vocal and roudy. I'm not sure, but I think that stage comes at about 9 years of age... Hope I helped!

[Copper]

When I adopted Angel-Rose, I was told that she didn't like women... I haven't had trouble. She's 5 now, and just a sweety. Hubby can handle her too, although she does favor me a bit more because I'm the one that's around her most of the time.

[SDavid]

Thanks to both of you. And yes, youre posts helped. Personal experience from others is in my opinion the best knowledge you can get. Books are way too general and are common sense for the most part. They really don't go into what you can expect when the bird is actually in your home and part of your life. Me and my wife are still doing alot of thinking about it.

[wildirish]

Our GW is definately mine, though hubby can handle him up to a point. While he is wrong the idea of you both of you halding him and socializing will definately be a great thing! Just remember, that when he reaches maturity (6ish) he still may decide he prefers one over the other. Also "terrible two's" will also show a definate personality change as well.

While there is never a guarantee that a bird will remain a fa,ily pet vs a one person bird, the more you socialize and handle him, the better your chances are!

[RMSacha]

Originally Posted by SDavid

Thanks to both of you. And yes, youre posts helped. Personal experience from others is in my opinion the best knowledge you can get. Books are way too general and are common sense for the most part. They really don't go into what you can expect when the bird is actually in your home and part of your life. Me and my wife are still doing alot of thinking about it.

Birds are like people... they are individuals! Books do supply the general info but you— the parrot owner—will develop the details when the bird comes home and reacts.

GWs and macs in general, are simply awesome birds! They are a gift from God for us to enjoy and treasure...

Good luck and enjoy the experience! There is nothing in the world that compares to the bond between a macaw and their companion human!