Illigers or Red Fronted macaw

[melinda hamner]

Hi everyone! I'm hoping someone can help me. Does anyone have an illigers or red fronted macaw? If so, what are they like as family pets? Are they nippy, extremely loud, are they good with children? I currently have a green cheek conure and a couple of linnies. I would like a macaw, but don't have the room for a really large one. I've been reading about the different macaws, and an illigers or red front might fit with our family. Can someone tell me what it's really like? Also does anyone know any breeders in southern Ca.? Any info would be greatly apprecitated!! Thanks!
Melinda

[Monica]

I don't have experience with either except for a red front that was probably being boarded at my local bird store, and he was eager to get up on my arm so he could dance for me! I don't know much about illigers, but I'd recommend the red front! I've heard many good things about them!

[kellywess]

I have a 3 minis, a Severe, a Yellow Collared and a Hahns. Severes can be very honorary, my Yellow Collared is a complete sweetheard and my Hahns is absolutely adorable. I do not know much about Illies except that they are almost identicle (sp?) to the Hahns except they are a little bigger and have a little more color to them. I dont know that a Red Fronted Macaw is actually a mini but they are smaller than say the military macaws. I have only seen one and was told that they too have a sweet personality.

[Kodiak]

I have a RFM. He's just a baby yet - 9 months - so I can't really speak to their adult behavior. He can be loud at times though this really rarely occurs. He definitely prefers me, but will go to my hubby without incident and will accept treats from our 3 year old. I don't trust either the 3-year old or the RFM for her to hold him though she does pet him on occasion when I'm holding him and have complete control. Other family members have handled him with no problems; I've had him since just after Christmas and he's never bit anyone. He is a little clown, tons of fun to have around, yet likes his cuddle time too. I got my baby from Wendy Craig (Website) and I would most definitely recommend her over and over again. She does ship and I cannot say enough what a wonderful breeder she is. Her website also has lots of info about the RFMs - check it out. :) Good luck with whatever you decide; I wouldn't trade Kodiak for anything!

[MicahEspudo]

Honestly My friend has several macaws and I wouldn't recomend any macaw as a family pet!!!!!!!

[RingneckedPrincess]

I have both personally. Zoey, the illigers was a gift to me. She is a bit nippy and neurotic sometimes. She is adorable, but I am sure if she was raised by me she would have been alot better.

Now I would highly recommend RF macaws. They are the perfect macaw. Just the right size...though like most macaws they are on the noisey side. I love them

Either way you can't loose...

Dani

[RMSacha]

Originally Posted by MicahEspudo

Honestly My friend has several macaws and I wouldn't recomend any macaw as a family pet!!!!!!!

Why?!

I think a B&G or a GW can make an excellent family pet if supervised with young children and the family learns about the bird and their requirements!

[melinda hamner]

Thanks everyone for your input so far. It really helps to hear from others personal experience. I did check out Wendy's website. I really like the way she raises her babies and will be calling her for more info. I did get to handle a red front recently at a local bird store. They said he was about 10 months old. He was friendly,but very "mouthy". He would squeeze my fingers and arm. Twice he bit down hard enough to hurt, but didn't break the skin. The next day I did notice I had bruises where he bit me hard. I didn't get him because this is a big decision for us. I want to make the right choice, do some more research and I would like to buy from a reputable breeder. What size cage do you have for your red fronts? Illigers? How much time a day do you let them out to play? Dani, could you please tell me more about Bailey and Zoey? Is there a big difference in their size? Thanks again for everyone's input!!
Melinda

[Kodiak]

Kodiak is in a 40"x32" dome top cage. He is out of his cage, generally, for about 5-6 hours a day. Most of that out of cage time is spent on a couple different play stands and then on my lap off and on. He also has an outdoor cage for getting out to get some fresh air and sunlight when the weather permits.

I'd encourage you to go ahead and talk to Wendy. She is extremely knowledgeable and very patient; willing to answer as many questions as you might have. She helped me make the decision to go ahead and get a RFM and I haven't regretted it for a second. She's also been wonderful anytime I had questions since we brought Kodiak home.

I think it is pretty normal for RFMs to be on the beaky side - though my experience is pretty limited. The key is to make sure you follow through with bite pressure training so you don't end up with too many cuts and bruises. Kodiak "mouths" me constantly when he's out. He preens my fingernails, plays with my fingers, etc. I've yet to get a bruise from him at all though.

[Monica]

Young birds, like puppies, tend to be very mouthy unless you teach them not to be. It's just their way of exploring their world.