Yellow Collar Mini Macaw -will this suit me?

[carolynm]

I know noone can say "yes this is the bird for you", or "no it is definitely not", but I'd like to get some direction.

Years ago I owned cockatiels, lovebirds, and a conure. Recently I had a Quaker whom I lost while I was out of the country. I'm considering replacing the void left by the Quaker with a choice of several parrots: Blue Headed Pionus (hard to find), a Yellow Collar Mini Macaw or Hahns or a Blue Quaker.

My lifestyle: I work at home as a CPA. I do receive a lot of important phone calls and have meetings with clients in my house. My house is quite open concept and in the past I've either kept my bird in the main living area between kitchen/dining/living or in my office so I can be with the bird much of the time. The only problem with this arrangement has been noise. My quaker enjoyed trying to out compete me when I was meeting with clients at our kitchen table and also when I was on the phone with clients.

I have 4 Australian Shepherds, one cat, saltwater fish, a husband and a 7 year old daughter who enjoys singing, dancing and playing with the birds.

Before I lose you all, I'd better get to the point: I'm looking at adopting a 5 year old YC mini macaw. He is located about 350 miles from me, so so far I've just discussed the possibility with his current owner via email and phone and may go see him and possibly get him this weekend. He sounds very well socialized coming from a family with 4 kids -he enjoys the hustle and bustle. He enjoys traveling and sounds like he's been taken care of well. He is being rehomed due to travel commitments of his primary caretaker/buddy the husband in the family. He interacts with strangers and will walk up and say Hello to them so he seems very friendly.

Now here come my questions: This bird was only adopted by this family in February this year. Do you think given that this is a very well socialized bird that this will be harmful and that he might have problems with yet another rehoming?

Noise level: I know their voice is louder than a Quakers but would a mini-macaw squack as much as the quakers do? (my quaker would always try to out vocalize me when I was on the phone or talking to customers or when my husband was watching TV). With a louder voice this could be troublesome. I heard the bird while I was on the phone and it seemed like he squacked a little than quieted down. The owner also said if he doesn't be quiet when she tells him to, she puts a blanket over his cage and he quiets down -that would be OK with me if I could get quietness when absolutely needed -ideally I could train him to be quiet when I need him to be quiet and understand what time is his playtime.

I take lots of breaks during the day so it's not like I have a revolving door of customers and no time to chat with the bird during the day. I can chat/play between customers or have him by my computer while I'm working. My chief concern is that I need to be able to talk to people without too much interruption.

So what do you think? Would this be a suitable bird for my family/work environment? Or should I continue my search for a pionus (a little quieter bird ) or go with a quaker again.

I appreciate any input!

Thanks

Carolyn

[CALVINS MOM]

Originally Posted by carolynm

Now here come my questions: This bird was only adopted by this family in February this year. Do you think given that this is a very well socialized bird that this will be harmful and that he might have problems with yet another rehoming?

Noise level: I know their voice is louder than a Quakers but would a mini-macaw squack as much as the quakers do? (my quaker would always try to out vocalize me when I was on the phone or talking to customers or when my husband was watching TV). With a louder voice this could be troublesome. I heard the bird while I was on the phone and it seemed like he squacked a little than quieted down. The owner also said if he doesn't be quiet when she tells him to, she puts a blanket over his cage and he quiets down -that would be OK with me if I could get quietness when absolutely needed -ideally I could train him to be quiet when I need him to be quiet and understand what time is his playtime.

ISo what do you think? Would this be a suitable bird for my family/work environment? Or should I continue my search for a pionus (a little quieter bird ) or go with a quaker again.

I appreciate any input!

Thanks

Carolyn

I am wondering why he is being rehomed so soon.

They do have a noise level to them. Never having owned a Quaker, I am uncertain as to their noise level. However, a YCM does have a high-pitched squawk that may interfere with your work environment.

A Pionus is fairly quiet, as is an Eclectus.

[carolynm]

He's being rehomed due to husband traveling more with work. They have 4 kids one of whom has had a stroke -so they have their hands full. They say they are rehoming as they don't spend enough time with him anymore. They seem pretty honest about everything.

Here is a link to a youtube video of the bird in question -nothing here is anywhere too loud for me. YouTube - Ziggy
He is apparently super well socialized and if I opt for a mini macaw, he is THE BIRD.

[Copper]

I'm given to understand that they can be just sweethearts. If you can spend a couple hours with him in the company of your family and see how he reacts, do it.
He will let you know.

[Winged_Victory]

Originally Posted by Copper

I'm given to understand that they can be just sweethearts. If you can spend a couple hours with him in the company of your family and see how he reacts, do it.
He will let you know.

Great advice, they are sweethearts!

[Copper]

So....... any descisions yet?

[carolynm]

Yes, I decided to not take the bird. If he was located close to me I would have in a heartbeat. Picking him up involved a 6 hour drive each way. And if he didn't work out what then?

I'm really hurting from the loss of my Quaker. I'm worried that I'm just not ready for the issues that might come from a rehomed bird. So that said, I visited a very nice local breeder who has Hahns, Pionus and Quaker chicks at the moment. I spent a couple of hours there and have decided on a Hahns. It will come home in 2 weeks (none to soon IMO -I'm so missing my bird).

Hopefully I'm making the right choice...

Carolyn

[Copper]

aww, how precious. Love and adore the new sweety.... and remember, we like pics!

[carolynm]

I'm going to visit my bird this weekend for some birdie kisses. I'll try to take some pics of it. There are two unspoken for in the clutch -any tips on picking out the best chick for me, what to look for in a baby?

[Copper]

Best thing is to let the baby pick you. The bond will be better if there is no fear from the beginning