Is it true...

[AlyCamp83]

I was told that female macaws are more affectionate than males. Is this true..or does it depend on the bird? I am about to purchase a Scarlet Macaw, male, and previously owned a female that was extremely snuggly. I was told that the male I'm about to purchase is not a biter, but more independent. Is this his permanent personality trait or can he become more affectionate with time? (By the way he's 5 months old). Thank you for your input!!

[FoxersArtist]

Hi there. You will find this to be true with all parrots: Their personalities and temperaments change with the people and environments they are exposed to. I have had some birds come into my home who had a long history of giving stitches to previous owners and I never experienced a single bite from them. On the other side of the coin, I have had birds brought to me and their owners described them as wonderful, loving, snuggly, and good with everyone (including kids). I have had some of these birds attack every chance they got, fly from perches to dive bomb and attack me, and who became exceptionally worked up when company would come to visit with them.

Buying a bird is not like buying a puppy who will love you regardless. Birds are super smart and very sensitive and they choose their people. I would HIGHLY suggest going often to visit this scarlet before bringing her home. See how she responds to you. Get feedback from the owner. Don't make a decision until you are sure of what the bird wants. If you get a macaw who is not a good personality match for you and your environment, that bird will not stay in your household for very long before she is put up for adoption once again.

Just MHO.
-Anna

[Irish]

I can't add much to what FoxersArtist has to say. She obviously knows her stuff, and has fantastic insights and advice. I'd listen carefully to her suggestions and take them to heart.

Our flock has only one female in the group. She is definitely the most snuggly of the bunch, but not the most loving. Almost ALL of mine are loving birds--they just don't always want to be "manhandled" :-). Bowie and Mikey Blue are great examples. They are both devoted to me, but neither of them wants a bunch of petting, snuggling, and definitely do NOT want to roll over on their backs and play like a kitten :-). Why, I have no clue. Nature or nurture? Prolly nature, in this case, as my birds are treated and handled equally.

[KimM]

The only thing I can tell you is my short experience so far with my male Scarlet is he is extremely snuggly, but he is very young yet (16 mos). But he's always been a snuggle bug. I've noticed with him as well as other Scarlets they are very sensitive. I have to teach/discipline Elliot differently than Newton.

From everything I've read and experienced with my Scarlet, and mind you that's been a very short time so far, he does better with me talking to him firmly but very softly to correct him.

All I have to do with him is walk up to him quietly (almost a whisper) and say. "Elliot, No no, No touch.. no bite.. etc." and he backs right off the first time. He's really very good.

Newt? That's another story. I can tell him no 97 times and he still tries me. Ugh! And Newt wants to be man-handled where as Elliot does not.

I completely agree about visiting and seeing if the bird bonds to you. Elliot picked me, not the other way around.

The only last comment I can add is my AV did tell me that Scarlets are at the "top" of the macaw chain, so to speak, in terms of dominance. Something to consider...