Should my pet macaws be the same sex?

[PenelopeGem]

From everything I've been reading - it is better for a pet macaw to also have a macaw buddy, so that he/she can have a member of its own species to play with, and have a happier, more fulfilled captive life. I have decided that I will add a second macaw to my family of one macaw. My question is this - do I want to get the same sex as the bird I already have? Does it matter for the pet quality? I do not plan to house them together. And, even if they are in separate cages, once they both reach sexual maturity - will they no longer be my pets, if they are the opposite sex? I am acquiring my new macaw within a few days, and want to make the right sex choice, for the best outcome. Thank you to anyone who will offer insight into this - both will be large macaws, and capable of spending play time together.

I have been told that if both socialized everyday - they will remain wonderful companions.

[RMSacha]

Penelope,

Get macs of the same sex... less hormone issues in the long run! There is a thread regarding this somewhere on here.

Good luck!

[Monica]

I've always read it's better to have a male/female than two females... and if you don't want breeding, to have two males.... although I'm sure it could vary between species and birds.

As long as you don't plan on breeding, but don't mind having one of each sex, I doubt it matters... so long as you ensure they both have their own personal space, toys, etc. If you handle them both daily then they will remain tame... however, if you don't handle them frequently (even if they are of the same sex) then they may prefer to be with eachother instead of you.

[kensbuns]

To be honest I really dont think it matters. No matter what sex you get they may never bond.