Any Hawk Headed Parrot Parents?

[Ina246]

I am hope to add to our Flack (flock meets pack) in June. I am hoping to get a Hawk Headed Parrot. I have done lots of research, with the limited information regarding these great birds. I was hoping to hear from Hawk moms or dads any pointers or words of wisdom. From what I have read it is a toss up about there bonding. About 50/50, are they one person birds? Most says they are but will play with anyone but usually only snuggle with one person. Does anyone know if this is true or not?

[Courtzrocks]

From what i've gathered, they can be pretty aggressive birds and need ALOT of attention and social handling cos if they do bond to one person their aggression comes out towards anyone and everything. But if proper handling is done and these behaviours are stopped at an early age then thats not to say they cant be great. But try get as many people to handle and give it treats as you can at the beginning.

[huntress]

From everything I have heard as well they require more disciplined attention and care then I have time for. They can have some serious attitude issues and require the "right" kind of bird person...lol.... I hope your ready;)

[KimM]

I've heard the same as well. For that little size, they have BIG personalities and are on the aggressive end of the scale. Lots and lots of attention and socialization to keep them well-behaved. The woman who owns the bird shop where I got my macaws has one and she will only sell them to experienced macaw owners. And WHEW can they scream!!!! I've heard that first hand

[meandem]

I've heard much the same as everyone else by the sounds of things. But having a very aggresive bird like Azizi (blue bonnet) as a pet, I am happy to tell you that he still gives me hours, days, weeks, months and years of pleasure. I can still scratch him through his cage, when he feels it is the right time, but you don't put your hand there when you know it is going to be bitten. You get to know your bird, and you know when it is the right or wrong time.

I have always wanted a Hawk Headed Parrot. I am intrigued by their nature and their beauty. I just wish that there were some available in Australia. You can never have too many birds!

[kellywess]

Me and my husband almost bought one last year and spent alot of time with the baby. Breeder says... lots of handling... must be firm. They are very playful, very very active birds, they are NOT as agressive as the stories say. You must provide these little birds a BIG cage with lots of things to climb and hang on/from. The one we spent time with was absolutely adorable and cuddly with both me and my husband, would fly from me to him and so forth. HIGH ENERGY though. The one we were looking at learned a few words but were not clear to understand... he tried though (he was very young). I would not recommend getting one if you have alot of other birds, thats why we chose not to get the little guy, they do require alot of hands on attention. They are very BOLD little birds, they will charge/lunge before they run. We found it very hard not to bring him home. The colors are beautiful. Gorgeous little birds with lots of fire to their personalities.

Here is a link you might find helpful:
Hawkheads
Also, if you go to You Tube and type in Hawkhead, there is a couple who have one with quite a few very endearing vids.
Good Luck!

[Ina246]

Thank you for your replies.

[meandem]

Last weekend I went on a bus trip to Casuarina Aviaries, near Grafton (Australia), and I was lucky enough to see the Hawk-headed parrot in real life! What a thrill. They are every bit as beautiful as their photos. Although I couldn't get real close, I took some photos. I still want one, but with the price they are here in Australia, I think it may be a long time coming.

[kellywess]

Well... wheres the pics? We wanna see too.

[Courtzrocks]

Yeah I wanna see! I think I'll see if I can get an appointment to see them next week. 3 more days and im down near grafton!