Hello! My fiance and I have been looking around for a larger bird however we are not sure what kind to get. We really like Macaws and African greys, but we just don't know what bird is right for us. Any advice? We have a budgie now but are really looking for a larger bird.

Hi! I replied to you under the Macaws forum. At the risk of repetition, I would suggest you start with a baby. Greenwings and B&G macaws are good choices. Are you purchasing from somewhere local so that you can go visit the baby often? Greys are wonderful little birds too, but can tend to bond to one person. Not always, but it can happen.

Hello again,
I wrote this in the macaw form but i'll write it here too we have a bird store near by that we have been visiting to get use to different types of birds, its interesting because somedays I feel real comfortable around the macaws and other days I am not so sure. My fiance seems to do fine however gets bit from time to time. There is usually one bird that kind of attaches to me and I really like. Do you recommend buying a macaw from a breeder vs a store?

I have a Congo African Grey, and basically no experience whatsoever with macaws. I think that most people would agree that, in a nutshell, greys are the smarties of the parrot world, and macaws are known for their playfulness. Especially Blue and Golds. I've met a few B&G's who were more like cuddly puppies than birds. Grey's tend to be a little less cuddly, and a little less accepting of new things and change. If stressed, plucking their feathers out is a pretty common behavioral problem they have. That being said, my CAG is in no way like that. I believe it has a LOT to do with how they are raised.

I recommend searching the web for some articles on the care and behaviors of each, so you can get a better idea of what they're both like. It is great that you are asking questions beforehand!

hiya, and welcome!

If its any help, being bit is kinda part of living with birds. I just posted in the thread "bird owies" about it. They are no where near as domesticated as dogs and cats, and resort to biting for several reasons.
But thats just a small part of living with birds, and the good certainly out weighs the bad 10 fold.
good Luck with your choice.

I have an idea that you may not like but here goes anyway.

How about doing some research on the different species of parrots and then fostering or helping someone with their bird first, a budgie is nothing at all like a larger species of parrot so dont just rush out and get a larger bird just because you want one, first learn more about them, second learn more and third learn even more and you MIGHT be ready to babysit one for a few days.

Reality checks are free life is not so do your research.

I prefer breeders, but that is just because where I live there are no good pet stores. If there were, I can't say for sure what I would have done.

Around here, CAGs in pet stores go for about $1400. I paid $800 for my CAG from a breeder. They tend to be a LOT cheaper. Obviously that shouldn't be a deciding factor, because if you're planning on buying a large parrot you'd better have plenty of money sat aside anyways! I agree with Karen, there are good and bad breeders and pet stores. You just have to find the best place to buy from. If you have a breeder near you, then I would recommend visiting with them and any babies they may have. A baby from either the breeder or the pet store may just steal your heart!

John has a good idea about babysitting a larger bird, or volunteering at a rescue to see what bird suits your family, and take it from there.
This will give you insite on the future with your pet, and you might end up loving another species as well.

Not to debate anyone, but starting with a bird that has been rehomed and who knows what the poor bird has been through may not be the ideal way to start. I think it is a wonderful thing to do, but, from my experience with my birds, most of whom are rescues or rehomes, you reallly need to have experience to even get within 10 feet of these poor fids. Many have issues, all of which can usually be dealt with, but that is not for the inexperienced, IMHO.

Edited to add: I think after you learn, it would be a fabulous idea to rescue or rehome a second bird.

No, I didnt mean to rescue or take one in, I meant visit one or volunteer to see just whats involved.

A baby is the way to go with a macaw, unless you are very experienced. I;ve only held one in my life...because I am weary of them.....for no other reason then I am chicken.