Majbirds8 - How did you treat the yeast infections. I've been told that a bit of apple cider vinegar in their water works well for that problem. We had an initial problem like that with Ariel but she wouldn't drink the water with that stuff in it.

Thanks again for all the replies. This is a decision that I am going to take a few years to make and if Avalon has babies this year we won't get one of those but we will take a few months to acquaint ourselves with them and learn to handle them.

WOW..I stand amazed in your presences!!!
Why...are they so expensive???

as i understand it, it's mainly because they are very difficult to breed. they are also endangered in the wild and are in high demand in the "pet market".

and the $$ doesn't stop at the bird, as jared said. ivy's new cage is costing me $3500. mac nuts are one of the highest priced nuts there are, ivy goes through about 10 a day. they require the largest and most heavy duty of everything (which is the most expensive) including perches, toys, playstands...i can't believe how fast ivy can reduce toys to kindling when she wants to.

but if you ever meet one of these magnificent birds, you will understand. there is nothing NOTHING like them in the whole world.

YUP! that's why my husband and i decided bird over child

We tried to have a human baby, three failed IVF cycles. We've come to the conclusion that we're to be birdie parents and thats it!


There's nothing like cuddling with a Hy!

Yup, Suzanne at Avalon has one and, while I'm afraid to touch it, I stand in awe of the creature. It is so magnificent that it is hard to describe.

My Red Front is a tough little goofball, my Greenwing is a big old sweetheart but the Hyacinths seems like royalty.


Sorry about the kids Jeanne.

it is SO true! ivy has just discovered to joy of rolling around on her back and it's ADORABLE! she gets on her back and smooshes in my face!

I actually put Piaui in a trance tonight while rubbing his tummy while he was in my arms...it was pretty funny to watch.

I'm ok with the kid thing....it just means I'm meant to do what I'm doing with all my fids. Besides, I won't have to pay for college :-)

What is amazing about both our Hys and a our BP2, Shadow is that they are majestic, but behind that they are indescribably gentle, sweet, loving and playful. Shadow is watching you every night on there Maryann. He sends kisses.....

Every HY I have been around has been amazing! I've been trying to talk myself out of wanting one for all the practical reasons (aka money), but then I see one and KNOW I will find a way to bring one into our home. I have been able to handle a few and totally fall in love, now my husband has been handling them and says he would like one too. Of course we feel that way about most macaws! They are all so special and uniquely endearing. I have been researching seriously for a couple years now and vow not to add any more birds until I can bring one home.
The money is shocking at first, but once you get over that initial shock, you realize how worth it they are. They are rare, difficult to breed, breed slowly even witha ready pair, have a higher rate of mortality due to several reasons, and then they are very expensive to maitain. Babies take several months to wean, usually at least 7, often 9, and need a more specialized formula than most macaws. Now add on the vet expenses to avoid or treat any infections and the heavy duty equipment to house them and there you go, a $12000 parrot. However, they really must be worth it, because every time I have been to the stores that get them in, they are sold before they ever become publicly available! Buyers often must get on a wait list, so that allows sellers to maintain the higher prices also.
We have recently moved to CO and they are very hard to find here. I was in NJ for a while and there were a few stores and several breeders that had babies available more readily. When the time is right I am planning on contacting Todds store (my favorite!). Most likely I will visit early on and then a couple weeks before it is ready I will fly out and visit alot before I take it back to CO with me. We have family out there still so that is looking like our best option.
I sure miss the bird stores in NJ! The ones here are not nearly as good. Generally kinda dirty, mostly smaller birds, lots of quakers and ringnecks, and conures. They get a handful of larger birds, but mostly amazons and a few greys, occasional macaws and toos. Very limited supplies and toys. Foods are mostly overpriced dusty bags of 2 or 3 varieties. Forget about bulk stuff! Very poor quality. Evry owner here seems to think their way is the only way. Then of course there is Gabriel foundation, havent been yet. I did go to their downtown Denver store, the Birdbrain. Okay selection, very expensive! Mostly smaller bird supplies though. Fun to visit.
I miss visiting and chatting with other bird lovers and seeing the different species! Plus browsing all the toys and foods. Bringing home the occasional scarlet macaw named Max....