Hi Guys,

Some of you may know I'll be looking for a new bird this spring/summer. While I'm dying for a GW, I've been doing some reading into other macaws as well. I came across the Red Front Macaw and I'm totally in love.

I'm not sure if anyone has them in here, but if so, I would love to hear any experiences you've had with them. Anything at all!

Thanks!

i know jared is a big fan i am sure you will hear from him. in the meantime, check out these threads :

Does anyone want a Red Front?

Red Fronted Macaws Need Homes

That's right, Jared! For some reason I thought he was Military Macaws. Thanks Emily!

Sorry,
I've been crazy busy recently.

RFs Jared's Macaws

These are a very cool middle sized macaw. They are very friendly and tend to need a good bit of attention. Depending on how you raise them this could be very direct, in your face attention or just a lot of ambient attention. They tend to be a bit noisy so you need to channel that through activity or retraining to speak instead of scream. I personally find their yell much, much more grating than the Greenwings.

They need to fly, not to start a debate but if you plan on clipping I'd skip getting one. These things are absolutely amazing in flight. They can hover, turn 360 degrees, and then bank sideways down a hallway just like a fighter plane. I've seen Merlin take off backwards, spin 360, and shoot around a corner. It's pretty amazing to watch them.

They are a bit messy but all birds are. I personally find their energy endearing but I'm a bit hyper myself. They are very inquisitive birds and seem to like to check things out, this includes things on the ground so you need to be aware that they will wander around the floor.

They are not great speakers but do pick up some words which they say with good clarity.

Overall I love the guys, I've taken Merlin on up to 16 mile, 6500 vertical foot days and he is good company. He goes on my backcountry runs when the weather is good and I bring him on easier rock climbs. They are very funny,friendly little guys.

I'm in the process of getting a second one, Merlin's brother, (keeping him for a month at a time) and have also agreed to help socialize one frightened one at my aviary by hosting her at my home for awhile.

Overall I couldn't really say I like him more than my GW though. The GW is very sweet, very talkative, quieter, cleaner, and just an all around doll. I can't harness her so she doesn't get the same outdoor time with me and this is probably the biggest downside to her. It's a tough call between the two and surprisingly the RF takes more effort to keep.

Hey Jared, thanks so much for this! You know though, I made a decision and as of last night I have a new baby RF coming. He's 2 weeks old, so I've got a long way to go before I bring home!

I was just checking out Merlin and I must say that is one incredible bird. He's gorgeous! And the "shoot the bird" video is hysterical.

There is no way that I would clip wings. I've seen the RF in flight and they're truly amazing. I would never do it. I can't bring myself to clip my amazon's wings either. They're too beautiful.

Thanks again for the info Jared, and I will be sure to contact you if I have any questions!

Oh and Ariel looks like a complete doll!

Are you going with one of Wendy's RFs? She's probably the best RF person in the states (that I know of).

No, I actually tried to contact her and she never returned my email or call. I'm going with the breeder I bought my Amazon from.

Joe & Mary's Parrot Place - African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws, Parrots

I've become great friends with these people. They're babies are amazing, and I trust that the RF will be too.

We have a RF, Zeta who is Winged Victory's best friend. Zeta was raised with Vic as young birds and when we rehomed Victory the owner wasn't ready to give up Zeta, but a few months later called us and asked if we would add her to our flock to buddy with Victory as Zeta had become depressed and lethargic. Since she has been with us and, of course, Victory, she has been a doll. She is laid back and is just adorable to watch fly. She does hover for minutes and then take all of a sudden. She isn't very loud, but then, Victory calls out for all of the macaws! LOL

I have only heard good things about the RFs and would recommend them as a great pet. Will look forward to watching your new baby grow up here.

Aww, thank you! I'll post about him once I get some pictures. I'm defintely excited though!

Congrats on the new baby RF.You won't be sorry.I have 2 females Phoenix and Charlie.They are both very sweet and I think they have the cutest little voices.So when does your new little one come home and when do we get to see pics??