Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    Ok, one more time; Where did you get this bird?  And how much? 
    I've been looking at different types of birds that meet my needs
    but have never come across a mini macaw.  Are they good talkers
    and VERY friendly (to strangers as well)?  My 2 best choices are
    a yellow nape and a triton cockatoo (see note 108) but would like
    to see different kinds.  Thanks for any help.
    
    				Rich
    

    I am so glad you invested in a hand raised baby.  Mini macaws make
    great pets---much of the same personality traits of their larger
    cousins.  And the napes are so pretty.
    
    Congratulations!

    Long Live Mini-Macaws!
    
    I love my Hahn's baby.  She is the smallest of the mini-macaws, they
    get about 140-150 grams, and about 9 inches long (total).  She talks a
    lot, is real friendly (although she shows a decided preference for Dad
    (that's me).  Last night, the phone rang, she yelled "HELLO", and then
    "MOM", "MOM", imitating my son!
    
    Ed
    

    I had NO idea they where this small!  My Grey is 410 Grams.  

    Re: .2
    Rich,
    
    I got this bird from a breeder in Marlboro.  This breeder is very
    small but takes impeccable care of their birds.  This bird is twelve
    weeks old and is already talking.  This one does speak very well.
    It almost sounds like a munchkin in the cage.  He loves to cuddle
    and has gone to others without much trouble.  This is pretty good
    considering he has just been introduced into a new environment.
    The aviary is called Jans Aviary and they are located at 36 Ash
    Street, Marlboro.  That is located near the Marlboro hospital. 
    The womans' name is Janice Delvecchio.  The phone number is
    (508)481-6594.  I got a good deal on this bird but they have mini's
    about to be born.  They are asking around $1000.00 for them.  I
    also purchased a hand fed Lutino Cockatiel for $95.00.  He was just
    eight weeks old and he is a real sweetheart.  They have a wide
    selection of birds and some rare species as well.  They also have
    a variety of full size Macaws that they breed.  These folks are
    worth a look see.  Tell them I sent you and good luck.  Please let
    me know if I can help you any further.
    
    Regards,
    
    Jim Buccieri

    Remember, mine is the smallest mini-macaw, others get about the same
    size as a grey (almost).  I'm guessing that a yellow collared is about
    350 grams or so.
    
    Ed
    

    I just became the adopted mother of a Severe (sp?) Macaw.  She is
    about the size of an Amazon and, I think, classified as a mini.
     She's 14 years old and was a pet for the first 12 years.  For the
    last 2 years she has been in a breeding situation.  Last week she
    suffered a prolapsed cloaca which was fixed, but she can't be used
    for breeding anymore.  So......the breeder wanted a good home for
    her and gave her to me!   I'm so excited...she is really gorgeous.
    
    I know it's going to take some work to tame her again, but she's
    really worth the effort.  She's doing pretty well.....let's me in
    and out of the cage to change food dishes and has stopped ruffling
    at the sight of me in just 24 hours.  The poort baby is pretty stressed
    out over moving, new cage, new people, etc. but is eating well and
    calming down rapidly.
    
    Anyone else out there have any experience with these birds?
    

    Well, it looks like it's not going to be such hard work after all.
     This morning while I was putting new food in the cage, she walked
    out , onto my hand and upt to my shoulder!  Let me pick her up several
    times and sat on the perch on top of the cage.  Went back in when
    I put new food in.  Pretty encouraging after just 3 days!  Guess
    she remembers her previous life as a pet.
    

    
    I have been thinking of buying a mini macaw, but I know so little
    about them. The March issue of Bird Talk has an article on macaws
    and they refer to the August or October issue for an article on
    minis. I don't have that issue and was wondering if one of you kind,
    wonderful,loving......people would let me borrow this back issue.
    
    I would appreciate hearing any personal experiences or opinions
    concerning buying a mini vs a true macaw (to big for me).

    I love mine.  I have a Hahn's (the smallest mini) who is really loving
    and sweet.  She talks and garbles up a storm when we are home.
    She is very playful, enjoys hanging upside down, throwing toys, etc.
    When she is out, she enjoys sitting on our hands and being petted.
    She is about 9 months or so now (I've had her since 1 month).
    I would highly recommend a Hahn's to anybody.
    
    Ed
    

    I've had Jade, mu severe macaw, about 7 weeks now.  Life hasn't
    been too stable for her so far.  She spent almost 2 weeks with the
    vet shortly after I got her as I had jjust moved to a new place
    that had to be painted.  Then she came home for a couple of weeks
    and had to go back to the vet for 8 days.  She had a bacterial
    infection and had to have injections twice a day for 8 days.  In
    spite of all this, and having been in a breeding situation for the
    lasttwo years, she has turned out to be a great bird!  She loves
    attention, is starting to try to talk, and lets me scratch her head
    and beak, and loves to ride around on my shoulder and cuddle in
    my neck.  
      I have some good scars on my hand from the first few
    weeks, but now she doesn't even think about biting.  I would really
    recofmmend a severe as they have all the great attributes of a macaw,
    but are only about the size of an amazon.