"I am considering a yellow collared macaw as my next parrot. I keep hearing people talking about the "macaw personality". What does that mean and why should I be aware of it?
Well, you should be aware of it because macaws, generally, have a personality unlike that of any other pet birds. Just like cockatoos are unique, amazons are unique, etc. People warn you about the MACAW PERSONALITY specifically because macaws tend to have VERY STRONG personalities. That can be a good thing if you're up for it. However some owners end up being bullied by their strong-willed macaws, and the bird "rules my household". If you're not strong-willed enough yourself to take charge and keep it, then you're not really prepared to live with a macaw.
I think it is best said by Layne Dicker in the July 1999 issue of Bird Talk Magazine.
"...Many people say that having a parrot is like having a 2-year old child for the rest of your life. Well, having a macaw is like having a 2-year old child who would grow up to be a famous actor for the rest of your life. This is an animal that is smart, precocious, constantly testing you, constantly seeking attention and forever showing off. They will cry and pout when they don't get their way and will get all sweet and humble if they think you're mad at them. If there is any way to get into trouble, they'll find it...."
Starting to the the drift of what I'm talking about? I'm just trying to prepare you for what you're considering getting into, just got into...or have been into for a long time and you're so frustrated you've decided to get online and try to do something about it ;)
"Testing Boundaries? What does that mean?"
Let's talk about this. I'll use an example. Alex knows he is not allowed to pull out my hair. Everytime he does he gets a "Bad Bird" and prompty returned to his cage. However this is something he loves to do. So once a week or so he will grab a few pieces and Rrrrrrrrrrrrip. "Ouch!" I say..."Bad Bird". Back to the cage he goes. He knows what will happen, but there's this little mischevious side of him that wonders if maybe I'm slipping and I'll let it go just this once. And boy if I ever do, does he make note of it. He would promptly check again, just to see if maybe my opinion has changed on this and its now ok for him to tear out my hair...strand by strand. Key note here, Once you set a rule, never let them slip. KEEP YOU RULES AND STICK TO THEM! They will test and take advantage of every weakness and slip up you show. Rotten little manipulators...remember that ;)
