I am seriously thinking about getting a blue macaw from Trademe

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 248028.htm

however this will be my first time owning a parrot, I have worked with lories in the past but is this too much of a big step up?

I am aware of all the training and $$$ involved in raising such a bird but i think it will be worth it in the long run... also is their a difference in personality from a female over a male?

also if i got a male now would it be hard pairing him up with a female down the line?

wow.. that would be a big time commitment and you'll have to parrot proof your home!

Good luck, i love macaws but could never own one. Have to stick with my gentle natured cockatiel!

I am thinking a parrot room really, they are big birds and need the space. Thinking about a guarage conversion...

pairing macaws is a hard task. they pair for life, and choose their mates.

$6500 for 1 is pretty cheap.

If you haven't had a macaw before, id seriously recommend getting a ring neck, and hand rearing it yourself, and then move onto a macaw if you are happy with the results you have achieved with the ring necks.

Ask about the genetics (line breeding, in breeding etc), as a lot of this has been happening unfortunately.

females are more placid, males more dominant - but males talk a lot more. having said that they are very intelligent, so you can teach them just about anything.

are your intentions to breed some eventually, or to have a friendly pet bird?

I am seriously thinking about getting a blue macaw from Trademe

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pe ... 248028.htm

however this will be my first time owning a parrot, I have worked with lories in the past but is this too much of a big step up?

I am aware of all the training and $$$ involved in raising such a bird but i think it will be worth it in the long run... also is their a difference in personality from a female over a male?

also if i got a male now would it be hard pairing him up with a female down the line?

Yeah, it's just a bit of a step up. For one, lorikeets can make you bleed...A macaw can take your fingers off.

Also, if you have a breeding pair they'll no longer be pets.

your choice is either a pet or breeding bird

can be difficult to pair up later

Best to be brought in pairs when young ...know of a few people

that have try pairing up there birds and had no luck ..

One person has tried 3 males and the girl will not take them ...

So one has pet or two has a pair ... hard decision to make...

yeah, and they pair up on their own. we can't really make them pair up.

and once they pair up its for life.. aint that sweet?