choosing Military Macaw or Moluccan Cockatoos

Question
Ok here is my story I work with an exotic bird breeder and she owns a Moluccan Cockatoo and one of here friends breeds many breeds of macaws and he just had 3 greenwinged macaws and 3 military macaws eggs show up the problem is, is that i like the moluccan and I would also like to get a military but im not sure of the difference's in there behavior the only problem with the moluccan is that he had an owner in the past which spoiled him with attention and then they just suddenly stop giving it attention which is bad because you just shouldn't spoil a cockatoo or any bird at that anyway unless you keep planning on giving it attention and im still in school and don't know if I'll be able to feed his hunger for attention and the military I would get a great new fresh start but the bad thing about not taking the moluccan is the fact that I'm the only person that he likes anyone else gets near him he yells and puts that crest up and tries to bite them could you give me hints and info about each bird pleace and thanks

Answer
Hi Patrick,

I am glad to see you are doing research before getting a bird. I can't answer for you which species or if both are right for you. Only you can make that decision. I can offer my experiences with each species and give you more resources to continue your education.

The personality tenancies for the two species you are considering are like night and day. Militaries are laid back and a rather calm spirit for a macaw. Moluccans...well where to start they... are challenging, charming, intelligent, challenging, endearing, challenging, high strung, high spirited, um...did I mention challenging? Ok - so you get the idea. This really depends not only on what your experience level is, but most importantly on how much time you are going to put into your own education. Both birds needs to be part of the family flock, that is much more important than spending every moment with your bird attached to you (despite what that cockatoo will tell you!) A healthy environment is one that understand parrot flock behavior for the species and incorporates that into their family's lifestyle.

If you choose to take both birds you need to be aware of health problems associated with the cockatoo dust. Not just for yourself but for your macaw as well. Some macaws are highly allergic to the cockatoo to the point of causing severe illness. If this were a blue and gold macaw I would recommend that they be housed in separate rooms. Since it is a military I will recommend that you discuss this with your avian vet and be very diligent in your daily cleaning of the bird areas. Also invest in a air purifier.

Continue your research about the two species and parrots in general. Choose the bird or birds based on what will fit best into your home and lifestyle. I do like birds to be kept in a flock situation, even if they don't interact directly they still benefit. But only take on both if you feel you are prepared for this.

Before you take home the cockatoo please visit these websites first:

http://www.mytoos.com/

http://parrothouse.com/sfbio.html

http://www.companionparrot.com/articles.htm

And don't stop there. Whatever you decide continue to educate yourself. My website has links to more excellent parrot resources.

Jennifer
www.feathersandscales.com