Congo African Gray or Scarlet Macaw?

Question
I'm planning on purchasing my first large parrot (I have a green cheeked cunure who is now around eleven years old and I had an older parrotlet who passed away about a year ago) and I'm trying to decide on which of the above mentioned large parrots to get.  My conure hates my fiance and is always coming up with new ways to get close enough to bite him so I'd really prefer a bird that can be socialized to be accepting of more than just one or two people.  But beyond that, I'd really appreciate a general list of pros and cons about each of these two types of birds.  Thanks for your time!  :)

Answer
Hi, Jessie.  Thanks for posting.

I can't give you a general list of pros and cons for the 2 species of parrots you mention.  This is because each and every parrot has their own individual personality that is shaped by their experiences in their lifetime.  This isn't something that is species-specific.  Also, your knowledge of aves and skill in working with them is a factor in how they behave.  In other words, if you don't know what you're doing in working with a parrot, you may confuse the parrot so much that s/he doesn't know what to do/not to do (parrots are very intelligent).  In addition, without knowing your lifestyle/personal situation, a recommendation is impossible.

Socialization begins when baby parrots are pulled from their parents for handfeeding.  Any parrot can be socialized at an early age to be accepting of all people, however, with age, some tend to bond with a specific individual(s) (although they still tolerate others) and/or lose socialability as a result of negative interactions with people.  In other words, their personalities are shaped by their experiences.  This is just the way parrots are made.  Therefore, I can't say to you, buy the Macaw because generally speaking, they are kind to everyone...I'd be lying to you!  It depends on the particular/individual parrot you purchase!

In order to reach your goal, you should purchase a just-weaned baby parrot from a reputable parrot breeder and raise the baby parrot the way you want the baby to be raised.  If you buy a parrot from an individual, you could be buying someone else's problem bird.  Parrots in pet shops are usually problem birds, depending on how long they've been for sale there.  You can find general information on both of these species on the internet, in books, magazines, etc.  Look on the internet for Dr. Pepperberg's work with grays...should be lots of info on grays here.  Use all the information you can find, coupled with your lifestyle/personal situation, to determine which parrot might be the best for you and vice versa.  Also, normally, the more intelligent the parrot, the more human interaction/attention they require on a daily basis.    

Chrys