Ok first question guys :)

[Magic Macaw]

Hi everyone, as some of you already know we are awaiting the arrival of our GW Macaw, currently 12 weeks old. Our Breeder I have complete faith in and already know our baby is being well socialised with both men women and young children aged 5 with supervision of course!

My first question is and I know that the possibility of our macaws becoming one person birds is a great possibility, but if me and my partner both keep him well handled and loved also letting our family be involved with handling, cuddles and treat giving lol what are the chances of our GW staying well mannered with everybody be? Thanks guys. I have had past experiences with adult B+G but this is my first GW and first Baby so all information is welcome. Thanks again everyone

 

[Macawnutz]

All of my youngsters are one person birds. Some more than others. My BG likes me in the morning and my husband at night. At night he tries to attack me. My scarlet was my husband's bird as a baby and when he turned 3 he hated my husband. They are all so different.

 

[Hankmacaw]

I have had 2 GWs for 17/15 years, both were adults when I got them. They are/were (my male died 5 years ago) one person birds. That may be because I live alone and have very little company.

With that said, most parrots are one person birds. They may tolerate others, but their chosen one is their chosen one. The more others interact with them from babyhood on the more they will tolerate others, but their chosen one is their chosen one. They may switch at any time and many times - but their current favorite is their favorite.

@aooratrix @chad84 and @Joey wade have baby GWs maybe they can give you insight on their babies.

 

[saroj12]

Have you instructed the breeder not to clip him?

 

[Sarah13]

Usually once maturity and hormones hit, they pair bond to a person. With training and positive experiences throughout life, they can often tolerate other people or even like them.

My GW is bonded to me but my entire family can handle her and even snuggle her. She is also fine with company. She can get nesty and territorial especially if I am home but I often have company in my apartment and they sleep/stay in my bedroom with her and I take the living room. They never have any issues with her attacking and they even send me photos of her sitting on their arm, allowing to be pet, etc while I'm away to class or work so that is a nice unexpected perk.
Outside, she is even more tolerant as there is no territory to defend and she will readily step up to anyone of any age. They usually cannot pet her but if I am holding her, she will happily accept tail stroking from anyone.

Every bird is different, it took a lot of practice to get her to that point. I got her at 6 and she is turning 11 this winter so this behavior now depends on training and her choice versus a trusting subordinate baby who usually loves everyone at first. The B&G is the same way. Bonded to me but can be handled and even cuddled by others in my family and will also readily go to strangers but not usually pet by them. Got her at 4 and she will be 6 this winter as well so definitely younger and not quite into the full hormonal swing but close/past that true baby stage.
Good luck and congrats! Allowing to fledge and fly plus the socilization training you are planning to do will all likely help.

 

[Genie]

Genie instantly took to my wife. It took a year or more for him to really accept me. Now, 15 years of being around both of us, he tolerates me to a high degree, BUT he loves my wife.
I think persistence, treats & love will usually win.

 

[aooratrix]

Annie prefers me and wants to be with me if at all possible. Tonight, I tried to hand her to Mom, and she she squeezed her hand hard enough to pop a blood vessel. Annie is around Mom constantly, and she gives her her lunchtime snack. She is stubborn and my messiest bird. Even though she knows "gentle", she is going through a mouthy stage, squeezing too much...AGAIN. That being said, I love her dearly.

 

[Joey wade]

My 2 year old B&G is super needy when it comes to being around people. Can be anyone. I don't think she's ever bitten anyone. She was well socialized and bought at a store in a heavily trafficked market almost weaned.

My greenwing is just over a year old and came from a one - person "hobby breeder" wayyy too early. While not as well-socialized as my B&G, he was around friends for several parties, the maid twice a week, and a few different friends that would take care of him while I saw away. He was fine with other people for about 10 months, but now I'm the only one he will always allow to touch. He even runs from (or tries to attack) my friend who helped raise him if I'm in the room. Having said all that, he's a very independent bird and likes to do his own thing just as much as he likes to be with me.

While there are certain factors that probably increase our decrease the odds of it being well-mannered with everyone, like others have said, every bird is different and alot of it will probably come down to luck.

 

[Magic Macaw]

Thanks guys and yes the breeder never clips his birds so the baby will not be clipped. Thanks for all your help