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Cockatoo, Macaw, African Grey - Which Are More Demanding and Difficult to Keep?
I'm probably going to answer my own question here and say the cockatoo is...
But I'm particulary interested in how much work goes into looking after an African Grey compared to the other two.
I've heard the Greys are highly sensitive... introducing a new toy, a change in the air quality, a loud visitor running around, a slight lack in mental stimulation.. can be enough to start plucking.
Are Greys really this sensitive in general?
Many sources have told me that Blue and Gold Macaws are good at adapting to new situations... in this sense, does this mean that they are less demanding than an African Grey?
Where do these three birds fit when it comes to who demands the most and is more difficult to keep?
Why is it that people will often quickly reccomend an African Grey parrot but always give you heaps of warning and discouragement when it comes to macaws?
Hopefully what I'm asking makes sense... it's a bit hard to explain.
First of all, to the person who said that birds are like dogs... I STRONGLY disagree. Caring for birds is much more complex than caring for dogs and no one could possibly compare the two. Dogs do take a lot of work but birds, being much more intelligent mentally and emotionally, require way more and of a different kind all together. For example... birds all have no concept of discipline and to discipline a parrot is a waste of time, not to mention borderline abusive. They may actually learn negative behavior issues due to being yelled at as they like drama.
All kinds of generalizations can be made on all three species... but really, it all boils down to an idividual bird.
Generally speaking, Cockatoos are likely the most demanding of the three. Generally they are loud, hormonal, and need tons of stimulating interaction, however not too much. Reading body language on all birds is vital, but with cockatoos, their body language can be easily misinterpreted and that's where problems arise. Cockatoos can display the same posture (body language) and mean TWO TOTALLY different things (agreession or positive excitement). This is where it really matters knowing the individual bird. Cockatoos, especially the larger Moluccans, Umbrellas, Sulfer/Citron crested can do major damage with their beaks. Having said all that... I know an Umbrella Cockatoo who is is extremely sweet and very quiet. Hence, inidividualism playing a huge factor.
Certain species of macaws are more easy going than other species. Scarlet Macaws are extremely hyper and GENERALLY known to be much more high maintenance. Every Scarlet I've ever known has fit into this category. Greenwings are known to be the more tranquil of larger Macaws (except Hyacinths) and Blue & Golds are in between Greenwings and Scarlets. All Macaws can be loud and do damage, but I have also known some Macaws that wouldn't hurt a fly. There are also mini Macaws that are great for someone who wants a macaw, but a littler version. Severes are probably the closest in personality to the larger Macaws. I have a Yellow Collar Mini Macaw and she is awesome. 
Hahns/Noble Macaws are about the size of Conures but look, act and sound very much like their bigger "relatives". Larger Macaws (especially Hyacinths) need more nuts in their diet than other birds.
African Greys are indeed fascinating. But yes, GENERALLY speaking they do require more special care than other birds. They have dietary requirements (calcium) that other birds do not, they need lots of interaction, stimulating environment and someone who does not travel or stay gone for long periods of time. Greys also tend to be one person birds but can get along with many other people if properly socialized. They tend to be a bit more high strung (prone to plucking if they don't get enough attention) and anxious. They are much quieter than both Cockatoos and Macaws but due to their intellectual capabilities, require a slighty different type of attention.
Again, most of what I said about all three are generalizations. It's great that you are doing research and I recommend you continue to do so for many months before getting a bird. I definitely do not recommend getting a cockatoo if you've never had a bird before. I'm an experienced bird owner and fully aware that I am still not ready for a cockatoo. If you're adament about getting a too, a smaller species of too is a great place to start. Goffins and Rose Breasted (Galah) are awesome birds with clownlike personalities and generally very sweet natured.
I would recommend trying to find a bird that is in a rescue and needs a home. These birds have all been evaluated by the rescuers and they can usually recommend a specific bird for you according to what you're looking for. This is a great thing to do also because you can go and visit with a few different birds and let the bird choose you. Although my Grey is only 5 months old, this is how we came to be. She is at the place I work on the weekends and over time she's seeked me out and now me and my daughter are very bonded with her. We bring her home this weekend!
Good luck!
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