Kathy - 2012-12-22 I have a hawkhead that I've had since she was 5 months old. She is a spoiled, stubborn, loud, bossy, over confident, wild-like, self-absorbed, food-obsessed little demon. She is also a very affectionate, playful, funny, in-tuned with my feelings, cuddle monster. I wouldn't trade her for a thing. She views my youngest daughter as her play toy and loves to chase her around daily, multiple times, in fact every chance she gets. My kids have learned to watch VERY closely for body language, even during play, because she is a very rough player and can cause a severe bite. Being aggressive in everything they do is their nature. With me, she is sweet as can be, but I still need to watch body language. I tell people all the time that Hawkheads are not birds for amateurs. They are very high maintenance and require someone who is extremely patient, able to handle hard bites, and is very experienced with other parrots. They are definitely NOT a beginner bird. I have a cockatoo as well, which are notorious for being a high maintenance bird, and I feel that a Hawkhead is on the same level, if not harder. Noise wise, they can be just a loud as a cockatoo, if not more. They also tend to be a lot more unpredictable than a cockatoo. Please, if you are thinking of getting a Hawkhead, be sure to do lots and lots and LOTS of research first. They are not easy birds by far. You will get bitten. You will get rejected. You will get ringing in your ears. You will get all your food stolen ( :P ). BUT, if you are patient and respectful of their nature, you will be rewarded with a best friend that only hates you sometimes, especially when you don't share your food.
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Anonymous - 2013-02-25 you probaly dont play wth him or her enough.
Anonymous - 2013-02-26 did you get it from eggsotic parroting
Kathy - 2013-05-12 Anonymous - 2013-02-25 you probaly dont play wth him or her enough. Anonymous - 2013-02-26 did you get it from eggsotic parroting Huh? I don't play with him enough? I don't get what that is a response to. My post wasn't asking for advice, I was giving it. My hawkhead is played with plenty. In fact, she's spoiled and a big 'mamma's baby'. Also, no, I did not get her from eggsotic parroting.
Clarice Brough - 2013-05-13 Hey kathy, I for one think your info is great! And I also think this is an absolutely fascinating bird. Thanks for sharing:)
Gayle - 2014-10-18 Kathy, your post is absolutely, unequivocally one of the best, most accurate, and unbiased I've ever read on Hawkheads. I've been owned by one for 9 years now and have the scars to prove it!! Everything you said is right-on the mark, and I'd just like to confirm that if anyone is even remotely thinking of buying one of these birds, think again, do more research, talk to other HH owners, and then think again. You need to be prepared for a roller coaster ride of emotional response from these beautiful, loving birds. They can be oh so cuddly and affectionate for an hour, then turn right around and administer an extremely painful, tenacious bite to their human for no apparent reason. The person who commented that perhaps you're not playing with your bird enough is just plain ignorant of the HH species. Even if you've owned other parrot species for 50 years, you have no clue what you're in for if you bring a HH into your life. I ditto this: ' She is a spoiled, stubborn, loud, bossy, over confident, wild-like, self-absorbed, food-obsessed little demon. She is also a very affectionate, playful, funny, in-tuned with my feelings, cuddle monster. I wouldn't trade her for a thing.'
Kathy - 2016-08-17 Well, I'm a lot late, but thank you Gayle for the back up. Lol@I don't play with her enough. That still cracks me up. I've had my HH for about 7 or so years now (I've lost track of time exactly). I still love her to bits, and her me. She stills tries to chase my daughter around, though we don't encourage it any more, as she seems to have moved away from play chasing, and switched to a homicidal maniac rampage now, lol. Instead, we ignore the desire to chase, or cage her if she is insistent on it, because she's just not able to tell the difference between play and mean. Now we do extra cuddling, talking and just being with her.
I still stand by my original posting here. HH's are different from other parrots in that they are much more unpredictable, aggressive by nature and demanding than other parrots. I have 6 parrots, of 5 different species. Three I've had longer than my HH. She is by far my most demanding and needy one, but also the one I am the closest too. Once again, I wouldn't trade her for anything. She is my baby for life.
allison - 2017-11-02 Hi Kathy, I have had my hawkhead parrot for 14years, and I also want to say you are spot on. I adore my little HH, but she is work. I find it so funny that they all seem to have such similar tendencies, especially with the food. If I forget to share food with her, she almost tries to remove it from my mouth! You have completely described my little one in all details except one. I also wanted to add he is extremely jealous of my Blue and gold macaw, which is a big problem. I have to make sure I give her her share of treats and affection in equal amount, otherwise there will be trouble. I did get my bird from eggslotic parrots. I wonder what that other person was trying to get at with that comment? Thanks for sharing your comments.
Katie Denski - 2023-01-29 Kathy BEAUTIFULLY SAID. Anonymous you are EXACTLY the type of person that should never have privedge to own a Hawk Head parrot.
Jackie - 2010-08-04 I have had a Hawkheaded parrot for 18 years; he has been a wonderful bird I could do anything with him, but I lost my husband St. Patricks Day this year, and a month later I had to put my West Highland White Terrier down, now my hawkheaded parrot won't let me get near him or hold him I have to leave him near his cage so he can go sit in the window & go in his cage by himself. Please if you have any solutions for me I would appreciate them. Thank You Really upset I don"t want to lose him too.
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Rachel - 2010-10-18 I am so sorry for your losses. That is a lot to go through in a short period! It's possible that your hawkhead, being the sensitive beings that they are, is suffering emotionally from the losses, as well. However, any time a parrot displays drastic changes in behavior, the first step is to have them checked out by your avian vet. I found that, working as an avian vet tech for a long time, behavior changes can be the first sign of illness, which could be secondary to stresses experienced in your home this year. If he is healthy, a good avian behaviorist may be able to help you pinpoint the problem and figure out a solution that works for both of you. I wish you and your companion well!
Dawnya - 2010-11-14 Hello, In my experience they really feed off how you are feeling even when we don't realize that we are giving off vibes. You might try moving his cage location or having someone watch him for a couple of weeks. To change the routine that you have and to re-establish a new relationship with him. I have fostered and taken in many parrots of all kinds. I also have a HH myself and she can be very temperamental at times..... but she his my pride and joy..... let me know if you need help. So, sorry to hear about your loss.
Matthew - 2013-03-01 have you tried clicker training it is were you put some of his favorite treats on the tip of a fork and you would click the clicker if he touched the treat very gently.
Larry C Manninen - 2018-04-24 I am looking for a hawk head amazon
allison - 2018-02-27 Hi, I am looking to buy a male hawk-headed Parrot. I have a female HH and would like to find her a mate. I am very serious about this and have been looking for a long time. If you know of anyone that is relinquishing their male HH, or has a baby male HH I am very interested in buying him. Please email me so that we can talk. I am very concerned about the species survivability and not interested in the business side in any way. I know there is a risk that they will not bond, but promise to take care of him and love him as I love my female HH, Leya. I think she would be happier with someone 24/7 to love. Thanks much, Allison McGee
ML - 2016-08-06 You & others talk about parrot biting. I am a new parrot owner. I have a lovebird who used to bite more. I am home a lot. She listens to me better than she did. I would ask you to have an open mind. You can go to Ron Amitron's Website. He has Emotional Healing. Feeling body, trauma healing. I have been working with him for almost 10 years. His work could maybe help your bird. You can write him on an E-Mail. Best is to write to the E-Mail & be on the radio show when you say you will be there. clsquestions@yahoo.com Say when you will be on the radio show. Say you are new, that you would like a write back. Or write healings@creationligship.com The website is: www.creationligship.com Its not a joke. I met him in 2007 in person. Have an open mind. You can look him up on You Tube. Remember there are testimonials. Not on birds. For people. Radio show upper right hand corner. Free Healings upper left side, second drop down box. You can write to Ron to request a special clearing or healing, a one on one for your bird or yourself or whoever, or whatever pet. Peace to you all. The Best to you ! !
Amir - 2010-10-16 I am pets parrots loves so guys you all recommend me about parrots which one should I keep as my pet?
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Dawnya - 2010-11-14 In order to find the right parrot for you, you really need to figure out what you are looking for in a parrot. They all have their own personalities like people, but some breeds are better suited for new bird owners. What do you expect from your parrot and how do expect them to be is important because they are like having a 2 year old, that never grows up so you need lots of patience and understanding.
Kiwis owner - 2010-12-06 Try a green cheek conure. I just got one and he is the sweetest animal I've met and I love him. Kiwi is about 5 months old now and I've had him for 3 months. I got him soon as he was done weaning and he barely bites me (only when I push his buttons or scare him). He is my first bird and I love him so much. After about the first month once he learned my schedule he stopped screaming for me when I go to school. Check around for one they are very rewarding birds.
Meghan - 2007-04-11 My family owns a male Hawk Head and they are truly amazing. Price actually ranges from $2500 to $5000 for them. Great birds but very high strung. Do not give sunflower seeds in any kind of bird food mixture.
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Carol - 2012-01-16 I do agree that they are very high strung but will have to disagree with your price range for a hand-fed Hawkhead chick. They can be costly as up to 5000 but the lowest price that I found was 1300. It really depends on where you go to inquire them, as you will get to those up price ranges depending on where you live and whether you buy them from a pet store.
Charlie Roche - 2012-01-17 Prices, to the best of my knowledge start at $1300 purchased hand fed and directly from a breeder. They are truly amazing and just about my favorite.
steve - 2010-06-29 I just purchased a hawks head. It's so cute I'm hoping it's as sweet as I was told they are. I bring it home in 2 months.
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Rene Gil - 2010-07-13 I just purchased a pair to handfeed I will get it a couple of weeks, I bred manyo ther types of amazons and parrots including macaws, really like to try to breed these. Did you get yours yet? Got photos?
Rachel - 2010-10-18 I adopted a hawk-headed parrot earlier this year. The foster parents said previous owners didn't want him anymore because he is "mean"...hahahaha. I haven't seen him to have a mean bone in his body! He is a little nervous, at times, but come a long way from his phobic ways he had when I first got him only a few months ago and has become habituated to stimuli in our house very rapidly and is smart as a whip! He learns best from our red-bellied parrot (the only other male hookbill in our family). Melonhead (the red-belly, which by the way came with that name from a previous home) always gets in his cage on his own at night when he sees me putting the other birds in to cover them up for bed. After observing this for a couple of months, Jasper (hawkhead) just started doing this, too. I also heard that they are a bit high strung and playful like a caique but I haven't noticed this, either. He is a very sweet, laid-back individual, almost more like blue-fronted amazons I've known. Anyway, congrats on your new companion. FYI- mine loves fruit that stains (pomagranate, blueberries, etc.)
Tracy - 2006-11-21 Hawkheads are such a beautiful bird. I would love to get one. I take in unwanted birds for free and I keep them until they pass away of old age, any type of domestic parrot. I would love to have a Galah, HH, Eclectus, and so on. But like I said, HH are the most striking looking bird I have ever seen, especially when they fan their crown out. The bird is costly, but one day I will get one. TRACY
The Hawk-Headed Parrot displays a ruff that rings its head when excited or angry, thus giving it a 'hawk-like' appearance!
I have a hawkhead that I've had since she was 5 months old. She is a spoiled, stubborn, loud, bossy, over confident, wild-like, self-absorbed, food-obsessed little demon. She is also a very affectionate, playful, funny, in-tuned with my feelings, cuddle monster. I wouldn't trade her for a thing. She views my youngest daughter as her play toy and loves to chase her around daily, multiple times, in fact every chance she gets. My kids have learned to watch VERY closely for body language, even during play, because she is a very rough player and can cause a severe bite. Being aggressive in everything they do is their nature. With me, she is sweet as can be, but I still need to watch body language. I tell people all the time that Hawkheads are not birds for amateurs. They are very high maintenance and require someone who is extremely patient, able to handle hard bites, and is very experienced with other parrots. They are definitely NOT a beginner bird. I have a cockatoo as well, which are notorious for being a high maintenance bird, and I feel that a Hawkhead is on the same level, if not harder. Noise wise, they can be just a loud as a cockatoo, if not more. They also tend to be a lot more unpredictable than a cockatoo. Please, if you are thinking of getting a Hawkhead, be sure to do lots and lots and LOTS of research first. They are not easy birds by far. You will get bitten. You will get rejected. You will get ringing in your ears. You will get all your food stolen ( :P ). BUT, if you are patient and respectful of their nature, you will be rewarded with a best friend that only hates you sometimes, especially when you don't share your food.
you probaly dont play wth him or her enough.
did you get it from eggsotic parroting
Anonymous - 2013-02-25 you probaly dont play wth him or her enough. Anonymous - 2013-02-26 did you get it from eggsotic parroting Huh? I don't play with him enough? I don't get what that is a response to. My post wasn't asking for advice, I was giving it. My hawkhead is played with plenty. In fact, she's spoiled and a big 'mamma's baby'. Also, no, I did not get her from eggsotic parroting.
Hey kathy, I for one think your info is great! And I also think this is an absolutely fascinating bird. Thanks for sharing:)
Kathy, your post is absolutely, unequivocally one of the best, most accurate, and unbiased I've ever read on Hawkheads. I've been owned by one for 9 years now and have the scars to prove it!! Everything you said is right-on the mark, and I'd just like to confirm that if anyone is even remotely thinking of buying one of these birds, think again, do more research, talk to other HH owners, and then think again. You need to be prepared for a roller coaster ride of emotional response from these beautiful, loving birds. They can be oh so cuddly and affectionate for an hour, then turn right around and administer an extremely painful, tenacious bite to their human for no apparent reason. The person who commented that perhaps you're not playing with your bird enough is just plain ignorant of the HH species. Even if you've owned other parrot species for 50 years, you have no clue what you're in for if you bring a HH into your life. I ditto this: ' She is a spoiled, stubborn, loud, bossy, over confident, wild-like, self-absorbed, food-obsessed little demon. She is also a very affectionate, playful, funny, in-tuned with my feelings, cuddle monster. I wouldn't trade her for a thing.'
Well, I'm a lot late, but thank you Gayle for the back up. Lol@I don't play with her enough. That still cracks me up. I've had my HH for about 7 or so years now (I've lost track of time exactly). I still love her to bits, and her me. She stills tries to chase my daughter around, though we don't encourage it any more, as she seems to have moved away from play chasing, and switched to a homicidal maniac rampage now, lol. Instead, we ignore the desire to chase, or cage her if she is insistent on it, because she's just not able to tell the difference between play and mean. Now we do extra cuddling, talking and just being with her.
I still stand by my original posting here. HH's are different from other parrots in that they are much more unpredictable, aggressive by nature and demanding than other parrots. I have 6 parrots, of 5 different species. Three I've had longer than my HH. She is by far my most demanding and needy one, but also the one I am the closest too. Once again, I wouldn't trade her for anything. She is my baby for life.
Hi Kathy,
I have had my hawkhead parrot for 14years, and I also want to say you are spot on. I adore my little HH, but she is work. I find it so funny that they all seem to have such similar tendencies, especially with the food. If I forget to share food with her, she almost tries to remove it from my mouth! You have completely described my little one in all details except one. I also wanted to add he is extremely jealous of my Blue and gold macaw, which is a big problem. I have to make sure I give her her share of treats and affection in equal amount, otherwise there will be trouble. I did get my bird from eggslotic parrots. I wonder what that other person was trying to get at with that comment? Thanks for sharing your comments.
Kathy BEAUTIFULLY SAID. Anonymous you are EXACTLY the type of person that should never have privedge to own a Hawk Head parrot.
I have had a Hawkheaded parrot for 18 years; he has been a wonderful bird I could do anything with him, but I lost my husband St. Patricks Day this year, and a month later I had to put my West Highland White Terrier down, now my hawkheaded parrot won't let me get near him or hold him I have to leave him near his cage so he can go sit in the window & go in his cage by himself. Please if you have any solutions for me I would appreciate them. Thank You Really upset I don"t want to lose him too.
I am so sorry for your losses. That is a lot to go through in a short period! It's possible that your hawkhead, being the sensitive beings that they are, is suffering emotionally from the losses, as well. However, any time a parrot displays drastic changes in behavior, the first step is to have them checked out by your avian vet. I found that, working as an avian vet tech for a long time, behavior changes can be the first sign of illness, which could be secondary to stresses experienced in your home this year. If he is healthy, a good avian behaviorist may be able to help you pinpoint the problem and figure out a solution that works for both of you. I wish you and your companion well!
Hello,
In my experience they really feed off how you are feeling even when we don't realize that we are giving off vibes. You might try moving his cage location or having someone watch him for a couple of weeks. To change the routine that you have and to re-establish a new relationship with him. I have fostered and taken in many parrots of all kinds. I also have a HH myself and she can be very temperamental at times..... but she his my pride and joy..... let me know if you need help. So, sorry to hear about your loss.
have you tried clicker training it is were you put some of his favorite treats on the tip of a fork and you would click the clicker if he touched the treat very gently.
I am looking for a hawk head amazon
Hi, I am looking to buy a male hawk-headed Parrot. I have a female HH and would like to find her a mate. I am very serious about this and have been looking for a long time. If you know of anyone that is relinquishing their male HH, or has a baby male HH I am very interested in buying him. Please email me so that we can talk. I am very concerned about the species survivability and not interested in the business side in any way. I know there is a risk that they will not bond, but promise to take care of him and love him as I love my female HH, Leya. I think she would be happier with someone 24/7 to love. Thanks much, Allison McGee
You & others talk about parrot biting. I am a new parrot owner. I have a lovebird who used to bite more. I am home a lot. She listens to me better than she did. I would ask you to have an open mind. You can go to Ron Amitron's Website. He has Emotional Healing. Feeling body, trauma healing. I have been working with him for almost 10 years. His work could maybe help your bird. You can write him on an E-Mail. Best is to write to the E-Mail & be on the radio show when you say you will be there. clsquestions@yahoo.com Say when you will be on the radio show. Say you are new, that you would like a write back. Or write healings@creationligship.com The website is: www.creationligship.com Its not a joke. I met him in 2007 in person. Have an open mind. You can look him up on You Tube. Remember there are testimonials. Not on birds. For people. Radio show upper right hand corner. Free Healings upper left side, second drop down box. You can write to Ron to request a special clearing or healing, a one on one for your bird or yourself or whoever, or whatever pet. Peace to you all. The Best to you ! !
I am pets parrots loves so guys you all recommend me about parrots which one should I keep as my pet?
In order to find the right parrot for you, you really need to figure out what you are looking for in a parrot. They all have their own personalities like people, but some breeds are better suited for new bird owners. What do you expect from your parrot and how do expect them to be is important because they are like having a 2 year old, that never grows up so you need lots of patience and understanding.
Try a green cheek conure. I just got one and he is the sweetest animal I've met and I love him. Kiwi is about 5 months old now and I've had him for 3 months. I got him soon as he was done weaning and he barely bites me (only when I push his buttons or scare him). He is my first bird and I love him so much. After about the first month once he learned my schedule he stopped screaming for me when I go to school. Check around for one they are very rewarding birds.
My family owns a male Hawk Head and they are truly amazing. Price actually ranges from $2500 to $5000 for them. Great birds but very high strung. Do not give sunflower seeds in any kind of bird food mixture.
I do agree that they are very high strung but will have to disagree with your price range for a hand-fed Hawkhead chick. They can be costly as up to 5000 but the lowest price that I found was 1300. It really depends on where you go to inquire them, as you will get to those up price ranges depending on where you live and whether you buy them from a pet store.
Prices, to the best of my knowledge start at $1300 purchased hand fed and directly from a breeder. They are truly amazing and just about my favorite.
I just purchased a hawks head. It's so cute I'm hoping it's as sweet as I was told they are. I bring it home in 2 months.
I just purchased a pair to handfeed I will get it a couple of weeks, I bred manyo ther types of amazons and parrots including macaws, really like to try to breed these.
Did you get yours yet? Got photos?
I adopted a hawk-headed parrot earlier this year. The foster parents said previous owners didn't want him anymore because he is "mean"...hahahaha. I haven't seen him to have a mean bone in his body! He is a little nervous, at times, but come a long way from his phobic ways he had when I first got him only a few months ago and has become habituated to stimuli in our house very rapidly and is smart as a whip! He learns best from our red-bellied parrot (the only other male hookbill in our family). Melonhead (the red-belly, which by the way came with that name from a previous home) always gets in his cage on his own at night when he sees me putting the other birds in to cover them up for bed. After observing this for a couple of months, Jasper (hawkhead) just started doing this, too.
I also heard that they are a bit high strung and playful like a caique but I haven't noticed this, either. He is a very sweet, laid-back individual, almost more like blue-fronted amazons I've known. Anyway, congrats on your new companion. FYI- mine loves fruit that stains (pomagranate, blueberries, etc.)
Hawkheads are such a beautiful bird. I would love to get one. I take in unwanted birds for free and I keep them until they pass away of old age, any type of domestic parrot. I would love to have a Galah, HH, Eclectus, and so on. But like I said, HH are the most striking looking bird I have ever seen, especially when they fan their crown out. The bird is costly, but one day I will get one. TRACY