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- Macaws
General: The bold, powerful, and colorful macaw is a New World parrot, classified into six of the many Psittacidae genera: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Propyrrhura, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. These majestic creatures are extremely intelligent and come with a big personality. Macaw sizes range from the Hahns Macaw which is the smallest at 12 inches to the largest Hyacinth Macaw measuring at over 3 feet from head to tail. Macaws are not known for their talking ability, but can learn to repeat many words and phrases. Macaws have fascinated humans for thousand of years and continue to do so today with their exquisite colors. Check out the complete list of Macaws and learn which ones are endangered and extinct. Environment: Their native habitats are the rain forests of Mexico and Central and South America. More specifically, several species originate from Eastern Panama, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela. Having the experience to see a wild macaw in flight is breath taking! Check out the amazing conservation videos at Parrots International. Diet: A Macaw diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, nuts, and a high quality mixture of large hookbill seed and commercial pellets. Macaws require a higher fat and oil content in their diet. Offering fresh nuts in the shell such as almonds, walnuts, brazils, and macadamia nuts will help to complete this dietary need. Fresh water should be given twice daily, removing any contaminated water bowls and replenishing with fresh. Using enrichment techniques during feedings is highly beneficial for the well being of parrots. There are many products available that allow the caretaker to place food inside thus making it a challenge for the parrot to retrieve the treat. Certain fruits such as oranges, apples, and bananas can have the peel left on (washed of course). This will allow the bird to discover the yummy parts and keep busy longer. Discard any uneaten fresh foods daily. Always wash all foods with a good fruit and vegetable cleanser, it really will make a difference in the health of your parrot. Check out the fresh foods you should be feeding your parrot on our fresh food list. Breeding: Breeding macaws is an enormous responsibility and should be done only by the experienced and educated parrot breeder. The diet, housing, and caring requirements are vital for these large birds to live well and should not be taken lightly. There has to be a genuine love and dedication to successfully breed macaws. There is a variation in the number of eggs laid depending on the species of macaw. The Hyacinth Macaw, the largest of the macaw family, will lay two eggs unlike the Hahn's Macaw, one of the smallest in the family, will lay up to five eggs. Macaws will bond for life with their chosen mate. Human caretakers will be seen as a "mate" and pet macaws may display breeding behavior towards them. This can include some aggressive or dominating behavior and louder more frequent bird calls. Captivity: There has been documentation of macaws living for up to 100 years. An average of 50 years is more probable. The larger macaws may live up to 65+ years. The decision to have a macaw as a pet should be seen as a life-long commitment, as it will likely be a companion for life and possibly even outlive it's caretaker. Macaws are monogamous and mate for life. In captivity they will bond primarily with one person, usually the caretaker. Companion parrots require daily interaction. Most macaws are affectionate and thrive on their owners constant love. Lack of this can lead to physical and mental suffering. Destructive behaviors such as self-mutilation may be a sign of abuse and neglect. Macaws can be extremely loud, thus their owner must be aware of this natural calling. The macaw should not be reprimanded for this natural behavior. Macaws need plenty of space to be housed in. The height of the cage is important because of the lengthly tail they have. We highly recommend purchasing an acrylic cage for your parrot. We highly recommend purchasing an acrylic cage or your bird to be housed in. Macaws are not suitable as pets for children without proper adult supervision. They have very powerful, large beaks and are capable of causing great harm to both children and adults. Macaws are recommended for the experienced parrot handler who has time, energy, finances, and education of these brilliant birds. It should be an extensive thought out process when deciding to purchase a macaw. Those that can offer and commit to the responsibilities of a larger parrot will experience great passion and fulfillment in a newly changed way of life. |
Quick Find Parrot Species Guide Macaws Cockatoos Amazons African Greys Eclectus Pionus Parrots Conures Quakers Caiques Lorikeets Cockatiels Lovebirds Parrotlets Rosella Parakeets Budgies Finches |
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| Fun Feather Fact Macaws are often seen in the wild near clay cliffs eating clay. This is believed to protect them from the effects of poisonous seeds they eat. |
