Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in a rainbow of colors, scarlet macaws look like flying bags of Skittles. These rainforest dwellers use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds. They also supplement their diet with berries and clay from the river's banks. They are social birds and mate for the rest of their lives.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is among the most widespread of all parrots. It is found in a wide range of habitats. In the wild they live in large trees in large groups and foraging in forests and in the vicinity of rivers. They are generally peaceful birds, but they can become aggressive during breeding periods. They mate for life and both the male and female tend to the young. They lay two to three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. Young scarlet macaws reach sexual maturity around five.
This bird has a large beak which is used to break open fruits, nuts and seeds. They consume mainly insects, but also plants and are often seen at mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal, meaning that they are active in the daytime, but sleep at night.
These macaws can imitate human speech and are highly intelligent. They are good escape artists, and can swiftly flee when they feel threatened. They also have the capability to change their color to disguise themselves. The Scarlet Macaw is a fierce bird that makes loud screams and low-pitched sounds and other noises to warn animals of predators.
In the wild, macaws in scarlet can live to be 50 years old. In captivity, they could live even longer than the previous. They are a very popular bird in aviculture, as they are known to be extremely social and easy to train. They are trained to perform various tricks.
The macaw with the scarlet color, despite its dazzling plumage is a highly endangered species. They are primarily captured for pet trade and their habitat is shrinking as deforestation and roads take over their habitats.
Several organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are committed to protecting the birds, improving their habitats, and conducting research about the beautiful animals. It is important to remember that handling these birds too much can cause stress. Parrot fever can cause body pain and dry sneezing.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores, and eat many different kinds of food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be demanding and need lots of attention. They possess the emotional intelligence of a 4- to 8-year-old child and may become angry or even throw temper tantrums when they do not achieve what they want.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet should provide the macaw parrot most of the protein, fats and vitamins it needs. In addition to these pellets, fresh food should be provided in small amounts every day. This could include a range of fresh chopped fruits and veggies (including dark greens), cooked eggs, lean meats and pasta and rice.
Fresh fruits and veggies should be washed before being offered to the bird and cut into a size appropriate for the species. Some examples of good fruits and vegetables suitable for this species are apples, apricots, oranges grapes and pears, as well a banana. Avoid avocados (which are poisonous to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are popular with bird owners as they are easy to offer however they should not be the only source of food. These nuts and seeds could be high in fat, lacking in calcium and vitamin A as well as other nutrients. If a macaw eats these as their only food source, they could be susceptible to illness and a shorter lifespan than when they were eating a balanced diet of supplemented bird pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed the right nutrition, it will attain reproductive maturity around three to four years old. These birds are monogamous and will remain with their mates for life. Females incubate two to four white rounded eggs for 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the infants and they stay with their family until they can live independently.
Feeding
Macaws consume a variety of foods. Their powerful beaks can break open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their tongues can extract the juice from vegetables and fruits. Each foot has a strong gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They can also hold twigs or branches to exercise and play with. They require a lot of interaction with their owners to keep them happy and healthy.
If birds are stressed, it could take a bite or eat its feathers, which could cause infection or even death. Stress-reducing measures include a calm atmosphere, regular social groups and adequate protection from predatory animals. Certain species of birds, especially older and younger birds females who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have special nutritional needs and may require a special diet. Consult a veterinarian if have any questions about these issues.
Along with a balanced pelleted food It is important to feed your pet a daily supply of fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. To be safe from toxins, clean all produce thoroughly and cut into pieces that are small enough for the size of your pet. Avocadoes are toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs, meat or dairy products as they may cause illness.
Darling hahns macaw misting and showering will ensure your bird has soft, healthy plumage and skin. It's common for pets to enjoy being sprayed, but it's important not to soak them or leave too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
After a meal is a great time to bathe the macaw. This will avoid a mess, and allow the owner to check for any parasites or issues with diet. The bird can then be dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large cage with plenty of perch space for them to stretch their wings and relax. It should be located away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling sources and out of the drafts. If necessary it is covered to prevent predators entering. The cage of a macaw should be at a minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to give the bird enough space to move about and stretch its wings.
Care
Macaws require constant interaction with their family. They can be violent and fearful if left in a secluded area for long periods of time (while the people they live with are at work). They can also develop a strong bond with a single person, which, if not corrected immediately, can lead to feather-picking. Feather pickers pose a serious problem and can be difficult to stop them without the assistance of a vet and an avian behaviourist.
These intelligent and curious birds are attracted to puzzle toys and need to be occupied. Puzzles that are interlocking, parrots and toys that simulate preening are great to keep the birds entertained. They should also have access clean water and be regularly misted in order to maintain healthy skin and feathers.
Make sure your bird is in a secure location away from drafts, open flames and other harmful materials. Kitchens are not a good option for macaws due the many potential hazards including non-stick cookware, household cleaners paint, perfumed and other products like air fresheners. Also, avoid houseplants and certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
The bird is naturally a climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will enjoy perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang from as well as huge cages that have plenty of room for toys, branches and flight. These toys can prevent boredom, and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws are extremely long-lived birds and you must be prepared for that before you purchase one. The average life expectancy is 70+ years, with some reported to live up to 100!
These beautiful birds will add beauty to any home. They can be a wonderful way to teach kids about nature, and they can be a great pet for families. When properly cared for and socialized, they make excellent companions for their entire lives. If you're looking to find a new family member you might consider a baby that has been raised by a human from a reputable breeder, or adopt a bird from a rescue organization.