Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in an array of colors, scarlet macaws appear like flying bags of Skittles. These rainforest inhabitants use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild they eat leaves, nuts and fruits, seeds and seeds. They also supplement their diet by eating berries and the clay that is found on riverbanks. They are mate for life and are very social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is considered to be one of the parrots with the largest variety. It can be found in a variety of habitats. In the wild they live in large trees in large groups, foraging in forests, and near rivers. They tend to be docile birds, but they can become aggressive during breeding periods. Both males and female tend to the young. They lay between two and three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. Young scarlet macaws reach sexual maturity by about age five.
The large beak of this bird is used to break open seeds, nuts and fruits. They feed mostly on plants, but also insects and are frequent visitors to mineral deposits like clay licks. They are diurnal, which means they are active during the daytime and sleep at night.
Macaws are able to imitate human speech and are extremely intelligent. They are excellent escape artists and can fly quickly away if they are afraid. They can also change their color to hide. The scarlet macaw is an incredibly loud bird that makes a variety of sounds and low-pitched screams to warn other animals of nearby predators.
In the wild, scarlet macaws can live to be 50 years old. In captivity, they can live longer. Aviculture is a highly sought-after field because they are easy to train and social. They are trained to do a variety tricks.
The macaw with the scarlet color, despite its stunning coloration, is a species that is in danger of extinction. They are primarily caught to be sold as pets, and their range is shrinking as roads and deforestation are threatening their habitats.
Several organizations such as World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP) are working together to protect the scarlet macaw. These groups are dedicated to protecting the birds, improving habitats, and conducting research about these magnificent creatures. It is crucial to keep in mind that handling these birds too much can cause stress. They also can contract parrot fever, an illness that causes dry coughing and body pain.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores. They eat various kinds of food such as fruits vegetables, nuts, and seeds. They are one of the most intelligent bird species. They are able to communicate with humans as well as perform tricks such as mimicking sounds and words. These birds are demanding and require a lot of attention. They have the emotional intelligence and temper tantrums of an eight-year-old to four.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet should provide the macaw parrot most of the fats, protein, vitamins and minerals it requires. In addition to these pellets, fresh foods are recommended in small quantities each day. This could include a variety of fresh, chopped fruits and vegetables (including dark greens) cooked eggs, lean meats, and pasta and rice.
Fresh fruits and vegetables must be washed prior to serving to the bird, and then cut into a size suitable for the species. Apricots, oranges, and apples are all good choices of vegetables and fruits for this species. Certain kinds of vegetables and fruits should be avoided, including avocado (which can be poisonous to parrots) and stringy vegetables such as celery and highly acidic fruits like citrus.
Nuts and seeds are popular for bird owners since they are easy to feed however they should not be the only source of food. These seeds and nuts may be rich in fat, low in calcium and vitamin A and may also contain other nutrients. If a macaw eats only these seeds and nuts, it may be more vulnerable to illness and have a lower life time than if eating a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw gets its food properly, it will be reproductively mature around three to four years old. These birds are monogamous, and will stay with their mate throughout their lives. Females lay two to four white round eggs for 24 to 25 days. Both parents take care of the infants and they stay with their family until they are able to be independently.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores and enjoy various kinds of food. Their powerful beaks are able to crush seeds, nuts and fruits. Their tongues are able to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Each foot has a sturdy gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They can also hold twigs or branches to exercise and play with. To stay healthy and happy, they require a lot of love and attention from their owners.
If a bird feels stressed, it could eat its own feathers or bite itself, which could result in infection and even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a calm, social environment and adequate protection against predatory animals. Some species of bird including older and younger birds, pregnant females and nursing mothers have specific nutritional needs and may need an individualized diet that is specifically designed for pellets. Talk to an animal veterinarian regarding these specific situations.
In addition to a well-rounded diet that is pelleted, feed your pet fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains daily. Wash all produce thoroughly to avoid toxins and cut it into smaller pieces that are suitable for the size of the bird. Avocados are poisonous and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs or meat, dairy products or dairy products as they may cause illnesses.
Routine misting or showering helps your bird maintain soft, healthy skin and plumage. Many pet birds enjoy being sprayed with water, but it is important to not soak them or getting excessive moisture on their feathers or skin.
After eating is a good time bathe the macaw. This will help prevent an unclean environment, and also allow the owner to check for any dietary or parasite issues. The bird can then be toweled dry before it is returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large cage, ideally with a wide and tall perch for resting and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat or cooling sources and out of the drafts. If needed it is covered to prevent predators entering. The cage of a macaw should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to allow the bird enough space to move and stretch its wings.
Care
Macaws require constant interaction with their flock. They may become destructive and fearful if left in a secluded area for long periods of time (while the people they reside with are working). They may also form an intense bond with a single person, which, if not corrected immediately could lead to feather picking. Feather picking is a serious issue in these birds and is difficult to stop without the assistance of an avian behaviorist as well as an avian veterinarian to determine any medical conditions.
These intelligent and curious birds are attracted to puzzle toys and need to be occupied. Puzzles that are interlocking, parrots and toys that mimic preening are great to keep the birds amused. They must also have access to clean water and be misted regularly to ensure healthy skin and feathers.
Make sure your bird is in a secure area away from open flames, drafts and toxic materials. Kitchens aren't a good option for macaws due to the many potential hazards including non-stick cookware, household cleansers paint, perfumed and other products like air fresheners. Also avoid houseplants, certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
This bird is an excellent climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will appreciate perch stand and play gyms that have branches to hang from, as well as an enormous cage that has plenty of room for toys, branches and flight. Providing these toys will keep your bird entertained and help your macaw purchase bird sharpen its beak. A cage should have a minimum of 3 feet in width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws have a long time and you must be prepared for the commitment before you purchase one. The average lifespan is 70+ years and some have been reported to live up to 100!
These beautiful birds will add a touch of elegance to any house. They are a great method of teaching children about nature, and they make a wonderful family pet. When properly cared for and socialized, they make excellent companions for their entire lives. If you are looking for an addition to your family, consider a hand-raised baby from a reputable breeder or adopting an animal from a rescue group.