Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws are like flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant feathers. These rainforest dwellers make use of bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat fruits, leaves, nuts 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.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is the most widespread of all parrots, living in a variety of habitats. In the wild they live in large trees in large groups and foraging in forests and even near rivers. Although they are generally gentle, they can become aggressive when breeding. Both males and female take care of the young. They typically lay a couple of white eggs inside the cavities of dead tree branches. Young macaws are sexual maturity at around five.
This bird's large beak is used to crack open nuts, seeds and fruits. They feed mostly on insects, but also plants and are known to visit mineral deposit sites such as clay licks. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and sleep at night.
These macaws can imitate human speech and are highly intelligent. They are great escape artists, and can fly quickly away if they feel threatened. They also have the capability to change their colors to disguise themselves. The Scarlet Macaw is a fierce bird that makes loud screams, low-pitched sounds and other noises to warn animals of predators.
In the wild, the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity, they can last longer than that. Aviculture is a highly sought-after field due to the fact that they are easy to train and are social. They are usually trained to perform many tricks.
The scarlet macaw, despite its stunning plumage is a critically endangered species. They are mostly captured to be used in the pet industry and their population is shrinking due to the loss of forest.
A variety of organizations like World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP) are working to protect the scarlet Macaw. These organizations are dedicated to guarding the birds, enhancing habitats and conducting studies on these beautiful animals. It is crucial to remember that handling these birds too much could cause stress. Parrot fever can cause dry sneezing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores, and eat various 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. They can be extremely demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional intelligence and temper tantrums of the four- to eight-year-old.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet will provide most of the protein and vitamins and minerals that the macaw needs. In addition to these pellets, fresh food should be provided in small amounts each day. This can include a variety of fresh, chopped fruits and vegetables (including dark greens), cooked eggs, lean meats, and pasta and rice.
Fresh fruits and veggies should be washed prior to serving to the bird, and then cut into a size suitable for the species. Some examples of suitable fruits and vegetables suitable for the species include apple, apricots, oranges and grapes and pears, as well as bananas. Certain kinds of fruits and vegetables should be avoided, such as avocado (which is toxic to parrots), stringy vegetables such as celery, and highly acidic fruits like citrus.
Nuts and seeds are very popular among bird owners because they are simple to provide, but should not be the sole source of food. These seeds and nuts may be high in fat, deficient in calcium and vitamin A, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw only eats these nuts and seeds it could be more prone to diseases and live a shorter expectancy than if fed a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
When a macaw is fed correctly, it will become reproductively mature around three to four years old. They are monogamous and will stay with their mates for life. A pair will lay two to four round, white eggs, which are incubated by females for 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the young and they remain with their families until they are able to be on their own.
Feeding
Macaws consume a wide range of foods. Their powerful beaks crack nuts, seeds and fruits easily and their tongues can extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. They also have a sturdy gripping toes on both feet and can hold objects with them. They can also hold twigs or branches to exercise and play with. To ensure they are healthy and happy, they need plenty of attention from their owners.
When a bird is stressed, it could consume or bite its feathers, which could cause infection or even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a calm environment, regular social gatherings and adequate protection from predatory animals. Some species of bird, especially younger and older birds as well as nursing mothers have special nutritional needs and may need special diets that are specially designed for pellets. Talk to a veterinarian about these special situations.
Along with a balanced pelleted food it is also important to provide your pet a daily supply of fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. Wash all food items thoroughly to avoid toxins and cut it into smaller pieces that are appropriate for the bird's size. Avocados are poisonous and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird eggs that are raw or meat products, as well as dairy products as they can cause illnesses.
A regular shower or misting helps your bird keep a smooth, healthy skin and plumage. Many pet birds enjoy being sprayed with water however, it is important to not soak them or getting too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
A good time to bathe your macaw is after having eaten. This will avoid a mess, and allow the owner to check for any dietary or parasite issues. The bird is then dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a huge cage with plenty of perch space to allow them to spread their wings and relax. It should be placed away from direct sunlight as well as any source of cooling or heating. It should be covered if necessary to prevent predators from entering. A macaw's cage must be at a minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to allow the bird plenty of room to move and stretch its wings.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
Macaws need daily socialization with their family. If left alone for long periods of time (while their companions are working for instance) they could become frightened and destructive. They may also develop an intense bond to one person, which, if not dealt with quickly, can develop into feather-picking. Feather pickers pose an extremely serious issue and it is difficult to stop them without the assistance of a veterinarian and an avian behaviorist.
These intelligent and curious birds are attracted to puzzle toys and need to be occupied. Interlocking toys, parrot puzzles and toys that mimic preening are great for keeping the birds amused. They should also have access to clean water and be misted regularly to maintain healthy skin and feathers.
Keep your bird safe from open flames, drafts and harmful substances. Macaws should not be kept in kitchens due to the dangers they may face. This includes cookware that is non-stick and household cleaners, paint, and perfumed products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals such as zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is an excellent climber and should be given plenty of opportunities for exercise and enrichment. It will love perch stands, play gyms, and branches to hang on and large cages that have plenty of room for toys, branches, and flight. These toys can help prevent boredom, and also help read more your bird develop its beak. A cage should have a minimum of 3 feet of width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws have a long time, and you must be ready for that commitment prior to purchasing one. The lifespan of macaws is 70+ years, and some have even been reported to reach 100!
These gorgeous birds will bring beauty to any house. They can be a wonderful method of teaching children about nature, and they can be a great pet for families. They are great companions for life when properly socialized and cared for. Consider a hand-raised bird or baby from a reputable rescue group in case you're looking to add a new member to your family.