Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws are like flying Skittles bags with their bright 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 with berries and clay from the river's banks. They are social birds and will mate for the rest of their lives.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is among the most widely-diverse 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. They tend to be docile birds, however they can be aggressive during breeding seasons. They mate for life and both males and female care for the young. They lay between two and three eggs of white, which are usually in the cavities of dead branches. Young scarlet macaws reach sexual maturity by about age five.
The beak of this bird can be used to open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based, but they also eat insects and are known to visit mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal, meaning that they are active during the daytime, but rest at night.
These macaws can imitate human speech and are highly intelligent. They are great escape artists, and can swiftly flee when they are afraid. They can also alter their color to camouflage. The scarlet Macaw is a threatening bird that uses loud screams, low-pitched sound and other sounds to warn animals of predators.
In the wild, the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity, they live longer. Aviculture is a wildly popular field, because they are easily trained and social. They are trained to do a variety tricks.
Despite their stunning plumage, the macaw with the scarlet color is an endangered species. They are mostly caught for the pet trade, and their range is shrinking as deforestation and roads take over their habitats.
A variety of organizations are trying to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are dedicated to protecting the birds, improving habitats and conducting research on these magnificent creatures. It is important to keep in mind that handling the birds too much can cause stress. They also can contract parrot fever, which is an infection that can cause body aches and dry coughing.
Diet
Macaws consume a variety of food such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. They are among the most intelligent bird species and can learn to communicate with humans and perform tricks like mimicking words and sounds. These birds can be demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional intelligence of a 4- to 8-year old child. They can be irritable or throw temper tantrums if they don't receive what they need.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet will provide the macaw parrot most of the protein, fats and vitamins it needs. Fresh foods in small amounts are recommended to be included in the pellets. This could include a large variety of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, such as dark greens, cooked eggs pasta, lean beef and rice.
Fresh fruits and vegetables must be washed before being offered to the bird, and then cut into a size appropriate for the species. Apricots, apples, and oranges are good fruits and veggies for this species. Certain types of vegetables and fruits must be avoided, including avocado (which can be poisonous to parrots), stringy vegetables such as celery, and highly acidic fruits such as citrus.
Nuts and seeds are very popular for bird owners since they are easy to feed, but should not be the only source of food. These nuts and seeds are very high in fat and may be deficient in calcium, vitamin A, and other nutrients. If a macaw consumes these as their sole food source, they is more susceptible to disease and have a shorter life span than when they were fed a balanced diet consisting of supplemented bird pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed the right nutrition, it will reach reproductive maturity at around three to four years old. These birds are monogamous and will remain with their mates for the rest of their lives. A pair of birds will produce two to four rounded, white eggs, which are incubated by the females for about 24 to 25 days. Both parents take care of the infants and they stay with their families until they are able to be independently.
Feeding
Macaws consume a variety of food. Their powerful beaks can easily crush seeds, nuts and fruits. Their tongues can extract the juice from fruits and vegetables. Each foot has a sturdy gripping edge that can be used to hold objects. They also can grasp twigs and branches, which they play with and exercise with. To keep them healthy and content, they require plenty of love and attention from their owners.
If a pet macaw cost bird is stressed, it could take a bite or eat its feathers, which can cause infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures include a peaceful environment, normal social groupings and a safe environment from predatory animals. Some species of bird including older and younger birds as well as nursing mothers have special nutritional requirements and may require a specially formulated pelleted diet. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding these issues.
In addition to a balanced pelleted diet it is also important to provide your pet fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. To be safe from toxins, clean all food items thoroughly before cutting into pieces that are small enough to the size of your pet. Do not feed avocadoes because they can cause toxic effects. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs or dairy products since they can cause illness.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird keep a soft, healthy skin and plumage. Many pet birds enjoy getting sprayed with water, however, it is important to not soak them or getting excessive moisture on their feathers or their skin.
After a meal is a good time bathe a macaw. This prevents an unclean environment and allows the owner to check for parasites or dietary issues. The bird can be dried using a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require an enormous cage, ideally with the largest and most spacious perch area for resting and stretching its wings. It should be placed away from direct sunlight and any source of cooling or heating. If needed, it should be covered to prevent predators entering. The cage of a macaw should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet high to give the bird ample room to move around and spread its wings.
Care
Macaws need daily socialization with their family. If left to their own devices for long periods of time (while their companions are at work, for example) they could become frightened and destructive. They may also form an intense bond with a person that, if not corrected immediately, can lead to feather-picking. Feather picking is a very serious issue in these birds and is difficult to stop without the assistance of an avian behaviorist or an avian veterinarian to determine any underlying medical problems.
These intelligent and curious birds love puzzle toys and require to be entertained. Interlocking toys, parrot puzzles and toys that mimic preening are great to keep the birds amused. They must also have access to clean water and be misted regularly in order to maintain healthy skin and feathers.
Make sure your bird is safe from drafts, open flames and harmful substances. Macaws should not be housed in kitchens because of the dangers they may face. These include non-stick cookware and household cleaners, paint, and perfumed products such as air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals such as zinc and costume jewelry.
This bird is naturally a climber and needs plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will enjoy perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang from, as well as large cages that have plenty of room for toys, branches and flight. These toys can prevent boredom, and also help your bird grow its beak. A cage should be minimum of 3 feet of width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws live a very long time and you should be prepared for the commitment before getting one. The lifespan of macaws is between 70 and 80 years and some have been reported to be 100 years old!
These beautiful birds make a fantastic addition to any home. They are a great way to teach children about nature and can be a wonderful pet for your family. They make great companions for life when properly taken care of and socialized. If you are looking for an addition to your family look into a baby raised by hand from a reputable breeder or adopt a bird from a rescue group.