Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers in the rainbow of colors scarlet macaws resemble flying bags of Skittles. These rainforest inhabitants use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat nuts, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also supplement their diet by eating berries and the clay that is found on river banks. They are social birds that mate for life.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is the most diverse of all parrots, occurring in a variety of habitats. In the wild, they spend their time in large trees in large groups hunting in forests and in the vicinity of rivers. Although they are generally gentle however, they can be aggressive when breeding. Both males and female take care of the young. They lay a couple of to three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. At the age of five young scarlet macaws have become sexually mature.
This bird's large beak is used to break open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based but they also eat insects and are well-known to visit mineral deposits like clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active during the day, and rest at night.
Macaws mimic human speech and are highly intelligent. They are excellent escape artists, and can swiftly flee when they feel threatened. They are also able to change their colors to disguise themselves. The scarlet macaw is a loud bird that makes a variety of screams and low-pitched noises to alert other animals of predators in the vicinity.
In the wild the scarlet macaw can live for up to 50 years. In captivity, they live longer. They are a very popular bird in the aviculture industry, since they are extremely social and easy to train. They are frequently trained to perform many tricks.
The macaw that is scarlet, despite its stunning coloration, is a critically endangered species. They are primarily captured for the pet trade, and their range is shrinking as deforestation and roads take over their habitats.
A variety of organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are dedicated to guarding the birds, improving their habitats and conducting research on these magnificent creatures. It is essential to remember that handling these birds too often can result in stress. Parrot fever can also cause body aches and dry sneezing.
Diet
Macaws consume a variety of food such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. These birds can be very demanding and require lots of attention. They possess the emotional ability of a 4 to 8-year-old, and they can be irritable or rage if they don't achieve what they want.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet should provide the majority of the nutrients, protein, and vitamins that macaws require. Fresh food in small amounts should be added to the pellets. This could include a variety of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, including dark greens, cooked eggs lean beef, pasta, and rice.
Fruits and vegetables need to be cleaned and cut to the appropriate size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Apples, apricots and oranges are all good choices of vegetables and fruits for this species. Avoid avocados (which are toxic to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds can be popular with bird owners because they are easy to provide however they shouldn't 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 consumes only these nuts and seeds, it may be more susceptible to illness and live a shorter time than if fed a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw gets the proper nutrition, it will attain reproductive maturity around three to four years old. These birds are monogamous and will stay with their mates for life. The females incubate two to four white, round eggs for 24 to 25 days. The babies are cared for by both parents and remain with the family until they are able to be independent.
Feeding
Macaws consume a wide range of food. Their powerful beaks can break fruit, seeds and nuts easily, and their tongues extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. Each foot has a strong gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They can also hold twigs and branches to exercise or play with. To keep them healthy and happy, they require a lot of love and attention from their owners.
If a bird feels stressed, it may eat its own feathers or bite itself, which can lead to infection and death. Stress-reducing measures include a calm environment, regular social gatherings and a safe environment from predatory animals. Certain species of birds, especially older and younger birds and females who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have specific nutritional requirements and may require a specially formulated diet. Consult an animal veterinarian regarding these specific situations.
As well as a balanced diet of pellets it is also important to provide your pet daily fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. To keep away from toxins, wash all food items thoroughly before cutting into smaller pieces suitable for the size of your pet. Avocados can be toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs, or dairy products because they can cause illnesses.
Routine misting and showering will help your bird maintain healthy, soft plumage and skin. Many pet birds enjoy being sprayed with water but it is important to not soak them or putting too much moisture on their feathers or skin.
After eating is a good time bathe the macaw. This will avoid the mess and let the owner look for any dietary or parasite issues. The bird is then dried off with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large cage, which should have the largest and most spacious perch to rest and stretching its wings. It should be located away from direct sunlight, cooling or heating sources, and out of drafts. It must be covered in the event of need to keep predators out. The cage of a macaw must be at minimum three feet wide, two feet deep and six feet tall. This will allow the bird plenty of space to spread its wings and move about.
Care
Macaws require constant interaction with their family. They can become destructive and fearful if left in a secluded area for long periods of time (while the people they live with are at work). They may also develop an intense bond with one person which when not addressed promptly, can lead to feather-picking. Feather picking is a very serious problem with these birds and is hard to stop without the help of an avian behaviorist as well as a veterinarian for any potential medical conditions.
These curious and intelligent parrots enjoy puzzle toys and need to be entertained. They will be entertained by interlocking toys, parrots puzzles and toys which simulate preening. They should also have access to clean water and be misted regularly in order to maintain healthy skin, feathers and plumage.
Keep your bird away from flames, drafts and toxic substances. Kitchens are not a good option for macaws due to 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.
This bird is an excellent climber and needs to be provided with ample opportunities for exercise and enrichment. It will appreciate perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang from as well as huge cages that provide plenty of space for toys, branches and even flight. The inclusion of these toys can keep your bird entertained and help your bird sharpen its beak. A cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws have a long time, and you must be prepared for the commitment prior to purchasing one. The average life expectancy is 70+ years, and some have been reported to live up to 100!
These gorgeous birds will bring beauty to any home. They can be a wonderful method to teach children about nature and are a rewarding family pet. check here They are great companions for life when properly taken care of and socialized. If you're looking to find an additional family member you might consider a baby that has been raised by a human from a reputable breeder, or adopt birds from a rescue group.