Scarlet macaws resemble flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant feathers. The forest dwellers use their bright colors to signal danger.
In the wild in the wild, they consume nuts, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also supplement their diets with berries and clay taken from the banks of rivers. They are mate for life and are extremely social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is one of the parrots with the largest variety. It can be found in a variety of habitats. In the wild they are found in large trees in large groups and foraging in forests and even near rivers. They are generally gentle birds, however they can be aggressive during breeding seasons. They are mate for life, and both the male and female tend to the young. They lay between two and three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. Young macaws are sexual maturity by about age five.
The beak of this bird can be used to open nuts, seeds and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based, however, they also consume insects and are well-known to visit mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active during the day but sleep at night.
Macaws mimic human speech and are highly intelligent. They are good escape artists and can quickly flee if they feel threatened. They can also change their color to conceal. The scarlet macaw is a loud bird that emits a variety of high-pitched sounds and screams to warn other animals of predators in the vicinity.
In the wild, macaws in scarlet can live to be 50 years old. In captivity, they can live longer. Aviculture is a wildly popular field because they are easy to train and social. They are trained to perform many tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the scarlet macaw is a very threatened species. They are mostly captured to be used in the pet industry and their population is shrinking due to the loss of forest.
Several organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw, including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These groups are dedicated to protecting the birds, enhancing their habitats and conducting research on these beautiful creatures. It is essential to remember that handling these birds too much can result in stress. They can also catch parrot fever, which is an illness that causes body aches and dry coughing.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores and enjoy many different kinds of food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. These birds are 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 pellet diet must provide the macaw parrot with the majority of the fats, protein and vitamins it needs. Fresh food, in small amounts, should be added to the pellets. This could include a variety of fresh chopped fruits and vegetables (including dark greens) cooked eggs, lean meats, and rice and pasta.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be cleaned prior to offering to the bird and cut into a size suitable for the species. Some examples of suitable fruits and vegetables suitable for this species include apple, apricots, oranges and grapes, pears, and bananas. Avoid avocados (which are poisonous to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are a favorite with bird owners as they are simple to provide but they shouldn't be the sole source of food. The nuts and seeds are extremely high in fat and may be deficient in calcium, vitamin A and other nutrients. If a macaw only eats these nuts and seeds, it could be more prone to diseases and have a lower life expectancy than if fed a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed the right nutrition it will attain reproductive maturity between three to four years old. They are monogamous and will stay with their mates for the rest of their lives. Females incubate two to four white, round eggs for 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the babies and they stay with their family until they are able to be independently.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores, and they eat various kinds of food. Their powerful beaks can break fruits, seeds, and nuts easily, and their tongues extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. They also have a powerful gripping toes on both feet and can hold objects using them. They can also hold twigs and branches to exercise and play with. They require a lot of interaction with their owners to ensure that they are healthy and happy.
If a bird feels stressed, it might eat its own feathers or bite itself, which can result in infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures include a tranquil, social environment and adequate protection from predatory animals. Some species of bird particularly older and younger birds as well as nursing mothers have unique nutritional requirements and may require an individualized diet that is specifically designed for pellets. Consult a veterinarian about these special situations.
Along with a balanced diet of pellets it is also important to provide your pet daily fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. Wash all food items thoroughly to eliminate toxins, and then cut into small pieces that are suitable for the bird's size. Avocados can be toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird eggs that are raw, meat or dairy products since they could cause illness.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird maintain soft, healthy skin and plumage. It's common for pet birds to enjoy being sprayed, but it's important not to soak the feathers or get too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
The best time to bathe your macaw is following eating. This will prevent an unclean environment and allows the owner to inspect for any parasites or dietary issues. The bird will then be dried off with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require an enormous cage, with ideally an expansive and tall perch area for resting and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and any heating or cooling source. If it is necessary it is covered to prevent predators entering. A macaw's cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet high to give the bird plenty of room to move and stretch its wings.
Care
Macaws require regular interaction with the flock. They may be destructive and fearful if left on their own for a long period of time (while the people they live with are at work). They may also develop a strong relationship with one person, and if it is not addressed quickly, could turn into feather picking. Feather picking is a very serious problem with these birds and is difficult to end without the help of an avian behaviorist as well as an experienced veterinarian for any possible medical conditions.
These curious and intelligent parrots are awed by puzzle toys and need to be kept busy. Puzzles for parrots, interlocking toys and toys that simulate preening are great to keep these birds amused. They also need to have access to clean water and should be misted frequently to maintain a healthy skin and plumage.
Keep your bird in a secure location away from open flames, drafts and corrosive materials. Kitchens are not a great option for macaws due the many potential hazards including non-stick cookware, household cleansers paint, perfumed and other products such as air fresheners. Avoid houseplants as well as certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
This bird is a natural climber and should be given plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will appreciate perch stand and play gyms that have branches to hang from and a large cage with plenty of space for toys, branches and flight. These toys can prevent boredom, and also help your bird develop its beak. A cage should be at a minimum of 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws are extremely long-lived birds and you should be prepared for that prior to acquiring one. The average life expectancy is 70+ years, with some reported to live up to 100!
These gorgeous birds will bring beauty to any home. They can be a wonderful method of teaching children about the natural world, and they make wonderful pets for the family. They make great companions when properly taken care of and socialized. If you're looking to find an additional family member, consider a hand-raised baby from a reputable breeder, or adopt birds from a rescue organization.