Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in the rainbow of colors scarlet macaws resemble flying bags of Skittles. The forest dwellers use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild In the wild, they eat fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds. They also supplement their diet with berries and clay from river banks. They are social birds that mate for life.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is among of the parrots with the largest variety. It is found in a variety of habitats. In the wild, they live in large trees, residing in large groups and hunting in forests and near rivers. Although they are usually docile however, they can be aggressive when they are breeding. They mate for life, and both the male and female tend to the young. They usually lay two or three rounded white eggs inside the cavities of dead branches of trees. Young scarlet macaws reach sexual maturity at around five.
This bird has a long beak which is used to break open nuts, fruits and seeds. Their diet is mostly plant-based, however, they also consume insects, and are often seen visiting mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active during the daytime and sleep at night.
Macaws are extremely intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are adept escape artists and can flee quickly when they feel threatened. They can also alter their color to conceal. 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 up 50 years. In captivity, they live for longer. They are a favorite bird in aviculture because they are known to be extremely social and easy to train. They are usually trained to perform many tricks.
Despite their stunning plumage, the macaw with the scarlet color is an endangered species. They are primarily caught for pet trade and their range is shrinking as deforestation and roads encroach on their habitats.
A variety of organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These groups are committed to protecting the birds, improving habitats and conducting research on these magnificent creatures. It is essential to remember that handling the birds too much can result in stress. They also have the potential to contract parrot fever. It is an illness that causes dry coughing and body pain.
Diet
Macaws eat a variety foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be demanding and need lots of attention. They have the emotional ability and temper tantrums of an eight-year-old to four.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet should provide the majority of the protein and vitamins and minerals that the macaw requires. In addition to these pellets, fresh food should be provided in small amounts each day. This could include a large variety of fresh, diced fruit and vegetables, such as dark greens, cooked eggs, lean beef, pasta, and rice.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed and cut to the appropriate size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Apricots, apples, and oranges are all good choices of vegetables and fruits 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 a favorite with bird owners as they are easy to feed, but should not be the only source of food. These nuts and seeds could be rich in fat, low in calcium and vitamin A, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw only eats these nuts and seeds, it could be more prone to illness and have a lower life expectancy than if eating a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food and fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed properly, it will become reproductively mature at about three to four years old. They are monogamous and will remain with their mates for the rest of their lives. A pair of birds will produce two to four round, white eggs that are hatched by the females for about 24 to 25 days. The young are cared for by both parents and stay with the family until they are able to live on their own.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores, and they eat many different kinds of food. Their powerful beaks can easily crack nuts, seeds and fruits. Their tongues are able to extract juice from vegetables and fruits. They also have a sturdy gripping toes on each foot and can hold objects using them. They also can grasp branches and twigs, which they play with and exercise with. To ensure they are healthy and happy, they need plenty of love and attention from their owners.
If a bird is stressed, it might consume its own feathers or bite itself, which could cause infection and even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a tranquil, social environment and adequate protection against predatory animals. Some bird species, particularly younger and older birds, females who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have particular nutritional needs and may require a specially formulated diet. Talk to a veterinarian about these special situations.
In addition to a balanced pelleted food, you should also offer your pet a daily supply of fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. Wash all produce thoroughly to avoid toxins and cut into small pieces that are suitable for the size of the bird. Avoid feeding avocados because they can cause toxicity. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs or dairy products as they could cause sickness.
Routine misting or showering helps your bird keep a soft, healthy skin and plumage. It's normal for pets to enjoy being sprayed, however it's important not to soak them or get too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
After eating is a good time to bathe the macaw. This helps prevent a mess and allows the owner to check for parasites or dietary issues. The bird can be dried using towels before returning to its cage.
Large macaws require an enormous cage, ideally with an expansive and tall perch area for resting and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat or cooling sources, and out of way of drafts. If necessary it should be secured to stop predators from entering. The cage of a macaw needs to be at least three feet wide 2 feet deep and six feet tall. This will give the bird plenty of space to spread its wings and move around.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
Macaws require constant interaction with their flock. 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 connection to one person, which, if not dealt with quickly, can develop into feather-picking. Feather pickers are an extremely serious issue and it is difficult to stop them without the assistance of a veterinarian and an avian behaviourist.
These intelligent and curious birds are attracted to puzzle toys and require to be entertained. They will be amused by interlocking toys, parrots puzzles and toys which simulate preening. They should also have access to clean water and be misted regularly to maintain healthy skin and feathers.
Make sure your bird is safe from flames, drafts and harmful substances. Kitchens are not a great option for macaws due the many dangers they could face, such as non-stick cookware, household cleansers paint, perfumed and other products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants as well as certain metals, such as zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is an excellent climber and needs to be provided with plenty of opportunities for exercise and enrichment. It will love perch stands, play website gyms, and branches to hang from and large cages with plenty of space for toys, branches, and even flight. These toys can prevent boredom and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should be minimum of 3 feet in width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws live for a long time and you should be prepared for the commitment prior to purchasing one. The average lifespan of macaws is around 70 years, and some have even been reported to live to 100 years!
These beautiful birds make a fantastic addition to any home. They are a great method to teach children about nature, and make wonderful pets for the family. They are great companions to have when they are loved and pampered. You might consider a pet that is raised by hand or baby from a reputable rescue group in case you're looking to add a new member to your family.