Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws look like flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant feathers. These rainforest dwellers use their bright coloration to signal danger.
In the wild in the wild, they consume fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds. They also supplement their diets by eating berries and clay from the banks of rivers. They are social birds and mate for life.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is among the most widely-diverse of all parrots, living in a broad range of habitats. In the wild, they reside in large trees, living in large groups and hunting in forests and near rivers. They are generally peaceful birds, but they can be aggressive during periods of breeding. They will mate for the rest of their lives and both the male and female care for the young. They lay two to three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. By the age of five young macaws are sexually mature.
The bird has a huge beak which is used to break open fruits, nuts and seeds. They feed mostly on insects, but also plants and are known to visit mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal, which means they are active during the daytime, but sleep at night.
Macaws are able to imitate human speech and are extremely intelligent. They are excellent escape artists, and can fly quickly away if they are afraid. They also have the ability to change their color to disguise themselves. The scarlet Macaw is an aggressive bird that uses loud screams, low-pitched sound and other noises to warn animals of predators.
In the wild the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity they can live for longer. They are a favorite bird in aviculture, as they are extremely social and simple to train. They are trained to do a variety tricks.
The scarlet macaw, despite its dazzling plumage is a species that is in danger of extinction. They are primarily taken to be sold as pets, and their habitat is shrinking as deforestation and roads take over their habitats.
Several organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These groups are committed to guarding the birds, enhancing habitats and conducting research on these magnificent creatures. It is crucial to keep in mind that these birds shouldn't be handled in a way that is too frequent since this can cause stress. They can also catch parrot fever, an infection that causes dry coughing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores. They eat a variety of foods that include fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be demanding and require a lot of attention. They possess the emotional ability and temper tantrums of the four- to eight-year-old.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet will provide the macaw parrot most of the fats, protein, vitamins and minerals it needs. Fresh foods in small amounts are recommended to be included in the pellets. This could include a range of fresh chopped fruits and veggies (including dark greens), cooked eggs, lean meats and pasta and rice.
Fruits and vegetables must be cleaned and cut to the proper size for the species prior to giving them to the bird. Apricots, apples, and oranges are excellent fruits and vegetables for this species. Avoid avocados (which can be toxic to parrots) as well as celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are popular with bird owners due to the fact that they are easy to feed, but they should not be the sole source of food. These seeds and nuts may be rich in fat, low in vitamin A and calcium, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw eats only these seeds and nuts, it may be more vulnerable to illness and have a lower life duration than those fed a balanced diet which includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed correctly, it will become reproductively mature between three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous and will stay with their mate throughout their lives. A pair will produce two to four round, white eggs that are hatched by females for 24 to 25 days. Both parents take care of the young and they remain with their family until they are able to live on their own.
Feeding
Macaws consume a variety of foods. Their powerful beaks break open fruit, seeds and nuts easily, and their tongues extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. Each foot has a powerful gripping edge that can be used to hold objects. They can also hold twigs or branches to exercise or play with. To ensure they are healthy and happy, they require plenty of love and attention from their owners.
If birds are stressed, it could consume or bite its feathers, which could cause infection and even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a calm atmosphere, regular social groups and a safe environment from predatory animals. Certain species of birds particularly older and younger birds pregnant females and nursing mothers have specific nutritional requirements and may glaucous macaw require special diets that are specially designed for pellets. Consult a veterinarian about these special situations.
In addition to a well-rounded pelleted diet, give your pet fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains daily. To avoid toxins, wash all food items thoroughly before cutting into smaller pieces suitable for your bird's size. Do not feed avocadoes because they are known to cause toxicity. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs, or dairy products since they can cause illnesses.
Regular misting and showering will ensure your bird has soft, healthy plumage and skin. It's normal for pets to enjoy being sprayed, however it's important not to soak them or get too much moisture on the feathers or the skin.
A good time to bathe your macaw is following a meal. This prevents a mess and allows for the owner to inspect for any dietary problems or parasites. The bird can be dried using a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require an enormous cage, which should have the largest and most spacious perch to rest and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight and any source of cooling or heating. It must be covered in the event of need to stop predators from entering. The cage of a macaw needs to be at least three feet wide two feet deep, and six feet tall. This will give the bird ample space to spread its wings and move around.
Care
Macaws require regular interaction with their flock. If left alone for long periods of time (while their mates are at work for instance) they may become fearful and destructive. They may also develop bonds of trust with a person that when not addressed promptly, can lead to feather-picking. Feather pickers can be serious issues and can be difficult to stop them without the help of a vet and an avian behaviorist.
These curious and intelligent parrots love puzzle toys and must be entertained. Interlocking toys, parrot puzzles and toys that simulate preening are great for keeping these birds entertained. They should also have access to clean water and regularly misted in order to maintain healthy skin and feathers.
Keep your bird in a secure area away from drafts, open flames and toxic materials. Macaws shouldn't be kept in kitchens due to the dangers they could face. These include non-stick cookware and household cleaners, paint, and perfumed products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants as well as certain metals, such as zinc and costume jewelry.
This bird is a natural climber and needs to be given plenty of opportunities to exercise and enrichment. It will appreciate perch stand and play gyms with branches to hang from and a large cage with plenty of space for toys, branches, and flight. Providing these toys will stop boredom and will help your bird to hone its beak. A cage should be minimum of 3 feet in width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws have a long time and you should be prepared for the commitment before getting one. The average lifespan is between 70 and 80 years, and some have been reported to live up to 100!
These beautiful birds will add a touch of elegance to any house. They are a wonderful way to teach children about nature, and they can also be an enjoyable pet for the family. If properly taken care of and socialized, they make wonderful companions for the rest of their lives. Consider a hand-raised bird or baby from a reputable rescue organization if you are looking to add a new member to your family.