Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in an array of colors, scarlet macaws appear like flying bags of Skittles. The rainforest inhabitants use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild 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 mate for life and are extremely social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is considered to be one of the parrots with the largest variety. It is found in a variety of habitats. In the wild they live in large trees in large groups hunting in forests and near rivers. They are generally peaceful birds, however they can be aggressive during breeding periods. Both males and female tend to the young. They typically lay three or four round white eggs in the cavities of dead tree branches. At the age of five, young scarlet macaws are sexually mature.
The large beak of this bird is used to break open nuts, seeds and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based, however, they also consume insects, and they are known to visit mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active in the daytime and rest at night.
Macaws are extremely intelligent and are able to imitate human speech. They are excellent escape artists, and can quickly flee if they feel threatened. They can also alter their color to hide. The scarlet macaw is a loud bird that emits a variety of high-pitched sounds and screams to alert other animals of nearby predators.
In the wild, scarlet macaws can live to be 50 years old. In captivity, they may last longer than that. Aviculture is a highly sought-after field due to the fact that they are easy to train and are social. They are trained to perform many tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the macaw with the scarlet color is an endangered species. They are captured primarily for the pet industry, and their range is shrinking due to the loss of forest.
A variety of organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are committed to protecting the birds, improving their habitats, and conducting research about the beautiful animals. However, it is important to remember that birds should not be handled too often, as this could cause stress. They also can contract parrot fever, an infection that causes body aches and dry coughing.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores and enjoy various kinds of food, including fruits vegetables, nuts, and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be very demanding and require a lot of attention. They have the emotional ability and temper tantrums of the four- to eight-year-old.
A commercial diet pellet of high-quality should contain the majority of proteins, vitamins and minerals that the macaw requires. In addition to these pellets, fresh foods are recommended in small quantities each day. This could include a assortment of fresh, diced fruit and vegetables, which include dark greens, cooked eggs lean beef, pasta and rice.
Fresh fruits and vegetables must be cleaned prior to offering to the bird, and then cut into sizes that are suitable for the species. Some examples of healthy fruits and vegetables for this species include citrus fruits, apricots and apples grapes and pears, as well as bananas. Certain types of vegetables and fruits must be avoided, such as avocado (which is toxic to parrots) and stringy vegetables such as celery and highly acidic fruit like citrus.
Nuts and seeds may be popular with bird owners because they are easy to feed, but they should not be the only source of food. These nuts and seeds could be high in fat, deficient in vitamin A and calcium, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw consumes only these nuts and seeds, it may be more susceptible to illness and have a shorter life time than if fed a balanced diet which includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw receives proper nutrition, it will attain reproductive maturity around three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous, and will stay 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. Both parents care for the babies and they stay with their family until they are able to be independently.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores and enjoy various kinds of food. Their powerful beaks can easily crush seeds, nuts, and fruits and their tongues can extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Each foot has a powerful gripping edge that can be used to hold objects. They can also hold twigs or branches to exercise and play with. They require a lot of interaction with their owners to ensure that they are healthy and happy.
When a bird is stressed, it could consume or bite its feathers, which could cause infection and even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a calm, social environment, and adequate protection 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 specially formulated diet. Consult a veterinarian if have any questions regarding these issues.
Along with a balanced diet of pellets, you should also offer your pet daily fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. Clean all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to eliminate toxins, and then cut it into smaller pieces that are appropriate for the size of the bird. Don't feed avocados as they are known to cause toxic effects. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs, or dairy products since they can cause illnesses.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird maintain a soft, healthy skin and plumage. It is common for pets to love being sprayed, but it is important not to soak them or leave too much moisture on their feathers or skin.
After eating is a good time to bathe a macaw. This will prevent a mess, and let the owner check for any dietary or parasite issues. The bird can be dried with towels before returning to its cage.
Large macaws require a huge cage, with ideally the largest and most spacious perch for resting and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat or cooling sources, and out of the drafts. It must be covered in the event of need to prevent predators from entering. The cage of a macaw needs to be at minimum three feet wide, two feet deep and six feet tall. This will allow the bird plenty of room to stretch its wings and move about.
Melody blue spix macaw can also read about how to care for yourself.
Macaws require daily socialization 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 form an intense bond with one person which, if not corrected immediately it can result in feather picking. Feather pickers can be an extremely serious issue and it can be difficult to stop them without the assistance of a veterinarian or an avian behaviourist.
These curious and intelligent parrots love puzzle toys and need to be kept occupied. These birds are entertained by interlocking toys parrots' puzzles and other toys that simulate preening. They should also have access to clean water and regularly misted to ensure healthy skin, feathers and plumage.
Make sure your bird is in a secure location away from open flames, drafts and toxic materials. Kitchens aren't a good option for macaws due to the many dangers they could face, such as non-stick cookware, household cleaners, paint and perfumed products such as air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
The bird is naturally a climber and requires to be given plenty of opportunities to 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 flight. These toys will help to prevent boredom and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should have a minimum of 3 feet of width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws are extremely long-lived birds and you should be prepared for this before you get one. The average lifespan for macaws is around 70 years and some have been reported to be 100 years old!
These beautiful birds will add beauty to any home. They can be a great method to teach children about the natural world, and they make a wonderful family pet. If properly cared for and socialized, they can be wonderful companions for the rest of their lives. If you're looking to find an addition to your family, consider a hand-raised baby from a reputable breeder, or adopt a bird from a rescue group.