Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in a rainbow of colors, scarlet macaws look like flying bags of Skittles. These forest dwellers make use of their bright coloration to signal danger.
In the wild, they eat nuts, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also supplement their diet with berries and clay from the banks of rivers. They are mate-for-life and are very social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is one of the parrots with the largest variety. It is found in a variety of habitats. In the wild they are found in large trees in large groups, foraging in forests, and in the vicinity of rivers. They are generally peaceful birds, but they can become aggressive during breeding periods. They mate for life and both the male and female care for the young. They lay between two and three white eggs, usually in the cavities of dead branches. When they reach the age of five, young scarlet macaws are sexually mature.
The beak of this bird can be used to open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based but they also eat insects, and they are often seen visiting mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal, meaning that they are active in the daytime, but sleep at night.
Macaws are highly intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are excellent escape artists and can quickly flee if they are afraid. They can also change their color to conceal. The scarlet Macaw is a threatening bird that uses loud screams, low-pitched sounds and other sounds to warn animals of predators.
In the wild the scarlet macaw can live for up to 50 years. In captivity, they may live even longer than that. They are a very popular bird in aviculture, as they are extremely social and simple to train. They are trained to perform a variety tricks.
The macaw with the scarlet color, despite its stunning coloration, is a highly endangered species. They are mostly captured to be used in the pet industry and their range is shrinking due to deforestation.
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 the beautiful animals. However, it is important to keep in mind that these birds should not be handled frequently because it could cause stress. They can also catch parrot fever, an infection that causes dry coughing and body pain.
Diet
Macaws eat a variety foods including 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 are demanding and require lots of attention. They possess the emotional intelligence and temper tantrums that are typical of the four- to eight-year-old.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet will provide the majority of the protein and vitamins and minerals that macaws require. Fresh food in small amounts should be added to the pellets. 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, oranges, and apples are good fruits and veggies for this species. Avoid avocados (which are toxic to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are a favorite with bird owners as they are easy to feed but they shouldn't be the only source of food. These seeds and nuts may be rich in fat, low in calcium and vitamin A and may also contain other nutrients. If a macaw consumes only these nuts and seeds, it could be more prone to illnesses and live a shorter duration than those eating a balanced diet that includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed the right nutrition, it will reach reproductive maturity at around three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous and they will be with their mate throughout their lives. A pair will produce two to four rounded, white eggs that are incubated by females for 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the infants and they stay with their family until they can live independently.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores and enjoy a variety of foods. Their powerful beaks can crush seeds, nuts, and fruits and their tongues are able to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. They also have a sturdy gripping toe on each foot and can hold objects with them. They can also grasp twigs and branches, which they use to play and exercise with. To stay healthy and happy, they require lots of attention from their parents.
If a bird is stressed, it might eat its own feathers or bite itself, which can result in infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures include a peaceful, sociable environment and adequate protection from predatory animals. Certain species of birds, especially older and younger birds females who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have special nutritional requirements and may require specially formulated diet. Consult a veterinarian if you have any questions regarding these circumstances.
In addition to a balanced diet that is pelleted, feed your pet fresh vegetables, fruits and grains daily. To avoid toxins, wash every piece of produce thoroughly before cutting into smaller pieces suitable to the size of your pet. Avocados can be toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs, meat or dairy products since they could cause illness.
Regular showering and misting can help keep your bird in healthy, soft plumage and skin. Many pets love being sprayed with water, but it is important to not soak them or putting excessive moisture on their feathers or their skin.
The best time to bathe your macaw is after eating. This will avoid a mess, and allow the owner to check for any parasites or issues with diet. The bird can be dried using a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws need a large cage with plenty of space for them to stretch their wings and relax. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, cooling or heating sources, and out of way of drafts. It must be covered in the event of need to stop predators from entering. The cage of a macaw should be at least three feet wide two feet deep, and six feet high. Lolita blue & gold macaw will give the bird ample space to spread its wings and move around.
Care
Macaws need daily socialization with their family. If left alone for long periods of time (while their people are working, for example) they can become fearful and destructive. They can also develop a strong bond to one person, which if not corrected quickly, can become a case of feather picking. Feather-picking is a serious issue in these birds and is difficult to stop without the help of an avian behaviorist as well as a veterinarian for any potential underlying medical problems.
These curious and intelligent parrots love puzzle toys and need to be kept busy. These birds will be amused by interlocking toys, parrots' puzzles, and toys that simulate preening. They should also have access to clean water and regularly misted to maintain healthy skin, feathers and plumage.
Keep your bird safe from drafts, open flames and toxic substances. Kitchens aren't a good choice for macaws because of the numerous dangers that could be present, including non-stick cookware, household cleaners, paint and perfumed products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, 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 love perch stands and play gyms that have branches to hang from and an enormous cage that has plenty of room for branches, toys and flight. These toys can help prevent boredom, and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should have a minimum of 3 feet in 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 purchase one. The average lifespan is 70+ years and some have been reported to live to 100!
These beautiful birds are a wonderful addition to any home. They can be a great method to teach children about nature, and they make a wonderful family pet. They are great companions to have when they are socialized and cared for. If you're looking for an additional family member, consider a hand-raised baby from a reputable breeder, or adopt an animal from a rescue organization.