The bold, powerful, and colorful macaw is a New World parrot, classified
into six of the many Psittacidae genera: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta,
Propyrrhura, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. These majestic creatures are
extremely intelligent and come with a big personality.
Macaw sizes range from the Hahns Macaw which is the smallest at 12
inches to the largest Hyacinth Macaw measuring at over 3 feet from head
to tail. Macaws are not known for their talking ability, but can learn to
repeat many words and phrases. Macaws have fascinated humans for
thousand of years and continue to do so today with their exquisite colors.
Check out the complete list of Macaws and learn which ones are
Environment:
Their native habitats are the rain forests of Mexico and Central and South
America. More specifically, several species originate from Eastern
Panama, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela.
Having the experience to see a wild macaw in flight is breath taking!
A Macaw diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, nuts,
and a high quality mixture of large hookbill seed and commercial pellets.
Macaws require a higher fat and oil content in their diet. Offering fresh
nuts in the shell such as almonds, walnuts, brazils, and macadamia nuts
will help to complete this dietary need. Fresh water should be given twice
daily, removing any contaminated water bowls and replenishing with fresh.
well being of parrots. There are many products available that allow the
caretaker to place food inside thus making it a challenge for the parrot to
retrieve the treat. Certain fruits such as oranges, apples, and bananas
can have the peel left on (washed of course). This will allow the bird to
discover the yummy parts and keep busy longer.
Breeding:
Breeding macaws is an enormous responsibility and should be done only
by the experienced and educated parrot breeder. The diet, housing, and
caring requirements are vital for these large birds to live well and should
not be taken lightly. There has to be a genuine love and dedication to
successfully breed macaws. There is a variation in the number of eggs laid
depending on the species of macaw. The Hyacinth Macaw, the largest of
the macaw family, will lay two eggs unlike the Hahn's Macaw, one of the
smallest in the family, will lay up to five eggs.
Macaws will bond for life with their chosen mate. Human caretakers will be
seen as a "mate" and pet macaws may display breeding behavior towards
them. This can include some aggressive or dominating behavior and
louder more frequent bird calls.
Captivity:
There has been documentation of macaws living for up to 100 years. An
average of 50 years is more probable. The larger macaws may live up to
65+ years. The decision to have a macaw as a pet should be seen as a
life-long commitment, as it will likely be a companion for life and possibly
even outlive it's caretaker. Macaws are monogamous and mate for life. In
captivity they will bond primarily with one person, usually the caretaker.
Companion parrots require daily interaction. Most macaws are affectionate
and thrive on their owners constant love. Lack of this can lead to physical
and mental suffering. Destructive behaviors such as self-mutilation may be
a sign of abuse and neglect. Macaws can be extremely loud, thus their
owner must be aware of this natural calling. The macaw should not be
reprimanded for this natural behavior.
Macaws are not suitable as pets for children without proper adult
supervision. They have very powerful, large beaks and are capable of
causing great harm to both children and adults. Macaws are
recommended for the experienced parrot handler who has time, energy,
finances, and education of these brilliant birds.
It should be an extensive thought out process when deciding to purchase
a macaw. Those that can offer and commit to the responsibilities of a
larger parrot will experience great passion and fulfillment in a newly
changed way of life.
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