Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in an array of colors, scarlet macaws appear like flying bags of Skittles. These rainforest dwellers make use of bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds. They also supplement their diets by eating berries and clay that they find on river banks. They are social birds and mate for the rest of their lives.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is considered to be one of the most diverse parrots. It can be found in a variety of habitats. In the wild, they live in large trees, living in large groups and hunting in forests and near rivers. They are generally gentle birds, although they can be aggressive during breeding periods. They are mate for life and both the male and female take care of the young. They usually lay two or three rounded white eggs inside the cavities of dead branches of trees. At the age of five, young scarlet macaws are sexually mature.
The beak of this bird is used to crack open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their diet is mostly based on plants, but they also eat insects, and are well-known to visit mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active during the day and sleep at night.
Macaws are extremely intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are capable escape artists and are able to fly away quickly if they feel threatened. They also have the ability to change their color in order to camouflage 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 for up to 50 years. In captivity, they can last longer than that. They are a popular bird in aviculture because they are known to be extremely social and simple to train. They are usually trained to perform many tricks.
Despite their dazzling plumage, the macaw in scarlet is an endangered species. They are primarily captured for the pet industry and their population is shrinking due to deforestation.
A variety of organizations such as World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP) are working to protect the scarlet Macaw. These groups are devoted to guarding the birds, improving habitats and conducting research on these beautiful creatures. However, it is important to remember that birds shouldn't be handled too often, as this can cause them stress. They also can contract parrot fever. It is an infection that causes dry coughing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores, and eat many different kinds of food that include fruits vegetables, nuts, and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. These birds can be very demanding and require lots of attention. They possess the emotional ability of a 4 to 8-year-old child and can become cranky or throw temper tantrums if they aren't able to get what they need.
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 food should be provided in small amounts every day. This could include a variety of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, which include dark greens, cooked eggs, lean beef, pasta and rice.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed and cut to the right size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Apricots, apples, and oranges are good fruits and veggies for this species. Avoid avocados (which are toxic to parrots) as well as celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are a favorite with bird owners as they are easy to feed however they should not be the only source of food. These seeds and nuts may be high in fat, lacking in vitamin A and calcium, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw uses these as their sole source of food, it could be susceptible to illness and have a shorter lifespan than when they were fed a balanced diet of high-quality bird pellets, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
If a macaw gets its food properly, it will become reproductively mature between three to four years old. These birds are monogamous, and they will be with their mate for life. A pair will produce two to four round, white eggs, which are incubated by the females for about 24 to 25 days. The eggs are taken care of by both parents and are with the family until they are able to go out on their own.
Feeding
Macaws consume a wide range of food. Their powerful beaks break open fruit, seeds and nuts easily and their tongues can extract juice from fruits, vegetables and flowers. They also have a powerful gripping toes on both feet and can hold objects using their feet. They also can grasp branches and twigs, which they play with and exercise with. To ensure they are healthy and content, they require plenty of love and attention from their owners.
If a bird is stressed, it could take its feathers and eat them or bite itself, which can cause infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures include a calm atmosphere, regular social groups and a safe environment from predatory animals. Certain species of birds, especially younger and older birds females who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have specific nutritional requirements and may require a special diet. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about these issues.
In addition to a balanced pelleted diet, give your pet fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains daily. Wash all produce thoroughly to remove toxins and cut it into smaller pieces that are appropriate for the size of the bird. Don't feed avocados as they are known to cause toxicity. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs or meat products, as well as dairy products as they may cause sickness.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird keep a healthy, soft skin and plumage. It's normal for pets to love being sprayed. However, it is important not to soak them or leave excessive moisture on the feathers or skin.
After eating is a good time to bathe the macaw. This will avoid the mess and allow the owner to check for any parasites or issues with diet. The bird can be dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a huge cage with plenty of perch space for them to stretch their wings and rest. It should be kept from direct sunlight and any source of cooling or heating. If it is necessary, it should be secured here to stop predators from entering. The cage of a macaw should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to allow the bird plenty of room to move around and spread its wings.
Care
Macaws require daily socialization with their family. If left to their own devices for long periods of time (while their mates are working, for example) they can become fearful and destructive. They can also develop an intense bond with a person that, if not corrected immediately, can lead to feather picking. Feather pickers can be a serious problem and it is difficult to stop them without the help of a vet and an avian behaviourist.
These intelligent and curious birds love puzzles and are always looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Puzzles for parrots, interlocking toys and toys that simulate preening are excellent for keeping these birds amused. They also need to have access to fresh water and should be misted frequently to maintain healthy skin and plumage.
Make sure your bird is safe from open flames, drafts and harmful substances. Kitchens aren't a good choice for macaws because of the many dangers they could face, such as non-stick cookware, household cleaners paint, perfumed and other products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants and certain metals like zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is an excellent climber and should be given plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will enjoy perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang on and large cages that have plenty of room for toys, branches, and flight. These toys can help prevent boredom, and also 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 are very long-lived birds and you should be prepared before you purchase one. The average lifespan of macaws is around 70 years and some have been reported to be 100 years old!
These beautiful birds are a wonderful addition to any home. They can be a great way to teach kids about nature, and make a wonderful family pet. If properly cared for and socialized, they can be excellent companions for their entire lives. If you are looking for a new family member look into a baby raised by hand from a reputable breeder or adopting a bird from a rescue group.