Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in an array 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 in the wild, they consume nuts, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also supplement their diets by eating berries and clay found on river banks. They are mate-for-life and are very social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet macaw is among the most widely-diverse of all parrots. It is found in a broad range of habitats. In the wild, they reside in large trees, living in large groups and foraging in forests and near rivers. They are generally gentle birds, but they can become aggressive during breeding periods. They mate for life, and both the male and female tend to the young. They lay two to three eggs of white, which are usually 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. Their diet is mostly plant-based, however, they also consume insects, and are known to visit mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active in the daytime, but sleep at night.
Macaws are extremely intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are great escape artists, and can swiftly flee when they feel threatened. They can also change their color to hide. The scarlet macaw is a raucous bird that emits a variety of sounds and low-pitched screams to alert other animals of predators in the vicinity.
In the wild, macaws in scarlet can live for up to 50 years. In captivity they can live for longer. Aviculture is a highly sought-after field, because they are easy to train and are social. They are trained to perform a variety tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the macaw with the scarlet color is an threatened species. They are mostly taken for the pet trade, and their habitat is shrinking as roads and deforestation are threatening their habitats.
A variety of organizations such as World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP) are working together to protect the scarlet macaw. These organizations are committed to protecting the birds, enhancing their habitats, and conducting research about these beautiful creatures. It is essential to remember that handling the birds too much can cause stress. They can also catch parrot fever, which is an illness that causes body aches and dry coughing.
Diet
Macaws consume a variety of food including vegetables, fruits and nuts. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be very demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional ability and temper tantrums of the four- to eight-year-old.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet should provide most of the proteins, vitamins and minerals that the macaw needs. In addition to these pellets, fresh food are recommended in small amounts every day. This can include a wide variety of fresh, diced fruit and vegetables, which include dark greens, cooked eggs, lean beef, pasta and rice.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed and cut to the appropriate size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Apricots, apples, and oranges are all good choices of vegetables and fruits for this species. Avoid avocados (which can be toxic to parrots) as well as celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds can be loved by bird owners since they are simple to provide however they shouldn't be the sole source of food. These nuts and seeds are high in fat and may be deficient in calcium, vitamin A and other nutrients. If a macaw uses these as their only source of food, it can be prone to diseases and a shorter lifespan than those who were fed a balanced diet consisting of supplemented bird pellets as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
When a macaw is fed correctly, it will become reproductively mature around three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous, and will remain with their mates for the rest of their lives. Females lay two to four white, round eggs for between 24 and 25 days. The babies are cared for by both parents and remain with the family until they are old enough to live on their own.
Feeding
Macaws consume a wide range of foods. Their powerful beaks are able to crack nuts, seeds and fruits. Their tongues are able to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. They also have a strong gripping toe on each foot and can hold objects using them. They can also hold twigs and branches to exercise or play with. They require a lot of interaction with their owners to keep them happy and healthy.
If a bird feels stressed, it could consume its own feathers or bite itself, which can result in infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures can include a tranquil, social environment and adequate protection from predatory animals. Certain species of bird, especially younger and older birds pregnant females and nursing mothers have specific nutritional needs and may need an individualized diet that is specifically designed for pellets. Consult with a veterinarian regarding these particular circumstances.
As well as a balanced pelleted diet, you should also offer your pet a daily supply of fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. Clean all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to avoid toxins and cut it into smaller pieces that are suitable for the bird's size. Avocados can be toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs, or dairy products since they can cause sickness.
Routine misting and showering will help your bird maintain healthy, soft feathers and skin. It's normal for pets to enjoy being sprayed, but it is important to not soak them or get too much moisture on the feathers or the skin.
After a meal is a good time bathe a macaw. This prevents an unclean environment and allows the owner to look for parasites or dietary issues. The bird will then be toweled dry before it is returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large cage with plenty of space for them to stretch their wings and rest. It should be kept from direct sunlight and any heating or cooling source. It is recommended to cover it if needed 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. Melody blue spix macaw buymacaw will give the bird ample space to spread its wings and move about.
Care
Macaws require daily interaction with their family. They can be destructive and fearful if they are left on their own for a long period of time (while the people they reside with are working). They may also develop an intense bond to one person, which, if not corrected quickly, can turn into feather picking. Feather pickers pose serious issues and it can be difficult to stop them without the assistance of a veterinarian and an avian behaviourist.
These intelligent and curious parrots enjoy puzzle toys and must be entertained. They will be entertained by interlocking toys parrots' puzzles, and toys that simulate preening. They also need to have access to clean water and be misted frequently to maintain a healthy skin and plumage.
Keep your bird in a secure area away from open flames, drafts and other harmful materials. Macaws shouldn't be kept in kitchens because of the dangers they may face. This includes non-stick cookware and paint, household cleaners and perfumed products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals such as zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is naturally a climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will love perch stands and play gyms with branches to hang from and an expansive cage with plenty of space for branches, toys and flight. Providing these toys will stop boredom and will aid your bird in sharpening its beak. A cage should be at a minimum of 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws are extremely long-lived birds and you should be prepared before you get one. The average lifespan of macaws is between 70 and 80 years, and some have even been reported to reach 100!
These gorgeous birds make a great addition to any home. They are a wonderful way to teach children about nature and can be a rewarding family pet. They are wonderful companions for life when properly socialized and cared for. If you're looking to find an addition to your family you might consider a baby that has been raised by a human from a reputable breeder, or adopt birds from a rescue group.