Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws are like flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant feathers. 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 diets with berries and clay from the banks of rivers. They are social birds that mate for life.
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 live in large trees, living in large groups and hunting in forests and near rivers. They tend to be docile birds, but they can become aggressive during periods of breeding. Both the male and the female tend to the young. They lay a couple of to three eggs of white, which are usually in the cavities of dead branches. Young macaws are sexual maturity by about age five.
This bird has a long beak that is used for breaking open fruits, nuts and seeds. They feed mostly on plants, but also insects and are often seen at mineral deposits, such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active in the day and then sleep at night.
These macaws are highly intelligent and are able to imitate human speech. They are good escape artists, and can swiftly flee when they feel threatened. They can also alter their color to conceal. The scarlet Macaw is a threatening bird that makes loud screams and low-pitched sounds and other noises to warn animals of predators.
In the wild, scarlet macaws can live for up to 50 years. In captivity, they live longer. They are a very popular bird in aviculture because they are extremely social and easy to train. They are frequently trained to perform a variety of tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the macaw with the scarlet color is an endangered species. They are mostly caught to be sold as pets, and their range is shrinking as roads and deforestation are threatening their habitats.
A variety of organizations, including World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP) are working to protect the scarlet Macaw. These groups are committed to guarding the birds, improving habitats and conducting research on these beautiful creatures. It is essential to remember that handling these birds too much can cause stress. They also have the potential to contract parrot fever, an illness that causes dry coughing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws eat a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables and nuts. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. They can be extremely demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional ability and temper tantrums of an eight-year-old to four.
A commercial diet pellet of high-quality should contain the majority of nutrients, protein, and vitamins that the macaw requires. Fresh food in small quantities are recommended to be included in the pellets. This can include a wide assortment of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, including dark greens, cooked eggs pasta, lean beef and rice.
Fresh fruits and veggies should be washed prior to serving to the bird and cut into a size appropriate for the species. Apricots, oranges, and apples are good fruits and veggies for this species. Avoid avocados (which are poisonous to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds may be popular with bird owners due to the fact that they are simple to provide, but they should not be the only source of food. The nuts and seeds may be rich in fat, low in vitamin A and calcium, and contain other nutrients. If a macaw consumes these as their sole food source, they could be susceptible to illness and have a shorter lifespan than those who were fed a balanced diet of supplemented bird pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables.
When a macaw is fed properly, it will be reproductively mature at about three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous, and will remain with their mates for the rest of their lives. A pair of birds will produce two to four rounded white eggs, which are incubated by the females for about 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the infants and they stay with their families until they are able to live independently.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores that eat various kinds of food. Their powerful beaks can crack nuts, seeds, and fruits and their tongues can extract the juice from fruits and vegetables. Each foot has a strong gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They can also grasp twigs and branches, which they use to play and exercise with. To ensure they are healthy and content, they require a lot of love and attention from their owners.
If an animal is stressed, it may eat or bite its own feathers, which can cause infection or even death. Stress-reducing measures can include a tranquil, social environment, and adequate protection from predatory animals. Some species of bird, especially younger and older birds as well as nursing mothers have specific nutritional needs and may need special diets that are specially designed for pellets. Consult with a veterinarian about these special situations.
In addition to a balanced pelleted diet, give your pet fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains on a daily basis. To be safe from toxins, clean all produce thoroughly and cut into pieces that are small enough to the size of your pet. Avocados can be toxic and should not be fed to birds. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs or meat, dairy products or dairy products as they may cause illness.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird keep a soft, healthy skin and plumage. It's common for pets to love being sprayed, but it's important not to soak them or get too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
The best time to wash your macaw after having eaten. This will prevent a mess and allows for the owner to check for parasites or dietary issues. The bird can be dried with towels before returning to its cage.
Large macaws require a huge cage, ideally with a wide and tall perch for resting and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling sources, and out of the drafts. If necessary, it should be covered to prevent predators entering. The cage of a macaw needs to be at minimum three feet wide 2 feet deep and six feet high. This will give the bird ample space to stretch its wings and move around.
Care
Macaws require constant interaction with the flock. If they are left alone for long periods of time (while their companions are working for here instance) they could become frightened and destructive. They may also develop a strong bond with one person which when not addressed promptly it can result in feather picking. Feather pickers are a serious problem and it can be difficult to stop them without the help of a vet and an avian behaviorist.
These intelligent and curious birds love puzzles and require to be entertained. Puzzles that are interlocking, parrots and toys that mimic preening are great to keep these birds amused. They also require access to fresh 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 toxic materials. Macaws should not be housed in kitchens because of the dangers they may face. These include non-stick cookware and paint, household cleaners, and perfumed products such as air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals such as zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is an excellent climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will enjoy perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang from, as well as large cages that provide plenty of space for toys, branches, and even flight. These toys can help prevent boredom, and help your bird develop its beak. A cage should be at a minimum of 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws live for a long time, and you must be ready for that commitment before you purchase one. The lifespan of macaws is around 70 years and some have been reported to reach 100!
These beautiful birds are a wonderful addition to any home. They can be a wonderful method of teaching children about nature and are a rewarding family pet. If properly taken care of and socialized, they make wonderful companions for the rest of their lives. If you are looking for a new family member look into a baby raised by hand from a reputable breeder, or adopt an animal from a rescue organization.