Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws resemble flying Skittles bags with their bright feathers. These rainforest inhabitants use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat nuts, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also supplement their diet with berries and clay from river banks. They are social birds and mate for life.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is among of the most diverse parrots. It can be found in many habitats. In the wild they are found in large trees in large groups, foraging in forests, and near rivers. Although they are usually docile however, they can be aggressive when breeding. Both males and female care for the young. They typically lay three or four round white eggs in the cavities of dead branches of trees. By the age of five, young scarlet macaws are sexually mature.
The large beak of this bird can be used to open nuts, seeds and fruits. Their diet is mostly plant-based, but they also eat insects, and they are well-known to visit mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal, which means they are active in the daytime, but rest at night.
Macaws are able to imitate human speech and are extremely intelligent. They are skilled escape artists and are able to fly away quickly if they are feeling threatened. They also have the ability to change their color in order to camouflage themselves. The scarlet macaw is a raucous bird that emits a variety of sounds and low-pitched screams to warn other animals of predators in the vicinity.
In the wild the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity, they can live longer. Aviculture is a highly sought-after field due to the fact that they are easy to train and social. They are trained to do many tricks.
The macaw that is scarlet, despite its stunning coloration, is a highly endangered species. They are mostly captured for the pet industry, and their population is decreasing due to deforestation.
Many organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are committed to protecting the birds, enhancing their habitats, and conducting research about these beautiful creatures. However, it is important to remember that these birds should not be handled in a way that is too frequent because it can cause stress. Parrot fever can also cause dry sneezing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores, and eat many different kinds of food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and perform tricks with humans. These birds can be demanding and require a lot of attention. They possess the emotional ability of a 4 to 8-year old child. They may become angry or even throw temper tantrums when they aren't able to get what they want.
A high-quality commercial diet pellet should provide the majority of the protein and vitamins and minerals that the macaw needs. Fresh food in small quantities should be added to the pellets. This can include a wide variety of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, such as dark greens, cooked eggs, pasta, lean beef and rice.
Fresh fruits and veggies should be washed prior to serving to the bird, and then cut into a size suitable for the species. Some examples of suitable fruits and vegetables suitable for this species are citrus fruits, apricots and apples grapes, pears, and bananas. Some types of vegetables and fruits should be avoided, including avocado (which can be poisonous to parrots) as well as stringy vegetables like celery and highly acidic fruits such as citrus.
Nuts and seeds may be popular with bird owners because they are easy to provide however they should not be the only source of food. The nuts and seeds are high in fat, and may be deficient in calcium, vitamin A, and other nutrients. If a macaw eats only these nuts and seeds it may be more vulnerable to diseases and have a lower life time than if fed a balanced diet which includes fortified bird food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw receives proper nutrition it will attain reproductive maturity around three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous and they will remain with their mate throughout their lives. A pair will lay two to four rounded white eggs that are hatched by females for 24 to 25 days. The young are click here cared for by both parents and are with the family until they are able to be independent.
Feeding
Macaws consume a wide range of foods. Their powerful beaks can break fruits, seeds, and nuts easily, and their tongues extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. Each foot has a sturdy gripping edge that can be used to hold objects. They also can grasp branches and twigs that they use to play and exercise with. To keep them healthy and happy, they require a lot of attention from their owners.
When an animal is stressed, it can consume or bite its feathers, which can cause infection and even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a tranquil, social environment and adequate protection from predatory animals. Certain species of birds particularly older and younger birds as well as nursing mothers have unique nutritional requirements and may require special diets that are specially designed for pellets. Consult a veterinarian regarding these particular circumstances.
In addition to a well-rounded pelleted diet, give your pet fresh fruits, vegetables and grains on a daily basis. To avoid toxins, wash all produce thoroughly and cut into pieces that are small enough to the size of your pet. Do not feed avocadoes because 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 showering and misting can help keep your bird in healthy, soft plumage and skin. It's common for pets to love being sprayed, but it is important not to soak the feathers or get too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
The best time to wash your macaw after having eaten. This helps prevent a mess and allows for the owner to inspect for any parasites or dietary issues. The bird can then be dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require an enormous cage, which should have an expansive and tall perch to rest and stretching its wings. It should be kept from direct sunlight and any heating or cooling source. It must be covered in the event of need to keep predators out. The cage of a macaw should be at minimum three feet wide 2 feet deep and six feet tall. This will allow the bird plenty of room to stretch its wings and move around.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
Macaws require daily interaction with their flock. If left alone for long periods of time (while their people are at work, for example) they may become fearful and destructive. They may also develop a strong relationship with one person, and if it is not addressed quickly, could become a case of feather picking. Feather pickers are an extremely serious issue and it is difficult to stop them without the help of a vet and an avian behaviorist.
These intelligent and curious birds love puzzle toys and are always looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Puzzles that are interlocking, parrots and toys that simulate preening are great to keep these birds entertained. They also need to have access to fresh water and be misted regularly to ensure healthy skin and plumage.
Keep your bird safe from drafts, open flames and toxic substances. Macaws should not be housed in kitchens because of the dangers they could face. This includes non-stick cookware and household cleaners, paint, and perfumed items like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants, certain metals such as zinc and costume jewelry.
This bird is naturally a climber and requires to be provided with plenty of opportunities for exercise and enrichment. It will appreciate perch stands, play gyms, and branches to hang from, as well as large cages that provide plenty of space for toys, branches and flight. These toys can help prevent boredom, and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should be minimum of 3 feet of width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws live a very long time, and you must be prepared before you purchase one. The average life expectancy is 70+ years, with some said to live to 100!
These beautiful birds will add beauty to any home. They can be a wonderful method of teaching children about nature, and they make wonderful pets for the family. If properly taken care of and socialized, they make great companions throughout their lives. You might consider a pet that is raised by hand or baby from a reputable rescue organisation in case you're looking to add a new member to your family.