Scarlet macaws look like flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant 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 diets with berries and clay from the banks of rivers. They are mate-for-life and are very social.
Habitat
The macaw with the scarlet color is the most widespread of all parrots. It is found in a wide range of habitats. In the wild, these birds live in large trees, living in large groups and foraging in forests and near rivers. They tend to be docile birds, but they can be aggressive during breeding seasons. They are mate for life and both males and female take care of the young. They usually lay three or four round white eggs inside the cavities of dead tree branches. When they reach the age of five young macaws are sexually mature.
This bird has a long beak which is used to break open fruits, nuts and seeds. They eat mostly plants, but also insects and are often seen at mineral deposits like clay licks. They are diurnal, which means they are active during the day but rest at night.
These macaws are highly intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are adept escape artists and can fly away quickly when they feel threatened. They can also alter their color to hide. The scarlet Macaw is a threatening bird that makes loud screams, low-pitched sounds and other noises to warn animals of predators.
In the wild, the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity, they can live longer. They are a favorite bird in aviculture because they are extremely social and easy to train. They are usually 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 deforestation and roads are threatening their habitats.
Several organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These groups are dedicated to protecting the birds, improving their habitats, and conducting research about the beautiful animals. However, it is important to remember that these birds shouldn't be handled in a way that is too frequent because it can cause them stress. Parrot fever can cause dry sneezing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws are omnivores. They eat many different kinds of food that include fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They are among the most intelligent species of birds and can learn to communicate with humans as well as perform tricks like mimicking sounds and words. These birds are demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional intelligence and temper tantrums of a four to eight-year-old.
A commercial diet pellet of high-quality should provide most of the proteins, vitamins and minerals that the macaw requires. Fresh foods, in small amounts, are recommended to be included in the pellets. This could include a variety of fresh, chopped fruits and vegetables (including dark greens) cooked eggs, lean meats and pasta and rice.
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed prior to serving to the bird and cut into a size appropriate for the species. Some examples of good fruits and vegetables for the species include apple, apricots, oranges and grapes, pears, and bananas. Avoid avocados (which are toxic to parrots), celery and stringy vegetables.
Nuts and seeds are very popular for bird owners since they are easy to feed however they should not be the sole source of food. The nuts and seeds are very high in fat and may be deficient in calcium, vitamin A and other nutrients. If a macaw uses these as their sole source of food, it can be prone to diseases and a shorter lifespan than those who were fed a balanced diet consisting of fortified bird pellets as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw is fed properly, it will be reproductively mature around three to four years of age. These birds are monogamous, and will stay with their mate for life. The females incubate two to four white rounded eggs for 24 to 25 days. The young are cared for by both parents and remain with the family until they are able to be independent.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores that eat a variety of foods. Their powerful beaks crack nuts, seeds and fruits easily and their tongues can extract juice from vegetables, fruits and flowers. Each foot has a strong gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They also can grasp branches and twigs that they use to play and exercise with. To ensure they are healthy and happy, they need a lot of attention from their parents.
If birds are stressed, it may eat or bite its feathers, which could cause infection or even death. The best ways to reduce stress include a calm environment, normal social groupings and a safe environment from predatory animals. Certain species of birds particularly older and younger birds as well as nursing mothers have special nutritional needs and may need a specially formulated pelleted diet. Consult an animal veterinarian regarding these specific situations.
As well as a balanced pelleted food it is also important to provide your pet daily fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. To be safe from toxins, clean all produce thoroughly and cut into smaller pieces suitable for your bird's size. Don't feed avocados as they can cause toxicity. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs or dairy products as they could cause illness.
Regular misting or showering can help your bird maintain healthy, soft skin and plumage. It is common for pets to love being sprayed. However, it is important to not soak them or leave too much moisture on the feathers or skin.
The best time to wash your macaw after having eaten. This will help prevent the mess and let the owner look for parasites or dietary problems. The bird can be dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large 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. It must be covered in the event of need to prevent predators from entering. The cage of a macaw should be at a minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet high to give the bird enough space to move and stretch its wings.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
Macaws require constant interaction with their flock. If left to their own devices for long periods of time (while their companions are working, for example) they could become frightened and destructive. They may also develop a strong bond with a person that when not addressed promptly could lead to feather-picking. Feather-picking is a serious issue in these birds and is hard to stop without the help of an avian behaviorist or an avian veterinarian to determine any medical issues.
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 should also have access to clean water and be regularly misted to maintain healthy skin, feathers and plumage.
Keep your bird safe from open flames, drafts and harmful substances. Macaws should not be kept in kitchens due to the risks they could be exposed to. This includes cookware that is non-stick and household cleaners, paint, and perfumed products like air fresheners. Avoid houseplants and certain metals like zinc and costume jewelry.
The bird is a natural climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will love 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 prevent boredom and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should have a minimum of 3 feet of width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws have a long time, and you must be prepared for the commitment before you purchase one. The average lifespan for macaws is around 70 years and some have been reported to be 100 years old!
These gorgeous birds will bring beauty to any house. They can be a wonderful method to teach children about nature, and make a wonderful family pet. They make great companions for life when properly socialized and cared for. Think about a bird that has been raised by hand or a baby from a reputable rescue organisation if you are looking to add a new member to your family.