The Colorful Macaw is one of the largest parrots in the world. Its feathers are a real fireworks display of bright colors, shades of yellow, red, blue, and green. Originally from the American continent, intelligent and smooth-talking, the Macaw is threatened with extinction and endangered. It is one of the protected species and legislation governs its adoption. What you should know about the Macaw before choosing it as a pet.
The first Macaws appeared in the middle of the 18th century, from central Mexico and as far as South America.
Today it is present in the south and center of the American continent. The destruction of the tropical forest unfortunately results, among other things, in a lack of large trees necessary for the reproduction of these giant birds.
Macaws are often exported illegally to supply the international pet trade. This practice, along with land clearing and logging, has resulted in the increasing rarity of many Macaws in their natural environment.
Its family: psittacines
Size: 30 to 90 cm long
Weight: up to 1.5 kg
Longevity: up to 80 years
Sexual maturity: between 5 and 7 years
Types of colorful parrots
Blue, yellow, red, green: due to the nuances of its colors, the Macaw is a parrot with an impressive appearance. Magnificent with its bright, flamboyant colors and its long tail, the majesty of the Macaw is also reinforced by its size. It is one of the largest parrots in the world. It can measure up to 90 cm long with a wingspan of 120 cm! His size will therefore require the choice of a cage of good dimensions so that he is comfortable there.
Macaw lifespan
Life expectancy should be taken into account before purchasing a Macaw as a pet.
The Macaw lives on average from 50 to 70 years. Its life expectancy constitutes one of the main causes of abandonment.
The big family of the macaw parrot
Macaw is a name given to some of the largest birds in the Psittacinae subfamily. Under the name macaw are grouped six related genera of neo-tropical parrots*.
Thus, under the name macaw, we find parrots whose size is between 30 and 90 cm. It bears the name, to name just a few among the 16 existing species of macaw (19 according to other sources), themselves divided into 6 genera, of:
– Ara macao,
– Severe Macaw,
– Ara ararauna,
– Cuban Macaw,
– Noble macaw,
– Hyacinth macaw,
– Chloropterous macaw…
How much does a Macaw cost?
Its price is high: from 1000$ to 5500$. This is only an average because everything depends on the species, where you buy it, its age, its origin… A Macaw that was abandoned and offered for adoption will be cheaper.
How to choose and educate macaw?
It is essential to find out about the nature, needs, and character of the Macaw you wish to acquire or adopt. For example, a Military Macaw, which is physically close to the Blue and Gold Macaw, is not considered a family bird but rather a single-owner bird.
He would be able to create a romantic bond with a particular man or woman. A good talker, he gets along well with other animals and children. He therefore accepts other members of the family without any problem.
Let us then take the case of the scarlet macaw, considered to be the most beautiful of its species, because it is indeed spectacular. This one is not intended for a novice master, because they do not lack temperament. He is sometimes said to be aggressive when that is not the case. He would rather be the type to be defensive. Especially towards strangers. This parrot is not intended for a family.
All the details and clarifications that you collect in your preliminary information work concerning the Macaw that attracts you are necessary for the final choice so as not to make any mistakes.
Male or female? To find out, you will have to wait to see if your parrot lays eggs. but it can take a long time and make you impatient. : up to several years! The quick solution is to take a DNA test. This can be made from a torn feather.
Like many parrots, the Macaw needs physical contact and interaction with its master. He could quickly develop separation anxiety if he is left to his own devices and neglected. This behavioral disorder can lead to pecking. (the bird tears off its feathers or even its skin). This is common among birds in captivity.
Health insurance for parrots such as Santévet offers will allow you to cover veterinary expenses throughout the life of the animal, both in the event of illness, accidents, and surgery by reimbursing your costs up to 85%.
More than training, strictly speaking, it is contacts and exchanges that the parrot needs for its well-being. It must be fully integrated into the home. A parrot, for someone who is often absent and on the move, is not a good idea, especially for the animal who will suffer from it.
Macaw parrot talk
The Macaw is generally a good, even excellent, speaker. By dint of “work”, it easily reproduces human language.
Also, be careful: some species of Macaws are very noisy! do not hesitate to ask the breeder for advice. Before purchasing your Macaw, you can also contact the veterinarian and his team to whom you will have him followed.
SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet
Macaw parrot care
Given the size of the Macaw, we are not talking about a cage but an aviary. he must be able to feel comfortable there, spread his wings freely but also fly. The cost of the aviary should be taken into account in the decision to acquire this parrot. A garden is a plus for a Macaw’s living conditions.
The Macaw parrot needs a varied and balanced diet. Its diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and foods specially adapted for parrots.
Ara parrot food should be rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to ensure good health and well-being.
Among the fruits that he appreciates and that can be included in his diet or as a treat, the choice is vast: grapes, kiwis, apples, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, raspberries but also carrots, tomatoes… ). Before distributing it, the fruits must be washed, then dried, and finally cut into small pieces.
The macaw parrot’s powerful beak allows it to crack nuts and hard seeds, as well as dig into the wood for insects!
