General information on macaws

[Luvparrots]

The Macaws are native to the Caribbean, Central and tropical South American and Mexico. Here are Eighteen species of Macaws, including extinct and critically endangered species. The Macaw has a long tail, brilliant feathers and is considered one of the largest birds in the parrot family. The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest Macaw sprouting a more than 4 feet wingspan. The smallest Macaw, the Red-shouldered Macaw, is no larger than some parakeets.

 

 

Macaws eat a variety of nuts, seeds, flowers, fruits and even snails and insects. Their powerful beaks allow some species to crush very hard nuts like the Brazil nut. Likewise, an unhappy/scared Macaw can break/damage fingers easily.

 

 

Housing for a Macaw should at be at least 36” x 48” x 60” with a minimum bar spacing of 1 to 1.5”. Daily out of cage time would be ideal with lots of flying space. Remember to remain in supervision as the Macaw is a great wood chewer. Macaws are can be very loud as in the wild it was necessary for their voices to carry over long distances.

 

 

Parrots in general are popular pets, however, the Macaw,with its powerful jaws and large amount of intelligence can be difficult. As Macaws usually bond for life in captivity unmated Macaws bond primarily with one person—their care provider. Because Macaw crave frequent interaction, lack of this can lead to mental and physical suffering ie., biting, screaming, and feather-plucking. Because of their intelligence they require a care-provider who is willing to provide the necessary stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This should include lots of toys on which they can chew, otherwise they will use their strong beaks to destroy their cage or household items.

 

 

Macaws often lung at people, especially strangers and the immediate reaction by those “under attack” can teach the macaw if it can control humans with threat behavior. So the correct action is to remain calm and appear unaffected. As for biting the same applies, if you react in fear the Macaw has learned another method of “disciplining you”.

 

 

The Macaw is a great speech/sound imitator using the expelling of air across the mouth of a bifurcated trachea (rather than vocal cords, which are not present in parrots). Therefore, Macaws have an excellent talking ability but require constant interact with its owner to prevent this beautiful parrot from becoming an overly loud and screaming nuisance.

 

 

Macaws are said to live over 100 years but it is probably more accurate to say the average lifespan is closer to 50-70 years. In any event, this very social parrot will often develop a strong bond with its care-provider and makes a wonderful pet for those experienced in the care and training of a companion parrot.

 

 

 

Edited May 28, 2012 by luvparrots