Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
With their flashy feathers that come in the rainbow of colors scarlet macaws resemble flying bags of Skittles. These forest dwellers make use of their bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild in the wild, they consume fruits, leaves, nuts and seeds. They also supplement their diet with berries and clay from river banks. They are mate for life and are very social birds.
Habitat
The scarlet Macaw is one of the most diverse parrots. It is found in a variety of habitats. In the wild they are found in large trees in large groups, foraging in forests, and near rivers. They tend to be docile birds, but they can be aggressive during breeding periods. Both the male and the female care for the young. They typically lay two or three rounded white eggs inside the cavities of dead branches of trees. By the age of five young scarlet macaws have become sexually mature.
The beak of this bird is used to break open seeds, nuts and fruits. Their diet is mostly based on plants, however, they also consume insects, and are known to visit mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day but sleep at night.
Macaws are extremely intelligent and can imitate human speech. They are skilled escape artists and can flee quickly if they are feeling threatened. They can also change their color to conceal. The scarlet macaw is an incredibly loud bird that produces different sounds and low-pitched screams to warn other animals of predators in the vicinity.
In the wild the scarlet macaw could live for up to 50 years. In captivity, they may live even longer than that. They are a popular bird in aviculture, as they are known to be very social and easy to train. They are trained to perform various tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the macaw with the scarlet color is an endangered species. They are captured primarily for the pet industry, and their population is shrinking due to the loss of forest.
A variety of organizations are working to save the scarlet macaw, including World Parrot Trust and Association for Parrot Protection. These organizations are dedicated to protecting the birds, enhancing habitats and conducting research on these beautiful creatures. However, it is important to remember that these birds should not be handled too often because it could cause stress. Parrot fever can cause dry sneezing and body aches.
Diet
Macaws eat a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. One of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws can learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. These birds are demanding and require lots of attention. They have the emotional ability and temper tantrums of a four to eight-year-old.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet should provide the macaw parrot most of the protein, fats, vitamins and minerals it needs. Fresh food, in small amounts, should be added to the pellets. This can include a wide assortment of fresh, diced fruits and vegetables, which include dark greens, cooked eggs, lean beef, pasta and rice.
Fruits and vegetables should be cleaned and cut to the appropriate size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Some examples of good fruits and vegetables suitable for this species are citrus fruits, apricots and apples and grapes and pears, as well a banana. Some types of vegetables and fruits must be avoided, including avocado (which can be poisonous to parrots), celery, which is a stringy vegetable and highly acidic fruit like citrus.
Nuts and seeds are a favorite among bird owners because they are easy to feed however they should not be the only source of food. These nuts and seeds could be rich in fat, low in vitamin A and calcium and may also contain other nutrients. If a macaw consumes these as their only food source, they can be prone to diseases and a shorter lifespan than those who were eating a balanced diet of supplemented bird pellets as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
If a macaw receives proper nutrition it will attain reproductive maturity between three to four years old. They are monogamous and will stay with their mates for life. Females lay 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 old enough to go out on their own.
Feeding
Macaws eat a wide variety of food items. Their powerful beaks crack nuts, seeds and fruits easily and their tongues can extract juice from fruits, vegetables and flowers. They also have a strong gripping toe on each foot and can hold objects with them. They also can grasp branches and twigs, which they play with and exercise with. They require lots of interaction from their owners to keep them happy and healthy.
If birds are stressed, it may take a bite or eat its feathers, which could cause infection and even death. Stress-reducing measures can include a calm, social environment and adequate protection from predatory animals. Certain species of bird particularly older and younger birds as well as nursing mothers have special nutritional needs and may need special diets that are specially designed for pellets. Talk to an animal veterinarian regarding these specific circumstances.
As well as a balanced pelleted food it is also important to provide your pet fresh fruits, grains and vegetables. To be safe from toxins, clean all food items thoroughly before cutting it into small pieces appropriate to the size of your pet. Avoid feeding avocados because they can cause toxic effects. Avoid feeding your bird raw eggs or meat products, as well as dairy products as they may cause illnesses.
Regular showering and misting will help your bird maintain healthy, soft plumage and skin. It's common for pets to love being sprayed, but it's important not to soak them or leave too much moisture on their feathers or the skin.
The best time to bathe your macaw is after a meal. This will prevent an unclean environment and allows the owner to check for dietary problems or parasites. The bird can then be toweled dry before it is returned to its cage.
Large macaws require a large cage, with ideally the largest and most spacious perch to rest and stretching its wings. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling sources, and out of the way of drafts. If it is necessary it should be covered to keep predators out. A macaw's cage must be at a minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to allow the bird ample room to move and stretch its wings.
You can also read about how to take care of yourself.
Macaws require regular interaction with the flock. They could be violent and fearful if they are left in a secluded area for long periods of time (while the people they reside with are working). They can also develop a strong bond with a person that, if not corrected immediately it can result in feather-picking. Feather pickers pose serious issues and can be difficult to stop them without the help of a veterinarian and an avian behaviorist.
These curious and intelligent parrots are awed by puzzle toys and must be kept busy. Puzzles for parrots, interlocking toys and toys that simulate preening are great for keeping these birds entertained. They also need to have access to clean water and be misted frequently to maintain healthy skin and plumage.
Keep your bird safe from drafts, open flames and harmful substances. Kitchens aren't a good option for macaws due the many potential hazards including non-stick cookware, household cleansers, paint and perfumed products like air fresheners. Also avoid houseplants, certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
The bird is a natural climber and deserves plenty of exercise and enrichment opportunities. It will appreciate perch stands and play gyms with branches to hang from, as well as an enormous cage that has plenty of space for branches, toys and flight. These toys will help to prevent boredom and help your bird grow its beak. A cage should be at least 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall.
Macaws are very long-lived animals and you should be prepared for that before you purchase one. Blondie scarlet macaw bird is 70+ years, and some have been reported to live up to 100!
These gorgeous birds make a great addition to any home. They are a great way to teach kids about nature, and make wonderful pets for the family. If properly cared for 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 addition to your family.