Blondie Scarlet Macaw Bird
Scarlet macaws look like flying Skittles bags, with their vibrant feathers. The rainforest dwellers use bright colors to warn of danger.
In the wild, they eat leaves, nuts, fruits, seeds, and seeds. They also supplement their diet by eating berries and clay that they find on riverbanks. They are social birds that mate for life.
Habitat
The macaw with the scarlet color is the most widespread of all parrots, occurring in a variety of habitats. In the wild, they live in large trees, residing in large groups and hunting in forests and close to rivers. They tend to be docile birds, although they can be aggressive during periods of breeding. They mate for life and both the male and female take care of the young. They lay between two and three white eggs, typically in the cavities of dead branches. Young macaws are sexual maturity by about age five.
The bird has a huge beak which is used to break open nuts, fruits and seeds. Their diet is mostly plant-based however, they also consume insects and are known to visit mineral deposits such as clay licks. They are diurnal which means they are active in the daytime and rest at night.
Macaws are able to imitate human speech and are extremely intelligent. They are good escape artists, and can fly quickly away if they are afraid. They also have the capability to change their colors to disguise themselves. The scarlet macaw is a raucous bird that emits a variety of sounds and low-pitched screams to warn other animals of nearby predators.
In the wild the scarlet macaw can live up to 50 years. In captivity, they live longer. Aviculture is a very popular field due to the fact that they are easily trained and social. They are usually trained to perform many tricks.
Despite their striking plumage the macaw in scarlet is an threatened species. They are mostly captured for the pet industry and their population is shrinking due to deforestation.
Many organizations like World Parrot Trust (WPT) and Association for Parrot Protection (APP), are working to protect the scarlet macaw. These organizations are dedicated to protecting the birds, enhancing their habitats, and conducting research about the beautiful animals. It is essential to remember that handling these birds too much can result in stress. Parrot fever can also cause body aches and dry sneezing.
Diet
Macaws consume a variety of food including vegetables, fruits and nuts. great green macaw of the most intelligent species of birds, macaws learn to communicate and even perform tricks with humans. These birds can be very demanding and need lots of attention. They possess the emotional intelligence of a 4- to 8-year-old, and they may become angry or rage if they do not achieve what they desire.
A high-quality commercial pellet diet will provide the macaw parrot most of the protein, fats and vitamins it needs. Fresh foods, in small amounts, are recommended to be included in the pellets. This can include a variety of fresh chopped fruits and vegetables (including dark greens), cooked eggs, lean meats and pasta and rice.
Fruits and vegetables need to be cleaned and cut to the right size for the species prior to offering them to the bird. Apricots, oranges, and apples are excellent fruits and vegetables for this species. Certain kinds of vegetables and fruits must be avoided, including avocado (which can be toxic to parrots) and stringy vegetables such as celery and highly acidic fruit such as citrus.
Nuts and seeds are very popular with bird owners as they are simple to provide but they shouldn't be the sole source of food. These seeds and nuts are high in fat and could be deficient in calcium, vitamin A, and other nutrients. If a macaw consumes only these nuts and seeds, it may be more susceptible to diseases and have a lower life expectancy than if fed a balanced diet which includes fortified bird food and fresh fruits and vegetables.
When a macaw is fed correctly, it will become reproductively mature at about three to four years old. The macaws are monogamous and they will remain with their mate throughout their lives. The females incubate two to four white rounded eggs for 24 to 25 days. Both parents care for the young and they remain with their family until they can live independently.
Feeding
Macaws consume a variety of foods. Their powerful beaks are able to break open seeds, nuts, and fruits and their tongues are able to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Each foot has a powerful gripping tip that can be used to hold objects. They also can grasp twigs and branches, which they use to play and exercise with. To keep them healthy and happy, they need a lot of love and attention from their owners.
When an animal is stressed, it can consume or bite its feathers, which could cause infection or even death. Stress-reducing measures include a calm, social environment and adequate protection against predatory animals. Some bird species, particularly older and younger birds, women who are pregnant and nursing mothers, have special nutritional requirements and may require special diet. Consult with a veterinarian about these special circumstances.
In addition to a balanced pelleted diet, you should also offer your pet a daily supply of fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. Clean all fruits and vegetables thoroughly to avoid toxins and cut into small pieces that are suitable for the bird's size. Do not feed avocadoes because they can cause toxic effects. Avoid feeding your bird raw meat, eggs or dairy products since they can cause sickness.
Regular misting and showering can help keep your bird in soft, healthy plumage and skin. It is common for pet birds to enjoy being sprayed. However, it is important not to soak them or leave too much moisture on their feathers or skin.
A good time to wash your macaw after eating. This will avoid an unclean environment, and also let the owner look for any dietary or parasite issues. The bird can be dried with a towel before being returned to its cage.
Large macaws need a large cage with plenty of perch space to allow them to stretch their wings and rest. It should be placed away from direct sunlight as well as any source of cooling or heating. It must be covered in the event of need to stop predators from entering. The cage of a macaw should be at a minimum 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet tall to allow the bird plenty of room to move around and spread its wings.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
Macaws need daily socialization with their flock. They can become destructive and fearful if they are left in a secluded area for long periods of time (while the people they share their lives with are at work). They can also form a strong relationship with one person, which if not dealt with quickly, can turn into feather picking. Feather picking is a very serious issue for these birds and can be difficult to end without the assistance of an avian behaviorist and an experienced veterinarian for any possible medical conditions.
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 the birds entertained. They also require access to fresh water and should be misted on a regular basis to maintain a healthy skin and plumage.
Keep your bird away from flames, drafts and harmful substances. Kitchens aren't a good option for macaws due to the many dangers they could face, such as non-stick cookware, household cleansers paint, perfumed and other products such as air fresheners. Also avoid houseplants as well as certain metals (such as zinc) and costume jewelry.
This bird is an excellent climber and needs to be provided with ample opportunities for exercise and enrichment. It will appreciate perch stands, play gyms and branches to hang on, as well as large cages with plenty of space for toys, branches, and flight. The inclusion of these toys can keep your bird entertained and help your bird sharpen its beak. A cage should be minimum of 3 feet in width, 2.5 feet in depth and 6 feet in height.
Macaws are very long-lived birds and you need to be prepared for that before you purchase one. The average life expectancy is 70+ years, with some said to live to 100!
These gorgeous birds will bring beauty to any house. They are a wonderful method of teaching children about nature and can be an enjoyable pet for the family. If properly taken care of and socialized, they are excellent companions for their entire lives. If you're looking to find a new family member you might consider a baby that has been raised by a human from a reputable breeder, or adopt birds from a rescue group.