[•] About Macaw
Macaws are big, intelligent birds. They naturally live in southern Mexico down through Central America and deep into South America. They are cavity nesters, meaning they make their nest in a tree cavity because their vibrant color is visible to predators, so they don't make open nests.
They can live 50+ years in captivity. Macaws are known for their loud voice, so if you are thinking of buying a Macaw remember they can't be quiet. As the sun rises, they wake up and start finding food.
They are the largest parrots. Macaws can mimic human voices, and their beak can crush a nut like a nutcracker. They have a bone in their tongue. They can fly 15 miles a day. Macaws have zygodactyl feet—two toes facing forward and two facing back for gripping branches.
They have the intelligence of a 3-year-old child. They can learn over 100 human words. We can't identify their gender just by looking; we have to test their DNA. They are the most expensive parrots. There are 19 recognizable natural species of macaws.
Blue-and-yellow macaw
Blue-headed macaw
Blue-throated macaw
Blue-winged macaw
Chestnut-fronted macaw
Cuban macaw (extinct)
Glaucous macaw
Great green macaw
Hyacinth macaw
Lear's macaw
Martinique macaw (extinct)
Military macaw
Green-winged macaw
Red-bellied macaw
Red-fronted macaw
Red-shouldered macaw
Scarlet macaw
Spix's macaw (extinct in the wild)
Yellow-collared macaw
macaws live, travel, and feed in groups.These birds enjoy living together in pairs, family groups, or even huge flocks of more than 100 birds. A interesting feature of macaws is that mating couples always fly side-by-side, even when they are part of a giant flock. Staying in a large flock gives them safety in numbers, as it allows them to easily keep an eye out for predators while feeding.
A macaw has roughly 120 to 140 hollow bones (including 5 small bones in its prehensile tongue) and between 2,000 and 3,000 feathers.
Macaws fly at speeds up per 56 to 64 km/h. They usually fly low just above or slightly below the top of the canopy rather than flying at high altitudes.
"HOW TO CARE A MACAW: (ADULT)"
Taking care of a macaw is a lifelong commitment since these amazing birds can live for over 50 years. They need a spacious, sturdy cage, a healthy diet packed with fresh foods and high-fat nuts, and plenty of mental stimulation. Most importantly, you'll need to set aside several hours every day for out-of-cage bonding and interaction to keep them happy.So Follow these steps to care macaw properly.
CAGE SELECTION:
Macaw are large birds they can't live in a cage they need an aviary of atleast 16 feet height,breadth and height.
Important note before making a aviary:
•The best metal to make aviary is Stainless steel non toxic and not also harmful.Metals you should not use for making aviary are galvanized steel, plastic and wood.galvanized steel and plastic is very harmful for birds and if you make it with wood they can chew and escape.
•Bar spacing for aviary-For a Macaw, standard bar spacing should be 1 inch to 1.5 inches (2.5 cm to 3.8 cm).
•Best Direction for aviary-You should know that very owner seperate totally with sunlight and some totally give them in presence of sunlight.But you should know that the top of your aviary should be covered or you can cover when you want because direct cantact of noon hot sunlight can make macaw suffer from a heat stroke.But the morning sunlight is very beneficial for them so if you can do don't cover all four sides,just cover the top.But,if you are not able atleast one side should open from where the sun rises(east).
+AVIARY SETUP:
"Never use plastic in anything of aviary"
A good aviary setup make macaw feel happy and joyful.So, to make a good aviary you should follow this point.
(1)No. of perches-There should be only one long wooden perch that can connect one side to another.(Best wood for making perch are Manzanita,JavaWood,DragonWood,Apple,Pear,Arbutus,Ash.Harmful woods for them Cedar, Redwood, Cherry, Plum, Peach, Apricot, Oak, Yew, Walnut, Oleander.)Other then this you can add 2-3 small perches of same wood.Insert them at the height of 9 feet or more.
(2)Toys-Remember one thing don't overcrowd with toys.Always give them space to fly because I always say "The happiness they get from toys are less then the happiness of flying"They are adapted to fly God give them wings to fly not to play.Toys are a way to reduce stress and give happiness to a bird which is locked in a _cm to _cm cage.So these are some toys you can give:-
"Swings"-This is a very important toys for birds because it give them feeling of moving branches.There should be 1-2 swing.Hieght for your swings depends on your macaw size.But if you have the largest macaw(Hyacinth macaw)swing should be fitted on 10 feet.Use only wood.
"Climbing tree"-In wild , macaws use both their beak and nails to climb trees, effectively using their beak as a "third hand".
So,for giving them this feeling by giving them climbing toys.As they can climb on aviary bar spacing but wood will give them better feeling.You can add a long climbing toy of wood and non toxic paint.
.......................climbing toys.....................
"Chewing toys"-chew toys are a total lifesaver for macaws because their beaks grow continuously just like human fingernails, meaning they need to constantly gnaw on hard stuff to naturally trim them down and avoid painful vet visits.You can give woods blocks or these types of toys.
Other then this you can use these toys in a good way don't overcrowd:
DIET FOR ADULT MACAW:
A proper diet is the absolute foundation of a macaw’s life, directly controlling their physical health, energy, and lifespan.
Winter
Monday-Base Pellets-Steamed Sweet Potato-Cracked Walnuts-Guava Slices-Warm Brown Rice
Tuesday-Base Pellets-Grated Carrots & Broccoli-Sprouted Moong-Pomegranate Seeds-In Shell Almonds
Wednesday-Base Pellets-Green Beans & Bell Peppers-In Shell Almonds-Papaya Chunks-Warm Sweet Potato Mash
Thursday-Base Pellets-Dark Leafy Greens & Zucchini-Macadamia Nut-Seedless Apple Slices-Steamed Pumpkin
Friday-Base Pellets-Chopped Carrots & Green Peas-Boiled Egg Piece-Guava Slices-Warm Quinoa
Saturday-Base Pellets-Steamed Pumpkin & Cauliflower-Sprouted Chana-Papaya Chunks-Lightly Steamed Carrots.
Sunday-Base Pellets-Steamed Broccoli & Bell Peppers-Cracked Walnuts-Pomegranate Seeds-Warm Brown Rice
SUMMER:
Monday-Base Pellets-Raw Zucchini & Cucumber-Soaked Almonds-Watermelon Chunks-Cool Quinoa.
Tuesday-Base Pellets-Grated Carrots & Bell Peppers-Sprouted Moong-Mango Slices-Soaked Walnuts.
Wednesday-Base Pellets-Chopped Okra & Green Beans-Soaked Almonds-Papaya Chunks-Sprouted Chana
Thursday-Base Pellets-Dark Leafy Greens & Zucchini-Coconut Pieces-Muskmelon Cubes-Cool Brown Rice⁰
Friday-Base Pellets-Raw Cucumber & Carrots-Boiled Egg Piece-Pomegranate Seeds-Cool Quinoa
Saturday-Base Pellets-Chopped Cauliflower & Bell Peppers-Sprouted Moong-Watermelon Chunks-Soaked Almonds
Sunday-Base Pellets-Raw Zucchini & Green Beans-Soaked Walnuts-Mango Slices-Cool Brown Rice.
"""""""""""""""Other cares of a macaw"""""""""""
Bathing -To bath a macaw there are two ways.
(1)Use a handspray and set it to mist mode then spray it.If they are not enjoying it or running from water then stop.
(1)Use a handspray and set it to mist mode then spray it.If they are not enjoying it or running from water then stop.
(2)Use can give them a bowl with 2-3 cm bowl or plate.They will bath whenever they want.You can also buy bathing toys.
Nail Treaming-Trimming a macaw’s nails is tough because they have super strong beaks! Always ask a friend to help.
Nail Treaming-Trimming a macaw’s nails is tough because they have super strong beaks! Always ask a friend to help.
Wrap the bird: Hold your macaw in a thick towel so it stays calm and can't bite.
Grab a toe: Pull out one toe at a time.
Clip the tip: Cut off only the sharp, needle tip—don't cut too far!
Stop bleeding: If it bleeds, press styptic powder onto the nail.
Treat time: Give your bird a snack when you're done.
If your bird panics, stop and let a vet do it!
"""""""""""HOW TO TAME A MACAW """"""""""""
FOR Taming a macaw we need a hand feed baby of 4 to 6 months.After taking hand feed them love them etc.But not ordinary hand feeding.Take food in hand and then give instruction to come and when they come lift on finger and then feed it.
Recall training - To recall-train a flighted macaw directly without forcing a step-up, use their natural desire for high-value treats and a clear signal.
Find the "super treat": Pick a food they love above everything else (like a cashew or walnut) and use it only for recall training.
Start tiny distances: Put the macaw on a perch. Stand just one step away, extend your forearm flat, hold the treat visible in your other hand, and use a clear command (like "Come!").
Reward the instant they land: The second both feet land on your arm, give the treat and praise them enthusiastically.
Step up - Lift in hand give treat when they are hungry.Reapeat and repeat it.
Free fly-Free flying is when you let your macaw fly outside without a harness and it actually comes back to you. It looks awesome, but it's super risky and really hard to do!
Get perfect indoors first: Your bird needs to fly to your arm immediately every single time you call it inside the house, even when things are distracting.
Teach them how to steer: Parrots have to practice flying downwards and making sharp turns indoors so they don't get stuck in high places outside.
Get them used to the outdoors: Use a harness outside first so your bird doesn't freak out from wind, loud cars, or wide open skies.
Pick a wide-open spot: When starting outside, use a huge empty field away from tall trees, power lines, and hawk nests.
Warning: Don't try this by yourself! Always get help from an expert bird trainer, or your bird could easily get lost or hurt.
NOW TAME YOUR BIRD,CARE YOUR BIRD AND BE HAPPY.
Written by Hans Raj
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