Blog entry by Lynell Weymouth
Pixie Mini Mindy catalina macaw
They are easily trained and are rarely aggressive. They are best handled regularly and mimic spoken words.
Macaws consume a diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables, and seeds. They also require a few perches of wood to climb and chew.
Macaws are prone to developing a dominant streak when they first move into an unfamiliar environment. To avoid this, an avian behaviorist as well as a veterinarian should be consulted.
Training
Macaws are highly intelligent birds, and they thrive on regular handling, enrichment, focus and the opportunity to exercise. They are a joy to play with, explore their surroundings, and manipulate objects. They often love being hugged or "skritched" when they feel secure with the person they're with.
Macaws that are not treated properly may become territorial, aggressive or destructive. Those that are bored can be prone to using feathers as a way of self-mutilation. To prevent boredom, offer an array of toys with textures as well as multiple perches. Playing with toys that simulate preening will also help stop the destruction of feathers caused by boredom. If you observe these behaviors, consult a qualified avian behaviorist and/or veterinarian.
Young macaws that are raised by hand are well-adjusted to new environments and are trained. Introduce them to new people, car trips, hospital visits as well as other pets (including cats and dogs) and other birds from an early age. They are easily imprinted and need regular handling from a young age to avoid developing one person bonds. When this happens, these parrots are likely to scream to be noticed and could even start biting. The ability to lead, discipline and patience are key to changing these behaviours.
Larger macaws like the Blue and Gold, Bonnie scarlet macaw for sale, Military and Hyacinth are more susceptible to behavioral problems as adults. Hormonal imbalances can trigger aggression and depression. If left unattended these issues can develop into serious health problems for the parrot and it can be a stressful situation for the owner.
Mini macaws are generally easier to train than their larger counterparts. They can be taught basic commands, tricks, and words. However, they don't bond as readily with their owners and seldom snuggle or snuggle up to them. To build a relationship spend a few hours every day with your pet outside their cage and talk to them in a reassuring tone to get them used to your voice. Once you have a relationship it is possible to teach them to take off your finger and learn to interact with other birds in a secure setting.
Care
Macaws need to interact with their human counterparts. They are social and intelligent birds. They are susceptible to boredom and depression if they don't get enough time with their friends. A macaw who is depressed could self-mutilate, taking out its feathers. This can be a risk.
To avoid these issues, early socialization and training is vital. It is also recommended that a glaucous macaw be handled on a regular basis to improve its relationship with its owner, encourage general health, and allow for an easy inspection of the animal's body for any injuries or unusualities. Destruction is another issue that can plague macaws and therefore owners should offer plenty of heavy-duty toys to divert their birds away from wood furniture and other enticements in the home.
Trim the nails regularly. This helps in handling the bird, and the nails are less likely to be stuck on cages and toys. The shorter nails also helps keep them clean and healthy.
Macaws require a large cage to allow them to fly and exercise. A minimum cage size of 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep and 6 feet high is recommended. These large birds need to be capable of spreading their wings when they are in flight. They also need room for climbing, perching, and toys.
Giving your macaw an assortment of foraging, chewable wood and rope toys, puzzles that can be taken apart, and mechanical toys is an excellent method of providing daily enrichment. Providing an array of branches for your macaw to climb up and to hide in is another way to provide physical enrichment.
If your macaw keycaps acts oddly, is gasping for air, or appears disoriented and unfocused It could be trying to lay an egg. The eggs could put pressure on the nerves controlling the legs, which can cause self-mutilation and paralysis. If you notice this behaviour you should contact your veterinarian or an animal emergency clinic.
Feeding
Macaws are omnivores, and enjoy fruits and vegetables in their diet. They also enjoy eating pellets, nuts and commercial parrot food.
You will need to offer them a variety of food throughout the day to ensure their diet remains balanced. They consume less than their large counterparts, meaning that owners will not have to make quite as many trips to the pet store. This can save you some money and that's always a positive thing!
The Hahn's macaw is a good speaker, with a loud and short-lived call they use to locate other members of their flock. They also make loud contact calls that can be a bit percussive and they'll call to their owner when they are feeling anxious or worried.
A good idea is to introduce your macaw to being brushed all over from an early age, particularly between the head and beneath the wings. They are awestruck by being touched and love being pampered! To keep your bird healthy, you must perform annual exams. This is the best time to check your bird for fecal and parasites, as well as fecal tests and other health issues.
If you are thinking of getting a macaw, you will need to have an enclosure that is at least 36" x 24" x 24." This will allow your macaw room to fly around and stretch out into. To stay healthy and happy, they have to be able exercise their natural energy.
The cage should be equipped with several perches and be well-ventilated to give the bird options. The macaw won't get stressed or bored when they have a means to release their energy. These little birds are extremely active in the wild, and they require a way to release their energy at home.
Adolescent hormones pose a major issue for these tiny birds. As they grow older, they can act like teenagers and become extremely annoyed. This can be a challenge for the new owners of a parrot as they are learning how to live with their bird. The best way to approach this is to be patient and encourage their positive behavior.
Health
Cleo female macaws for sale are fond of playing with their owners and form strong bonds. They are intelligent birds that learn to communicate effectively. They are a beautiful addition to any family and can be a great companion for their 45-to-50-year lifespan. They can be noisy and difficult to handle if not socialized at an early age. This species will be happy and make a great pet when you train it and give it plenty of attention.
Hahn's miniature macaws are a great way to enjoy the same thrills and excitement as large macaws, however, in a smaller size. They are very affectionate and love cuddling however they don't exhibit the same tendency to bite or nip as often as larger macaws. They are lively little acrobats but they can also be peaceful and quiet. They are an excellent option for those who would like a Macaw, but do not have the space to keep a larger bird.
The chestnut-fronted macaw is also known as the severe macaw, and is one of the largest mini macaw breeds. It is green in color with red and blue on the wings. The head is covered with a chestnut-brown patch with black feathers over its eyes. Chestnut-fronted Macaws can become aggressive during puberty. This can lead to issues in captivity. This bird responds well to regular handling and is eager to learn new things.
Macaws aren't known to be territorial, but they may become aggressive when their environment becomes too busy or stressed. It is recommended to place the bird into a more secluded room until it calms down. A vet can give your bird a thorough physical exam to check the health of their ears, eyes as well as their lungs, heart and coelom. A stool sample is also taken to determine if there are parasites.
The macaw in your cage will need to be regularly wormed, so be sure to use an wormer like Worm-Away available from Birdsville. You will also need to change the water every day and make sure the cage has plenty of fresh clean air. Keep the cage away from direct sunlight since the heat can cause overheating of the parrot and cause illness.