Introduction to the Macaw

By Len LaRiccia

 

 

Macaws originate from South America. The smallest of the full size macaw is the Red Fronted, which was thought to be extinct until 1986 when a flock of 600 where discovered. Macaws are amazing birds, with the largest – the Hyacinth Macaw, distinguished from other macaws by its beautiful cobalt blue coloring. Reaching 40" long. Macaws lay two eggs in an average clutch and it takes 23-30 days to hatch. Macaws mate for life and are devoted mates who will die defending each other. Incredibly, macaws can live up to 150 years, and are extremely intelligent, loyal and loving pets.

An important consideration before purchasing a macaw is to carefully check out the place you are thinking of purchasing the bird from. Ask yourself if the place is reputable and is the facility clean. Bird Crazy has an excellent selection of macaws to chose from including the Blue & Gold ($1,000) known for their excellent temperament; Green Wing ($1,600) good temperament; and the Hyacinth ($9,000-$10,000) which is the best tempered of the macaws. Bird Crazy does not recommend nor sell the Military Macaw or the Scarlet Macaw. Both of these birds have very poor temperaments at maturity and are not suited for most potential bird owners. Breeding of macaws can be done at the age of 4 or 5, but is strongly suggested they not be bred until they are 7 to 10 years old. Bird Crazy recommends not crossbreeding the Blue & Gold with the Hyacinth. Additionally, the Shamrock (Military/Scarlet offspring), Catalina (Blue & Gold/Scarlet offspring), Calico (Green Wing/Military offspring), Camelot (Catalina/Catalina offspring) are frequently seen in the pet trade but are known for their bad tempers. No matter which bird you decide on, your bird will need a large cage at least 3’ wide, 2’ deep and 5’ tall.

First time macaw owners should be aware that while macaw babies behave well, their actual personality and temperament is not full developed until the macaw reaches 8 – 10 years. Don’t assume that since the baby is well behaved, the mature macaw will also be well behaved. It’s important to remember to train your macaw. As a lack of discipline can be a problem. Remember to set limits, as they can turn out to be very loud and demanding if you let them.

A macaws diet should consist of nuts, high fat foods, fruits, veggies and seed. They need calcium and vitamin D from the sun, but don’t just leave their cage by a sunny window, they need outdoor sunlight. Their diet needs to be watched, as they’ve been known to just about anything in the house. In the wild, these bird even eat meat in the small amounts.

Veterinary care of the macaw is critical. The Macaw Wasting Syndrome (which is a virus) is deadly in this species. Signs include vomiting, passing whole seeds, and loss of weight. This is extremely serious as it leads to a long, suffering death and, unfortunately, this syndrome is quite prevalent in San Diego. The incubation period can take up to 6 months or more. Another common problem is Poloyoma Virus. Bird Crazy vaccinates for this virus which are 75-80% effective in preventing this ailment.

Macaws are playful and like to roughhouse. They need mental stimulation and love to play with toys, such as their water station. With training, it’s not uncommon for a macaw to have vocabulary of over 100 words. Raise and nurture them in an environment that allows them to be active, climb and stimulate them mentally and you’ll have a well-adjusted, loyal friend for life.