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Pet Macaws

By Joanne Abramson from Raintree Macaws

Easily distinguished from amazons and cockatoos by their bare facial patch and long pointed tail, the macaw family comprises one of the most extravagantly colored in the bird world. Provided they are given a healthy diet, allowed freedom and given lots of attention they will be a life long companion. It is because of this longevity that deciding on a pet macaw should not be taken lightly. Most captive bred birds are closed banded. Closed banding means the bird has had a bracelet-like steel or aluminum band (with a letter and number code stamped on it) put on its leg. This band's code tells where the bird was bred and has an unique number for that bird. The band is soldered shut and cannot be put on the bird after it is about two weeks old, depending on the species.

Selection

Choosing your first macaw will be your biggest challenge. With so many beautifully colored birds vying for your attention it is hard to decide. In the end the decision should be based on your lifestyle, the bird's health and availability. Six of the large macaws will be discussed in this article.

Species

Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna): Commonly kept in captivity and understandably popular the Blue and Golds are playful, fun loving birds. Their availability in captivity has erroneously lead to the belief that they are unremarkable. Too often they have been hybridized with other species. Perhaps the most commonly available large macaw. Their personality is ideal. They adapt easily to new surroundings. As with all the large macaws they are highly sociable and quickly become members of the family.

Greenwing Macaw (Ara chloroptera): Their name is misleading as they are predominantly crimson red with a band of green on the wing, and nearly as large as a Hyacinth. The facial patch is traversed with red feathers which looks like indian war paint. Not commonly bred in captivity, these extremely intelligent birds are inquisitive about everything. They are exceptionally interactive with people. The Greenwing has only recently become readily available as pets. Wild caught birds were difficult to breed and availability of domestic bred babies has lagged behind the demand. They are the smartest of the large macaws. Because of this, they are prone to mischief. Extremely intelligent birds with an ability to learn quickly. They are extremely socially interactive in a variety of settings. Much larger than either a Blue and Gold or a Scarlet Macaw. Along with the Buffon's and Hyacinths they are the largest of the parrot family.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris): The most underrated of the large macaws. Their personality and ability to talk match the Blue and Golds. Their continuous Christmas colors may be more muted than some of the other family members, but they are none the less still beautiful. Since smuggled birds are still a problem, purchase only closed banded birds. Smaller than the before mentioned macaws. These are a great choice for those interested in a slightly smaller bird. They are docile by nature and not as active as some of the larger macaws. They become fast friends in new locations.

Red Fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys): Comical and attentive these macaws are much smaller than those more commonly seen. They have pleasant voices and a mischievous nature. They are in love with peanuts and corn, which are both grown in their native country. One of the mid- range macaws. These two foot birds are about a foot smaller than their larger family members. What they loose in size, they make up for in personality. Though certainly not as common as Blue and Golds and Scarlets, captive bred birds are usually available.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): Nature created a spectacular combination of color in this macaw. They are in the top ten of the worlds most beautiful parrots. Preferring the love of the immediate family over large crowds. They can become real show offs if introduced to the public life at a young age. The most impressionable of the large macaws. This bird is particularly sensitive to mistreatment of any type. They have sometimes been called "nippy", but if raised in a loving environment, allowed daily freedom from their cages and played with, they will match any Blue and Gold. They do poorly if raised in isolation. They are highly sensitive to their environment. They can be the most loving and adoring member of the family, but if mistreated when they are raised or teased they can become headstrong and unhappy. Their are several variations of the Scarlet; most notably a uncommon variety with emerald green on the wing along with the yellow; and the more common wide patch of yellow. Their declining populations in the wild continues to cause great concern for tropical environmentalists.

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus): The largest of the parrot family with nearly a four foot length and a wingspan that frequently exceeds four feet in width. Recent surveys have shown the current population to be between 2500-3000. Unlike the majority of the macaw family, the Hyacinth is a specialized feeder. In the wild their diet consists of two different types of palm nuts. In captivity they have been successfully fed on a diet of macadamia, brazil, filbert, walnut, almond, pecan, peanuts and coconuts. Supplemental food such as Zupreem, fruits and vegetables are also offered. The require a diet high in fat and carbohydrates and low in protein. Because of their specialized feeding habits, as well as their need for large cages to properly house the decision to obtain one should be well thought out.

Health

The single most important consideration when purchasing your macaw. Tests that you should require before taking your bird home are: a complete exam by an avian veterinarian. Included in that exam should be a Complete Blood Count (known as a CBC), cultures of the throat and vent, and a Chlamydia (psittacosis) Screen. It takes about two days for the results of these tests to be final. A signed vet certificate should accompany the bird. If all the tests and the exam are negative you can feel confident about the purchase.

Age

The age is less important than the health and temperament of the bird. Though there has been a push in the last five years to sell birds before they are fully weaned, this is beneficial to some breeders, but not to the birds or their new owners. Burned crops, infections and stunted birds are common mishaps. The extra cost in buying a weaned bird is worth it.

Diet

Provide a well balanced diet including seed, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whatever healthy food you are eating. Small portions of pasta, cooked chicken, turkey or chicken thigh bones, fruit salad, cooked legumes and any other leftovers are great for them. As babies the introduction of a wide variety of food is helpful to stimulate a balanced diet.

Housing

Cages for them should be large enough to allow them to flap and stretch their wings. It would be impossible to have too large a cage, but is common for them to have too small a cage. Rectangular or square cages provide more space than round ones. Cages that have the play pens on top are helpful for both the owner and the bird. They allow an area outside of the cage to play.

Cost

Just like with other commodities the cost is based on rarity. If the seller has done all the veterinarian checks and had the birds sex determined, you can expect to pay more. This is beneficial to the buyer who otherwise would have to do it themselves.