The Care And Feeding Of Macaws

Macaws are native to Mexico as well as Central and South America, where they live in rainforests and grasslands. These beautiful birds, with a wingspan of up to four feet, make loyal pets if they can be accomodated. Although macaws are suited to living in forests, they have been kept as pets for a little over a hundred years. Keeping a macaw in the home brings unique challenges.

The first requirement for owning a macaw is a large cage. They are very active birds, needing ample space to move about. They are also intellegent and like toys, especially things they can chew. Stimulation and interaction with their keepers is crucial during a macaw’s formative years. If they are neglected, they tend to become loud and unsociable. A macaw’s cage or house should be at least eight feet tall. Custom made cages are available at bird shows and specialty shops.

Another thing to consider is diet. There are different types of macaws and they eat similar foods. Blue and gold, green-winged, and scarlet macaws eat parrot food, which is commercially available. They also like fruit and vegetables and nuts, especially Brazil nuts which they crush with their powerful beaks. The red-shouldered macaw is much smaller and does not eat nuts.

Children should never play with a macaw unsupervised. They are gentle but can injure children and adults with their beaks and claws. For this reason, it is vital that the owner interacts with the bird from the time of its birth. They generally reach maturity at age five. They will bond with their keepers and can live up to sixty years.

One good place to learn about macaws and see them up close is at a bird show. At bird shows, vendors display their birds and sell supplies such as food, toys, and cages. The vendors are usually experts in the kind of birds they sell. Most of them raise the birds as well and hold a license to do so. Search on the web for bird dealers and shows in your area.

Keeping a macaw for a pet can be a challenge. Still, if you are patient and committed enough, you will be rewarded with an affectionate pet who will live for many years. If you are thinking about getting a macaw, remember to do research and find out which subspecies is best for you. Also, be prepared to pay anywhere from $1200 to $8000, depending on the macaw’s age and rarity. It is cheaper to purchase one as a chick rather than a young or fully matured bird.