Is the Scarlet Macaw the Right Pet Bird For You?
2008-08-25

Is a Scarlet Macaw the Right Pet Bird For You? Descriptions of scarlet macaw Appearance: It is about 81 to 96 cm (32 to 36 inches) long, of which more than half is the pointed, graduated tail typical of all macaws. The average weight is about a kilogram (2 to 2.5 pounds). The plumage is mostly scarlet, but the rump and tail-covert feathers are light blue, the greater upper wing coverts are yellow, the upper sides of the flight feathers of the wings are dark blue as are the ends of the tail feathers, and the undersides of the wing and tail flight feathers are dark red with metallic gold iridescence. There is bare white skin around the eye and from there to the bill. The upper mandible is mostly pale horn in color and the lower is black. Sexes are alike; the only difference between ages is that young birds have dark eyes, and adults have light yellow eyes. Temperament: These birds are extremely intelligent, but they need daily socialization and stimulation so that they stay tame. They can also get bored quite easily, so they should be provided with plenty of toys to play with. Handfed Scarlet Macaws can be very affectionate, but potential owners should keep in mind that they, like all Macaws, can be rather noisy at times. Feeding: Scarlet Macaws eat mostly fruits and seeds, including large, hard seeds. A typical sighting is of a single bird or a pair flying above the forest canopy, though in some areas flocks can be seen. They may gather at clay licks. They like apples, nuts, bananas, and fruits. They also feed on nectar and buds. Exercise: Macaws are large birds, and should be provided with ample space and time to play and stretch their muscles. They should be allowed outside of their cages for a minimum of 2 hours a day, and should also be given plenty of chew toys to help them exercise their powerful beaks and jaws. Breeding: The Scarlet Macaw lays two or three white eggs in a tree cavity. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 90 days after hatching. And leave their parents about a year later. Some information on the care and breeding of the scarlet macaw: • These birds are very expensive and can run up to the two to three thousand dollar range. • They require a very big cage and play areas • They are very loud and have a low pitched throaty squawk and scream • Wild Scarlet Macaws eat mostly fruits and seeds, including large, hard seeds. • It is a common sighting in the wild to see a single bird or a pair of birds flying over forest canopy. • Macaws will gather clay licks along the riverbeds. Clay licks are clay deposits that the macaw will eat to detoxify the body of poisons from the seeds, vines and trees in the forests. • Social, but prefer immediate family over large crowds

Things you should consider before you keep a scarlet macaw pet: No pet birds are more beautiful or intelligent than the Scarlet Macaw parrot. But they take a certain kind of pet keeper to provide the right kind of care. After knowing about this kind of bird, do you think you can handle the challenge of raising and caring for this amazing parrot? 1)Scarlet Macaw Cages Scarlet Macaw cages are not cheap. Including his tail, he can be up to 36 inches (3 feet long). They require very large cages, which should be at least 3 feet x 3 feet x 6 feet and made of durable, unpainted metal. This will enable them to stretch their wings to their full span, which is vital for their health and well-being. For sanitary and health reasons, you'll need to thoroughly clean the cage at least once a week, which can be quite a challenge. But over time you'll get used to it. Ideally the cage will have a large perch mounted on the outside. This will allow them to spend time outside of their cage during the day. For both mental stimulation and beak maintenance, you should provide your parrot with a wide variety of toys to play and chew on. 2)Human Interaction Scarlet Macaws are highly intelligent and require a good deal of human attention every day. If they don't receive enough attention, there can be problems. They will become depressed, nervously chew on their feathers and skin, engage in constant squawking, and attack anyone who comes near them. If there's no one home during the day in your household, then a parrot is probably not the right pet for you. And children will need to be supervised anytime they're around a parrot -- for both the child's and the bird's safety. 3)Upper body Scarlet Macaws don't come cheap. They cost anywhere from $1500 -- $3000. When you add in the cost of the cage and supplies you're looking at a pretty hefty price tag. And they require regular veterinarian visits too -- make sure you have a veterinarian in your area who is qualified to care for parrots. 4)Long life-span Scarlet Macaw can live 40-80 years. Are you prepared to care for your Scarlet Macaw for at least the next 40 years? It's quite a commitment, and is definitely not for everyone. It takes a special kind of pet keeper to own a parrot -- and they're a special kind of pet.