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Macaw Information

Family: Psittacidae

Genera: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Diopsittaca

Origin: Mexico & South America

Size:  from 12" (Hahn's/Noble Macaw) to 40" (Hyacinth Macaw)

Cage Size: Minimum of 24" W x 24" H x 18" D for small species (e.g., Red-Shouldered, Yellow-collared); minimum of 5 ft W x 6 ft H x 3˝ ft D for larger species (e.g., Blue and Gold, Military, Hyacinth); bar spacing: not more than 4" apart - structural wire at least 3mm thick.

Disposition: Friendly, curious, and very intelligent.  Vocalization: Various intonations of a raucous screech, depending on species.

Diet: Macaws are fruit, seed and nut eaters in the wild and in captivity should be fed an assortment of foods. Providing a well balanced diet including pellets, nuts, apples, oranges, cherries, pears, nectarines, plums, peaches, cranberries, papaya, mango, grapes, berries including blue and black, currants, raspberries and mulberries; palm, brazil, macadamia, cashew, almonds, pistachio (undyed or salted), and pecan nuts; sprouts from pinto, black, barley beans, whole green peas, and lentils. Parrots do not require grit in their diet and may form an impaction if it is added. Whatever healthy food you are eating they would enjoy. Small portions of pasta, cooked chicken, turkey, fruit salad, cooked legumes, cooked vegetables, and any other healthy leftovers are great for them.  While the bird is young it is the perfect time to introduce a wide variety of foods to your bird.

AVOID— Avoid peanuts, chocolate, avocado, caffeine, and rhubarb.

Vocalization: Can be extremely loud at times.

Playfulness: Very active and playful; need many toys, large amount of exercise, and mental stimulation.

Life Span: 35-80 years, sometimes longer.

Age at Maturity: 2 years for smaller species (e.g., Red-Shouldered, Yellow-collared); 5 years for larger species (e.g., Blue and Gold, Military, Hyacinth).

Nesting Sites in the Wild: Generally tree hollows or holes in cliffs, but somewhat species dependent.

Breeding Season: February-May, sometimes June

 

 

 

Living with a Macaw

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Blue and Gold Macaw

Macaw Quick Facts