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Hahn Macaw Common Varieties: There are several varieties of this small
to large sized parrot. The more common are: Blue and Gold - largely blue
upper surface and tail. The neck and chest are a bright yellow, while
the cheeks have a black band that runs down to the chin. The crown and
forehead are green while the white cheeks have rows of black feathers,
this bird measures 34 inches. Scarlet - feathers are a rich mix of red,
blue and yellow with some green markings and a lg. bare cheek, while the
upper beak is white and the lower beak is black, this bird measures 33
inches. Hahn's Macaw - this is a mini-macaw, predominantly green body,
red plumage is on the shoulder and underwing, with a greenish blue forehead.
This bird measures 12 inches
Traits: If properly cared for, the Macaw can live 40 to 90 years depending
on the species. The Macaw is clever and can be taught to do simple tricks
and sometimes fairly complex ones. They love having their cheeks rubbed
and their necks scratched. Although they are capable of limited speech,
macaws are not great talkers. The words or phrases that they utter are
usually quite loud and sometimes distorted. As with many large birds,
Macaws are gentle and confident even when handled by stranger. Macaws
make friendly, clever pets. Respectful treatment is recommend, as their
beaks are extremely powerful. Macaws tend to bond with one person or territory
and need to a great deal of socialization and stimulation to stay a happy,
healthy member of your family.
Feeding: A macaw should eat a staple diet of fresh pellet formula
or a fortified parrot seed diet. Pelleted diets are recommended because
each pellet contains balanced nutrition. Besides a variety of pellet or
a seed mix diet, offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables and a
variety of fresh fruits in addition to a protein source like mature legumes,
hard cooked chopped egg, and grated cheese. Avoid the following foods:
Iceberg lettuce, and cabbage, (these can cause severe diarrhea); caffeine
(contained in chocolate and soda); avocado and parsley, (these can be
poisonous). Raisins and bananas should be given in moderation (these can
cause constipation). Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 2 hours
of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from
the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny and
discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day to see if this
is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their
water cup out thoroughly prior to adding fresh water to reduce bacteria
growth. Powdered vitamins (only necessary if on a seed diet) can be lightly
sprinkled on the fresh food, but putting it in the water can encourage
bacterial growth.
Housing: When choosing a cage for your bird, remember width is more
beneficial to the bird than height. Macaws should be able to stretch their
wings and still have room for a variety of toys without hitting them,
therefore, they larger the cage the better. Ideally, the cage for a macaw
should measure a minimum of 24" length by 48" high and 36" wide. Perches
are an essential part of the cages and should be chosen to suit the feet
of the bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help
exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent
droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the
tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor.
A variety of toys, such as bells and wooden blocks in the bird's cage,
these will assist you in entertaining your bird. Be sure that when choosing
toys, they be intended for a large parrot and not for something small
for cockatiels or parakeets. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block
available to supply calcium and prevent beak overgrowth. To aid the bird
in keeping itself clean, we recommend lightly misting it with warm tepid
water on a weekly basis. Place your bird's cage below eye-level in a bright
area free from drafts and direct sunlight.
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