Basic Husbandry
General Information
Vital Statistics
Body Weight: 120g-1700g
Body Size: 20 inches to 42 inches
Life Span: 20-50+ years
Species Specifics
Most species tend to be big, loud, and demanding.
They are incredible shrieks, screamers, and callers.
They can also be decent talkers, as they have clear articulation but sound nasal when speaking.
They are intelligent birds and require attention and toys to keep them busy.
Handling and Grooming
If the bird has been properly socialized by raising it in a nurturing environment with other birds and people, it should adjust well to its surroundings.
They must be socialized at a young age and exposed to various experiences (veterinary visits, other pets, visitors, wing and nail trims, car rides) to avoid fearful behavior.
Most young, hand-raised macaws are very adaptable and easily handled by many people. Begin by teaching your bird to “step up” onto your finger, allowing it to become comfortable with you.
Toweling large birds is the safest method of restraint.
Cover the bird with the towel and use the thumb and middle finger at about ear level to grasp the head while the index finger goes over the head.
Lift the bird and wrap the towel around its body.
The towel should be at the bird's mouth level, giving it something to chew on.
Routine misting or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition.
Many macaws enjoy being sprayed with a hand sprayer or mister from the hose. Make sure not to soak them and keep them away from drafts as they dry.
In most cases (especially for new bird owners), it is advised to have their wings clipped. This helps in avoiding possible injuries and unintentional free flights.
Keeping their nails trimmed regularly allows easier handling of your bird and makes it easier for them to perch and climb. It also helps keep their nails from getting caught in objects or caging.
Reproductive Information
Preening each other and feeding each other/regurgitation are signs of breeding pairs.
Broody behavior can include nest building, cage territoriality, aggression, and rubbing their vent against inanimate objects or people.
Minimize reproductive behavior by:
Avoid grooming or petting along the back and under the wings.
Avoid playing or wrestling with the bird’s beak.
Avoid providing a nesting box.
Improve nutrition.
Do not place your bird on your shoulder or head, as it can result in aggression.
Provide no more than 12 hours of light. Cover the cage if necessary.
Housing
They need plenty of room to move around and exercise, as well as for branches and toys. The minimum cage size for a macaw is 3 feet wide, 2.5 feet deep, and 6 feet high.
The wingspan on some larger birds can reach 4 feet, so the cage should allow them to stretch their wings.
The rods should be no farther apart than ¾-1.5" to avoid any chance of head entrapment. Rods should run horizontally to help the bird climb.
Use perches of several different diameters to exercise the feet properly. Avoid putting a sandpaper perch in your bird's cage.
Natural tree branches made of apple, ash, almond, apricot, alder, peach, beech, maple, and elm are safe for your bird if untreated with chemicals.
Place the cage where there is activity, as macaws are social birds that live in flocks in the wild.
Keep the cage out of direct sunlight unless it is large enough for the bird to get away from the sun.
Avoid placing the cage in the kitchen due to hazards like hot pans, fumes, and ceiling fans.
Ensure the cage is away from drafts and heating/cooling sources.
Diet
Provide a well-rounded diet with opportunities to try new foods for variety and psychological enrichment.
Start with a basic pelleted diet formulated specifically for macaws and supplement it with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid avocado, which is toxic to macaws.
While macaws love seeds, these should make up no more than 15-20% of their diet. Seed-only diets can lead to health issues like obesity and vitamin deficiencies.
Place food and water in accessible areas, avoiding contamination from perches. Fresh water should be provided and changed daily.
Enrichment
Macaws are curious and intelligent. Provide puzzles, chew toys, and climbing activities.
Avoid rope toys with loops that can trap their head, feet, or wings.
Rotate toys weekly for variety and ensure the cage has space for movement.
Socialize with your macaw daily and never leave it unattended when out of the cage.
Common Medical Conditions
Malnutrition
Signs include lethargy, thinness, and dehydration. Treatment involves correcting dietary deficiencies.
Obesity
Common in birds fed high-fat or high-sugar diets with little exercise. It can lead to heart, liver, or pancreas issues. Treatment involves diet and exercise changes.
Stress
Stress can lead to self-mutilation, respiratory distress, or even death. Proper care and socialization can reduce stress.
Trauma
Bite wounds, falls, and electrical cord injuries are common. Contact a veterinarian immediately for care.
Health Recommendations
Annual Physical
Macaws should have an initial and yearly physical exam to check for parasites, health conditions, and overgrown nails.
Emergency Care
For injuries or severe conditions, keep the bird calm and contact a veterinarian immediately. Avoid over-the-counter medications without consulting a professional.
