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Accept These 6 Basics Before Buying A Macaw Parrot

2016/5/4 10:36:11

Macaws, the largest in the family of parrots are among the most admired animals on our planet.

These magnificent birds range from Mexico and Central America down to South America.

For most people it is the impressive size, along with the constantly demonstrable intelligence ending with an amazing rainbow of colors that first attract them to the macaw parrots.

The birds are built for flight with streamlined sleek, brightly colored bodies and a beautifully colored long slender tail. That people fall inlove with these birds certainly is not a mystery.

There is so much to love about them. There is every reason for people to want to keep a macaw and depending on the exact people every reason not to keep a macaw. Macaws can be a real handfull for the newer bird owner.

Before acquiring one of these very large birds it is advisable to know all you can about the macaws nature and the needs of these animals.

1.The macaw is a large bird and must be kept in a large cage. A minimal size of 3x4x6ft is advisable. Bear in mind the larger the cage the happier the bird. Be certain room is not a problem.

2.By nature the macaw parrots are very vocal. The birds are extremely loud. Where a prospective owner lives should weigh heavily on the decision to own a macaw. Not advisable for apartment dwellers.

3.These birds are intelligent rated to be somewhere between a 2-3 year old child. Along with the intelligence comes curiosity and mischieviousness. Owners must have time to devote to and to supervise their birds. It is not possible to have to much time for a macaw. These parrots love to interact with their owners and will if permitted become another member of your family.

4.The macaw mates for life in the wild. This may lead to the bird attaching itself to one individual in a family. The bird may even be aggressive to others in the family. The bird must socialize with and be cared for by each member as much as is possible. Whenever possible socializing with those who are not family members will benefeit the family and bird both.

5.Birds in general are messy. The big birds are the messiest, if for no other reason than size. Before you decide on a large bird and large cage. Please realize that caring for and cleaning up after a macaw can be as demanding and time consuming as caring for a toddler.

6.Chewing, macaws chew. There is no getting around it. It is as normal for a macaw to chew as it is for you to grasp a cup of coffee or cold drink. Their beak is sharp and powerful. The beak is hooked and posesses a sharp point. They know why they have it and precisely what to do with it. They are quite proud of this ability and will chew almost anything they can get their beak around. Chewing for a macaw just ain't your decision.

Left unsupervised for even moments has cost people their prized posessions. Turn your back and there goes the leg of grandmas' antique table or even your bird should he decide to test an electrical cord. Give them a wealth of tough toys, keep blocks of untreated wood in their cage. Won't stop the chewing but might help keep them under control.

Very simply put owning a macaw is a wonderful and long term relationship. But for those who do not know and understand and accept the nature of these parrots prior to buying one. That ownership can be a very trying and diffuicult relationship.

For the dedicated owner keeping a macaw parrot can be one the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Do your homework and research. We have only scratched the surface here. There is so much that needs to be known and understood before you commit.

Ryleigh Cantrell has owned his blue and gold Macaw (Shadow) since 1978. There are two guesses as to the birds name.The two are inseperable. To learn more about blue and gold macaws.