|
BIRD INFORMATION (SEVERE MACAWS) Severe Macaws are Largest of the mini-macaws and native to northern Venezuela up through the Guyanas and south to northeast Brazil. They make wonderful family pets. The Severe Macaw is extremely social and loves to mimic speech and be petted and played with! Severe Macaws are quite intelligent and should be provided with ropes to swing on and lots of wood to chew, for they can get quite destructive if bored. Severe Macaws form strong bonds with their keepers, they are affectionate, silly, and active, and love to climb, explore, and hang upside down, chatting and squawking. Severe Macaws do well when fed on a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, green food, and commercial pellets. Pasta, beans, pine nuts, and porridge all make fine treats for Severe Macaws. Because of their smaller size, Severe Macaws will do well in a medium to large cage however, be sure it is sturdy cage. Severe Macaw is a big bird packed in a nice manageable package.
Appearance - The Severe Macaw is mostly green in color with patches of red and blue on the wings. The head has a Chestnut brown patch just above the beak. The beak is black and the patches around the eyes are white with lines of small black feathers
Average Size - 16 to 22 inches long
Average Weight - 360 to 410 grams
Life Span - 30+ years with proper care, reaches sexual maturity at about 3 - 4 years
Sexing - Undeterminable by appearance, but males tend to be heavier as well as broader across the shoulders and slightly longer than female Severe Mini Macaws but because this is not always true, DNA sexing will need to be done to know the sex with certainty. Immature Severe Macaws will have blacker colored bands on the foreheads, as the chestnut color develops with maturity, and you may use this indicator to determine the bird's breeding capabilities.
Diet - Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, pears, grapes, broccoli, and carrots. Clean, fresh, filtered and chlorine-free water changed daily Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems
Feeding - If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually; fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily and discarded when not eaten within 24 hours; macaws appreciate quality and variety in their food Severe Macaws do well when fed on a variety of foods, as well as commercial pellets. Pasta, beans, pine nuts, and porridge all make fine treats for Severe Macaws.
Housing - Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; but be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage approximately 36"W x 36"D x 48"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1" apart, makes a good home for your severe macaw. Perches should be at least 9" long and no smaller then 3/4" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended, do not place food or water containers under perches. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings.
Housing Maintenance - Clean and disinfect the cage and perches regularly; replace cage liner weekly or more often if needed; replace food and water daily. Replace perches, dishes and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no cage parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird.
Grooming - Severe Macaws are from the humid wet climate so daily showers are recommended, shower only when temperatures are above 70 degrees. After showering keep your Severe Macaw away from any drafts and allow ample time to dry and groom before bed time. . Birds kept in homes that are dry may have itchiness and poor feather quality. Humidity levels should be between 40 - 50% Showers consist of misting the bird with water or a grooming spray. Clipping of flight feathers is not necessary, but highly recommended and when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird
Normal Behavior and Interaction - Needs to be socialized when young to channel their excitement and curiosity. Can learn to say a few words or short sentences. Can be affectionate
Signs of a Healthy Bird • Active, alert, and sociable • Eats and drinks throughout the day • Dry nostrils and bright, dry eyes • Beak, legs, and feet normal in appearance • Clean, dry vent • Smooth, well-groomed feathers
Warning Red Flags - If you notice any of these signs, please contact your avian veterinarian. • Beak swelling or accumulations • Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers • Sitting on floor of housing • Wheezing or coughing • Runny or discolored stools • Favoring one foot • Eye or nasal discharge • Red or swollen eyes • Loss of appetite
|
|
Copyright © 2004 by Windy City Aviary. All right reserved Website Designed by: R&R Digital Wonders www.rrdigitalwonders.com
|