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Keeping Macaws as Pet Birds
By: Petey & Petunia


Macaws are bright colorful, highly intelligent birds that are
very strong willed. If you're going to keep a Macaw as
a pet bird, establish guidelines for them as soon as they come home.

Macaws can be wonderful pets, but only if you let them know
you're the boss and not them. Macaws know how to manipulate
their owners and environment to suit their own agenda.

Most macaws can be taught to talk and will continue to learn new
words throughout their lives. They are fairly good at learning
tricks, but usually are not good cuddlers.


Common colors of Macaws are blue, blue and gold, green,
green and red, and red and yellow.

Macaws can be kept as single pets, but will require a  lot of
interaction from you.

Macaws can be loud and very noisy, especially at dusk.



Facts about Pet Macaws

Macaws live from 50 to 70 years
They are about 24 to 36" tall

Macaws come from Central and South America


Types of Macaws include:

Blue & Gold
Military
Green-wing
Red-fronted
Scarlet
Illiger's

Miniature Macaws:
Hahn's
Noble
Yellow collared
Severe



Minimum cage size is 36"W x 36"L x 48"H

Keep cages away from drafts, open windows and the kitchen.
Macaws are sensitive to smoke and strong odors. Cover the
cage at night to prevent drafts.

Have perches of different widths, diameters and textures
to help keep a Macaw's feet healthy.

They are very good at chewing things, so provide an
adequate amount of chew toys.



What to feed Macaws

Feed a pet Macaw 3-4 tablespoons per day of a pellet or seed-based,
fortified parrot diet.


About 5-10% of a Macaw's diet should be bite-sized fruits and
veggies like apples, bananas, grapes, melons, oranges, broccoli,
spinach, sweet potatoes, mustard greens and shredded carrots.
Offer daily or every 2-3 days.


A vitamin and mineral supplement may be mixed with fruits and
veggies once a week.



Macaws should always have access to clean, fresh water.
Don't use tap water. We recommend Steam Distilled water
for it's purity.

Signs a Macaw is Healthy

A curious and active disposition
Clear, bright eyes
Clean, smooth feathers
Eats throughout the day
Normal droppings that are not excessively runny for more than a
couple of days


Signs a Pet Macaw is getting sick

Change in droppings in excess of two days
Decreased appetite; weight loss
Decreased activity and grooming behavior
Discharge from nose or mouth; sneezing
Feathers fluffed for prolonged periods of time
Sitting at the bottom of cage
Wheezing or coughing



Picture Macaws