Macaw Mama answers your questions

A selection of previous questions

Question posted by: Karen Ritte

I currently own an Umbrella Cockatoo, a Quaker, and some cockatiels. All of above are very friendly, cuddly type birds. I would like to add a Macaw to our family. Most articles I've read suggest only experienced bird people should buy a Macaw. Are they more aggressive and less trustworthy than cockatoos? What type of Macaw (large not mini) would be best for someone only used to very loving birds? Do they stay nice as they get older? Or would I be better off staying with the birds I know best (the cockatoo's)?

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Question posted by: Chace & Stacie

We love our Blue and Gold 3yr old. She is currently eating Parrot food from Wal-Mart,we add unsalted peanuts and frozen mixed vegetables, and whatever we are eating,"occasionally". Is this healthy for her? We do supplement Fruits every now and then. Any suggestions for a proper diet.

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Question posted by: Mary Ragain

I have a good Friend that has a pair of Hyacinths, they are approx. 17 yrs old now, they have been set up for Breeding for several years in outdoor flights 8ft X 8ft X 12ft, the Nest box is a lg 30 gal plastic Barrel, There Diet is Mixed Nuts, Coconuts, Mac Nuts, Pellets, Veggies, Fruit and some seed.

They are checked regularly by an Avian Vet are reported in good health. Problem is they have rarely ever shown interest in Breeding, it has only been in the past few months they have ever been observed going into the Nest Box, they do mate daily. Still she sees no "Real" nest box activity. Can you make any suggestions?

One Last question, I "Had" a Very Prolific pair of B&G Macaws, They were so intent with "Keeping" babies in the Nest Box I had to continually close off the entrance to stop them. I "Gave" them to a friend out of town that was able to provide them with a Very Lg Outdoor Flight which is where I thought they would be Happier. They have been there 1 1/2 yrs and have not ever laid another egg.

They even have the same Nest Box as I sent it with them, their diet is still the same Pellets,Veggies,Fruit and Nut Treats as before, no health problems, so Why have they "Stopped" laying eggs? My Friend at this point would not have believed they were so prolific had she not seen the babies herself.

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Question posted by: Nikole

Could you please send me some info on the Blue and Gold Macaws. I need breeding , diet and any other useful tips for these birds . Thank you . Nikole

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Question posted by: ALEX COSSIO

Well I am a parrot lover in general I am very young 15 to be exact and have raised a blue and gold a double yellow headed amazon and an African grey my question is how would you get started in a breeding these beautiful creatures I would appreciate if you gave me ideas about how to convince my mom on how to get more birds.she loves the ones we have but does not want any more cages in the house I told her to simply throw out some of the furniture fill it with cages and guests can sit on the floor dont you agree??? Well I love your page you have beautiful birds.

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Question posted by: Karen

Help--You were kind enough to answer my personal e-mail to you, I hope you can talk me through this one. I have brought in my 2 eggs from my Militaries. They have been in their new cage with the breeder box for 4 days now. My male has gone into the breeder box for 2 days now--the female will not enter. I understand that she has to adjust. I purchased an incubator and have the data--100 temp and 70 humidity--when I came home today to go check on them--the male has obviously been playing around in there. One of the eggs has a small crack in the shell--I brought the eggs in immediately! Am I in trouble now because of the break or do I still have a chance of having a baby from that egg. I'm almost afraid for you to answer me back. I have a lump in my throat the size of a grapefruit. Please remember that this is all new to me. Thank you--Karen

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Question posted by: Anne

my one year old yellow collar macaw (who i hand fed until he weaned himself, so i know his nutritional background) gets a balanced diet of vegetables, grains, seeds,fruit, and a little meat, but he eats dirt whenever he get a chance (like when we're gardening together.) i know macaws in the wild eat clay, is this a macaw instinct or could my bird have a dietery deficiency? he seems in great health and is thriving.

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Question posted by: DIANE HALFERTY

Can you give me a list of Hyacinth macaw breeders? Do hyacinths get along with amazons? Do they do well alone (no other Hyacinth)? Thanks!
Diane halferty

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Question posted by: Libby Ha

Hi, I would like your opinion on which Macaw you think is the best family pet. We already have an Umbrella Cockatoo, a Green Cheek Conure and a Grey Cheek Parakeet. My husband & I have four children 7, 10, 13, & 16. We live on a 1/3 acre and have neighbors on both sides and live near San Francisco in California. I have narrowed the choices down to three Macaws, between a Scarlet, Green Wing, and a Blue & Gold. I like the colors of the Scarlet and the size the best, but have heard so many different stories and am uncertain which would be a good choice for our family and lifestyle. Please let me know what you thoughts are for which would be the best for our family. Thank you very much.
Sincerely Libby Ha

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 Question posted by: Wayne Edkin

I've enjoyed touring your page. What dedication and information! A couple of questions if you don't mind.

1) What's the expected relationship between average peak weight and full-grown or adult weight. I'm told that 95% of peak weight is a pretty good target. My GW peaked at 1350 and I'm trying to gauge what her normal regain should look like.

2) I have one year old GW, Pandora. How much sleep does she require and under what conditions? I'm a little concerned that lights and night activity may be encroaching on her required rest time.

Thanks for offering this service.

Wayne

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Question posted by: Randy Adams

I have heard that Blue and Golds need less fat than other Macaws. Should I be feeding my Blue and Gold Macadamia Nuts? Randy

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Question posted by: Roy David

Have a seven year old hycanith hen with a weight of 1269 gms. we are concerned that she is too light for her age. Diet consists of walnuts 3-4 daily, pecans 4 daily, almonds 4 daily peanuts 2 daily, pecans 4 daily filbert, 4-5 daily pistachos, 9 daily. she also gets Harrisons pellets 1/2 cup daily. also corn sweet potato, small red patato, bananna slice, small piece of tomato, 2 grapes. She will not eat macadanian nuts. She has been with us for about five months. she does not eat every thing we give her. Do you have any suggestions to increase weight. we have two other macaws, yellow-collar and a b&G. She receives a lot of attention and spends a lot of time out of her large SS cage. By the way do you need about 20lbs of macadanian nuts? Cheap. Thanks for your suggestions, Roy

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Question posted by: Thibault

i was just wondering if scarlet macaws are loyal one person kind of birds and what would you do if one liked someone else in your family better then you?

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Question posted by:

Kashmir, Hi...is there any danger associated with free-feeding 10 yr. old hyacinths nuts? Can they get too much fat? What do you recommend for diet? We give them roudy bush, nuts, fruits, veggies, sprouts and seeds. Are we overdoing it? They like the nuts the best but don't know if we should restrict them. Thanks!

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Question posted by: Roy

Do you have any feelings/opinions on feeding Harrisons pellets to Hyacinths. I have heard that it is too high in protien.

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Question posted by: George Bessas

What is the population of the Scarlet Macaw.

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Question posted by: steve costomiris

Hi Kashmir, I've emailed u before. I live in LA and have 2 mature bonded pairs of hyacinths. I'm curious abt. mating behavior because the male is going in the nesting box. Is that normal or does the female usually go first? Once they start that behavior, how long till we might see some eggs? thanks for your help!

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Question posted by: Chris

I am only 13 years old, and I am looking for a baby Scarlet Macaw to perform magic with. I have my parent's permission to get a macaw. Since I am only 13, so I can't afford a $1000 bird, so if you have a cheap baby Scarlet macaw I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would E-Mail me. I am part of 3 magic clubs, so I am serious about it. One of the other members has a Blue and gold macaw that he performs magic with, and that is what got me interested in them. So would you please E-mail me with the age and price of your baby Scarlet macaws that you breed? Thank You!!!!!!

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Question posted by: Richard

I was wondering if you could tell me how much I can expect to pay for a hyacinth macaw? And if you know of any good places to start looking for one? Richard