The Big Macaws

Blue & Gold

Greenwing

Hyacinth (Largest)

Scarlet

Blue Throat

Camelot

Harlequin

Ruby

Buffon's (Heaviest)

A Scarlet's Wings

Hahn's, Illigers, Lears, Military, Nobel, Red Fronted, Spix's, Yellow-collared, Severe, Miliffons (Buffon's & Green Wing), Miligold (Blue Gold & Military), Shamrock (Scarlet & Military) which is a whole other category (coming soon)

Big Macaws - Some things you should know

For simplicity we split Macaws into two groups, large and small (oft-times referred to as Mini-Macaws). This category and conversation will focus on the large size.

This thing to keep in mind when considering the acquisition of a Macaw is everything is bigger with Macaws compared to most other parrot species. Bodies are bigger, feet & beaks are bigger, poop is bigger, vocalization is bigger and a rule we generally follow - bigger bird, bigger brain (watch this video)

Clearly their bodies are big, add 2 feet of tail feathers and you have really big. When looking at cages and stands, A tall playtop bird cage is preferable to a short one. A dome or Victorian top bird cage is a wiser choice. If you can afford the money and the interior real estate, a walk in aviaryis ideal. I've seen Hyacinths almost 4 feet from beak to tail tip. It's important the bird has room to turn about without knocking his tail feathers against the bars and can spread his wings when confined for longer periods.

Bird Food is usually bigger, seed blends contain bigger seeds & nuts pellets (or sticks) are bigger. Macaws like to use their feet to hold food when eating, thus bigger is better. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must to keep it's diet balanced. A small piece of that pizza you're eating is OK too, just keep things in moderation

Bird Toys are bigger because all parrots like to use their beak........a lot. In the wild, a Greenwing Macaw may fly 50 miles a day stopping at dozens of possible feeding sites. They'll used their beak to forage or peck at surfaces seeking food. They typically need a great deal stimuli to keep their beaks and brains active.

If you can't afford big bird toys, make your own or be creative. Slip the local phone book between the bars. Tie some knots in large diameter cotton rope. Kabobs are a great way to introduce food and entertainment into a cage.

Birds are on their feet 24/7. Perch size is important so the feet can firmly grab the perch. Ideal perch diameters are from 1-1/4" to 3". Your Macaw's Cage should have, in addition to the dowel perch that came with the cage, a Manzanita perch, a rope perch for sleeping and a grooming perch to help keep the beak and nails well honed.

The Big Macaws

Blue & Gold

Greenwing

Hyacinth (Largest)

Scarlet

Blue Throat

Camelot

Harlequin

Ruby

Buffon's (Heaviest)

A Scarlet's Wings

Hahn's, Illigers, Lears, Military, Nobel, Red Fronted, Spix's, Yellow-collared, Severe, Miliffons (Buffon's & Green Wing), Miligold (Blue Gold & Military), Shamrock (Scarlet & Military) which is a whole other category (coming soon)

Big Macaws - Some things you should know

For simplicity we split Macaws into two groups, large and small (oft-times referred to as Mini-Macaws). This category and conversation will focus on the large size.

This thing to keep in mind when considering the acquisition of a Macaw is everything is bigger with Macaws compared to most other parrot species. Bodies are bigger, feet & beaks are bigger, poop is bigger, vocalization is bigger and a rule we generally follow - bigger bird, bigger brain (watch this video)

Clearly their bodies are big, add 2 feet of tail feathers and you have really big. When looking at cages and stands, A tall playtop bird cage is preferable to a short one. A dome or Victorian top bird cage is a wiser choice. If you can afford the money and the interior real estate, a walk in aviary is ideal. I've seen Hyacinths almost 4 feet from beak to tail tip. It's important the bird has room to turn about without knocking his tail feathers against the bars and can spread his wings when confined for longer periods.

Bird Food is usually bigger, seed blends contain bigger seeds & nuts pellets (or sticks) are bigger. Macaws like to use their feet to hold food when eating, thus bigger is better. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must to keep it's diet balanced. A small piece of that pizza you're eating is OK too, just keep things in moderation

Bird Toys are bigger because all parrots like to use their beak........a lot. In the wild, a Greenwing Macaw may fly 50 miles a day stopping at dozens of possible feeding sites. They'll used their beak to forage or peck at surfaces seeking food. They typically need a great deal stimuli to keep their beaks and brains active.

If you can't afford big bird toys, make your own or be creative. Slip the local phone book between the bars. Tie some knots in large diameter cotton rope. Kabobs are a great way to introduce food and entertainment into a cage.

Birds are on their feet 24/7. Perch size is important so the feet can firmly grab the perch. Ideal perch diameters are from 1-1/4" to 3". Your Macaw's Cage should have, in addition to the dowel perch that came with the cage, a Manzanita perch, a rope perch for sleeping and a grooming perch to help keep the beak and nails well honed.