Currently there are 14 species of wild Macaws that inhabit from the Mexican jungles to the Argentine jungle. More than half of these species are in danger of extinction.
However, the macaws that are adopted in prestigious stores are from hatcheries. There is a famous macaw and parrot breeding farm in Great Britain. Being very expensive animals, they must attach all the documents that fully guarantee their legal origin before considering having a macaw as a pet.
As usual in farmed birds, they are imprinted; that is, they believe they are human beings having been born among them and they do not feel any fear before men. The parental birds; that is, born wild are frightened by humans considering them as predators. Discover in this article on our site the macaw as a pet
Why have a macaw as a pet?
Macaws belong to a genus of birds related to parrots, the Ara species. In general, many people decide to have a macaw because of its showiness or its intelligence, they are animals with a very social and cheerful behavior.
They are able to learn sounds and words easily through positive reinforcement, for this we can use seeds and other foods that your macaw likes.
They have a great dependence on those who live with them, for this reason it is an animal that we should adopt only if we are going to be able to offer it company, distraction and regular enrichment. In case of stress, loneliness or mistreatment, the macaw can respond aggressively.
For everything else, if we have a well cared for and socialized specimen, we can enjoy one of the most beautiful and intelligent birds that exist, keep reading to discover the different types of macaw you can have! like a pet!
Image from petsjournal.net
The first one we are going to introduce you to is the Ara Ararauna, Blue and Yellow Macaw. This beautiful macaw is not in danger of extinction. It extends through much of the jungle of the Amazon rainforest, Peru and Bolivia.
The Blue and Yellow Macaw measures between 76 and 86 cm and its weight ranges between 900 and 1500 cm.
There is no dimorphism between male and female, it is an excellent pet that is very easy to maintain in physical appearance. However, the emotional part of this bird is more delicate. If his keeper does not take care of him properly and does not spend enough time with him, he can become depressed and pluck his feathers.
They need large cages where they can spread their wings, as well as toys and space to exercise. This Macaw imitates the human voice with extraordinary ease.
Next is the Ara Macao, or Macaw Macaw. It is a very intelligent bird with an extraordinary facility for mimicking voices, noises and performing tricks.
For this reason, and because of its beautiful color, it is a wide-spread mascot, and is even used in shows thanks to its skills and his great sociability. It measures up to 90 cm, and weighs more than 1 kg. It is not in danger of extinction.
Image from luislozano.net
The Red Macaw, or Ara Chloropterus, is meant for being a very active bird, restless and smart. However, it is a very complex species as a pet, since it does not tolerate loneliness well.
It must live with some other bird, although it does not have to be of the same species. You need a big cage. The scarlet macaw is not in danger of extinction. We can differentiate it from the macaw macaw because it does not show yellow tones in its plumage.
The maracaná grande, or Ara Severus, is widespread from Panama to the Amazon Basin. It inhabits tropical forests from sea level to 800 m.
This is a medium-sized macaw. It measures between 40 and 50 cm and its weight ranges between 300 and 390 gr. The large macaw, or severe macaw, does not have the variety and intensity of colors of other species.
Not as popular a pet macaw as other larger species, but an excellent pet macaw. The Severe Macaw is not threatened.
In addition to the different types of macaws, there are also hybrids and it is because in the numerous macaw breeding farms in addition to the reproduction of pure species (identical to the wild ones) interbreeding and hybridization between members of Ara is becoming more and more frequent. These new species have the ability to reproduce with each other.
An Argentine farm is famous: "Corrientes Loro Park", because they have managed to breed the Ara Glaucogularis, or Blue-throated Macaw, which is a highly endangered species. It also produces hybrids.
Macaw Care
In addition to everything we have told you, you should know that the macaw is one of the birds that needs more attention and care; We are no longer just talking about food or the space (and exercise) needs they require. You will have to interact with him and take him to the vet if he needs it. It is also an animal that loves to express itself and make sounds of all kinds, for this reason if you reward tranquility in the home, a macaw is not for you.
Having a macaw as a pet is really surprising since it is an animal capable of learning up to 30 words perfectly. They are very long-lived specimens, living up to 80 years if they are cared for properly and lovingly.
