How to Care for a Hyacinth Macaw

One of the most beautiful parrots to own is the Hyacinth Macaw. Some call it the "Rolls Royce" of parrots. Elegant and beautiful, the Hyacinth Macaw makes a great pet. It is a gentle, quiet bird with a good temperament. The time you put in to care for a Hyacinth Macaw pays off in that you can get a wonderful companion for the whole family for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3-by-4 foot strong mesh cage
• Perches with hard, rough wood
• Concrete perch
• Toys (colored wood, metal cups and spoons)

1. Keep your Hyacinth Macaw in at least a 3-by-4-foot cage. These birds need room to extend their wings. Give the macaw time outside its cage every day for exercise.

2. Feed the macaw a diet higher in fat than is necessary other parrots. Macadamia nuts are best. A mix of almonds, walnuts and pecans is also suggested. Also, fruits with their pits removed and vegetables should be fed to the macaw daily.

3. Give the macaw a small serving of shelled nuts daily. Besides the dietary benefits, breaking open the shells will condition the beak.

4. Use perches made of hard, rough wood. Also, place a concrete perch inside the cage to help keep the macaw's nails filed.

5. Clean the cage often and wipe down with a disinfectant. Change water bowls daily. Remove any human food such as vegetables from the cage if the macaw doesn't eat it within four hours.

6. Interact with the macaw on a regular basis. As they often stay in pairs in the wild, Hyacinth Macaws are social and seek contact with their owners.

Tips & Warnings

• Vitamin supplements are not necessary if you feed your macaw a balanced diet. If supplements are necessary, consult a veterinarian. Improper use of vitamins can lead to organ failure.
• Place plenty of toys in the cage as Hyacinth Macaws love to play and chew. Colored wood is a good choice and lasts a few days. Metal cups and spoons are also suggested.
• Keep your Hyacinth Macaw out of drafts.
• Fruit pits and apple seeds can be toxic to Hyacinth Macaws.
• Use a cage with strong, reinforced mesh. Hyacinth Macaws have very strong beaks and have been known to chew through softer mesh.
• Don't use rope as a toy in a Hyacinth Macaw's cage.
• Get your Hyacinth Macaw to a veterinarian at the first signs of lethargy, weight loss, watery eyes or nose or if it's making rasping noises.