How to Care for a Military Macaw

Military Macaws are very curious creatures. They like to be involved in everything and are happiest when they can get their beaks into helping with daily chores. They need physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored. Military Macaws are famous for being nippy so before purchasing a Military Macaw, research the species. Military Macaws need plenty of toys and human interaction. If you can afford it, purchase a Stainless Steel Aviary for some outside playtime. The natural sunlight is necessary for calcium absorption. As most Macaw species, Military Macaws need a higher fat diet than most parrot species and that can be accomplished by adding a variety of nuts to their diet. Cashews and almonds are a favorite.

Instructions

1. Buy the largest cage you can afford. Military Macaws are very active and love to swing from the top of their cage and bang their toys around. Due to the length of the tail, the cage should be at least 40 inches deep.

2. Give the Military Macaw plenty of toys to play with and chew on. They love to chew on wood and can turn a 2-inch x 4-inch wooden block into toothpicks in a matter of a few minutes. You may want to create a toy budget for your parrot.

3. Make sure toys are spaced far enough apart so the parrot can still flap its wings. Military Macaws also like to chew their perch despite available toys. Be prepared to replace the perch several times a year.

4. Feed your Military Macaw a well-balanced diet. Most human foods are also healthy for our companion parrots and they love to share eating time with their human flock. You can share your carrots, broccoli, tomatoes and fruits with your parrot. Just make sure not to feed fruit flesh close to the pit. A few are unhealthy and possibly poisonous, such as avocado, caffeine and the rinds of melons.

5. Shower your Military Macaw several times a week. They love showers. You can add an extra shower curtain rod to allow the parrot to get in to and out of the stream of water at its leisure.

6. Clean and refill food and water dishes on a daily basis. Some like to dunk their food in their water dish so check the water several times a day. Food left in the water dish can grow bacteria and cause illness.