How to Care for a Mini Macaw Parrot
Macaws are appealing for their intelligence and brightly-colored plumage, but can be expensive and too large for some households. Mini macaws, though smaller and less colorful, are a good choice for anyone. Just as intelligent, curious and spunky, mini macaws can learn how to talk and bond with humans. Although their physical stature might be less, they too have special needs just like any other bird species. Here are some suggestions on how to care for your mini macaw.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Get a cage in the right size. Find one a couple of sizes to large for a conure. Buy some toys, but not too many that might clutter the cage. A rope and a ladder are a good start, as well as some safe wood or leather for chewing. Clean the cage every day.
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2
Buy food pellets or seed mixture for your mini and add in cubed, peeled fruit, vegetables and legumes. Buy a cuttle bone for calcium and a mineral block to supplement his or her diet. Provide fresh water and change it daily.
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3
Make sure your mini macaw get exercise outside his cage, as they are active birds. Invest in a small playpen available in pet stores, or build your own, but make sure the wood you use is not poisonous to the bird.
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4
Tame your mini at a young age and he will sit on your shoulder, preen you and even sit on his back in your hand. If you want your mini to become attached to people in the household other than just you, it is important that everyone interacts with the bird, or else you'll be chosen as his or her "mate. " There is a strong chance that jealousy will occur often when you give others your attention.
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5
Avoid clipping their wings. mini mMacaws are happy when they can fly around and although their wings might be clipped when you first bring them home, let their flight feathers eventually grow in. If you are concerned about their safety, remove any dangerous objections before letting them out for exercise.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't ever turn your back while your mini is outside the cage. They are very, very curious birds and love to "investigate."
Don't be fooled by their size. While mini macaws might not be as loud as their larger counterparts, they can be noisy.
Mini macaws also need consistent attention. If you're not home a lot and no one else is around, you will not have a happy bird.
