Hyacinth Macaws As Pets | A Complete Care Guide
The hyacinth macaw is the most stunning and largest of the macaw family. It is also called the Hyacinth Macaw or Blue Macaw due to its blue colors. This rare and stunning macaw holds a hefty price tag with a dedicated owner who can provide all needs and proper care. Although wild-caught hyacinth macaws are illegal, you can trade macaws born in captivity. In this article, we’re going to see a complete guide for keeping Hyacinth Macaws as pets.
Overview
With its bright yellow round eyes and stunning cobalt-blue feathers, this largest macaw species looks perpetually cheerful. Still, there are very few people who own hyacinth macaws. So, most people will only see them in zoos or bird shops. However, as they require a lot of care and time, the Hyacinth Macaws are not suitable for people who are just looking for a pet. If pet owners have plenty of time, patience, and resources to properly care for it, it is an ideal companion bird.
So, before looking for a breeder, contact animal rescue organizations and adoption agencies to see if this bird was given up by someone unqualified to take care of it. Besides, it’s illegal to breed wild macaws. So make sure it comes from natural specimens.
Housing
After completing these formalities, you can come to the next step of building your macaw’s housing. As these large parrots are very hard chewers and can cause a lot of destruction, a great deal of planning goes into their accommodations. However, due to the size of the bird, the hyacinth macaw requires a spacious enclosure. Unfortunately, very few commercial cages are large enough for this bird and can’t break its hard beak.
Besides, as it needs space to fly, you’ll need to get a large cage. You can try this Mcage Store Macaw Cockatoo Cage for keeping your macaws and other large birds. It is made with Wrought Iron, making it a perfect cage for walking and flapping its wings. With 39.5 inches in length, 30.5 inches in width, and 66 inches in height, this cage is suitable for keeping your Hyacinth Macaw safe.
Diet
Hyacinth macaws eat fruits, green vegetation, and nuts, particularly those found in the bocaiuva and Arcuri’s palms. But in a captive situation, they need a particular diet. In addition to fruit, vegetables, leafy greens, and plenty of nuts, they also need a high-carb diet. If palm nuts are not available, you can add nuts like almonds, coconut, pistachios, etc.
Additionally, for the daily diet, you can try this Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet for your pet macaw. Formulated by top avian veterinarians and nutritionists, this food is enriched in antioxidants and balanced omega 3 and 6. So, your macaws will benefit from this by having healthy skin, feathers, and an immune system.
Behavior
Despite its powerful, sharp hooked beak, the Hyacinth macaw is a playful bird that is very affectionate to its master. These birds tend to bond strongly with their human caregivers and quickly learn through positive reinforcement. That’s why it is often called ‘Giant gentle.’
But you should be aware that sometimes these bluebirds tend to play roughly with other macaws or their ‘partner .’And that might cause some extra noise in your house. Additionally, if your macaw seems not friendly, be careful about its beak. This bird has a very sharp and strong beak, which carries over 200 pounds of pressure per square inch. Can you imagine what that means? It can snap a broomstick in half with just one crunch! So be careful while handling this bird. Even a gentle Hyacinth macaw can seem nippy to you. Since the bird seems intimidating, it is not ideal for anyone who is frightened or intimidated by the thought of getting bitten.
Exercise
It is recommended that hyacinths spend at least 1-to-2 hours per day in a play gym or other safe area to maintain their muscles. Additionally, this beautiful bird needs to maintain its beak also. That’s why you can keep some chewable toys in its enclosure.
If you’re looking for something suitable for your extra-large bird’s cage, then you can keep these MEWTOGO Extra Large Bird Parrot Toys. It is made with colorful high-quality wooden blocks. Plus, these chewable blocks are very eye-catching, such as macaws. Moreover, it has a bold stainless steel chain that is strong enough to carry the weight of your large bird. In addition to keeping your macaw entertained, it will relieve your bird from any boredom, too.
Health & Common Terms
Hyacinth macaws are especially vulnerable to overgrown beaks and need a lot of safe chewing items. So, you should provide your bird with suitable chewable toys or strong branches. Therefore, like other macaws, Hyacinth macaws are also prone to Proventricular dilatation disease, Psittacosis, and Papillomas. Due to this, it is essential to provide your bird with a balanced diet. And keep in touch with a veteran for regular check-ups.
Wrapping Up
This is all about the Hyacinth Macaw care guide. If you’re an old pet parent who is able to take care of this beautiful bird, you can keep it as your most exceptional pet. So, are you ready to get a Hyacinth Macaw for yourself?
