Hyacinth Macaws:
"Hyacinth Macaw - Demaning, Dynamic, and
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The Hyacinth Macaw is a large and dynamic bird that requires special care and consideration. Before bringing a Hyacinth Macaw to your family it is important to know that they’re extremely large birds, which means they need a large cage. Minimum cage requirements are 42x42x72 inches. This expensive bird needs a lot of space to move around, forage, and climb. In the wild you’ll often find them in pairs or small groups of pairs sitting atop the highest trees. |
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Large cages, tall cages, give them the ability to climb and behave as they would in the wild. Make sure there is plenty of room for a variety of perches, climbing branches, and hanging toys. The Hyacinth Macaw is also known to have an extremely powerful beak.
This strength means that not only does the cage
need to have room to hand and place a variety of chew toys; the cage itself
needs to be strong enough to withstand your macaw’s beak. The best
material, the most durable material, for a macaw cage is stainless steel.
Stainless steel is strong, it won’t rust, bend, or chip, and you’ll never have
to replace it. It’s also the most expensive type of cage material.
If you don’t have the funds in your budget to buy a stainless steel cage,
particularly since Hyacinth Macaws themselves are very expensive, then you look
into a steel cage that is coated in a non-toxic and non-chipping paint.
The paint generally helps to give the cage a more
polished appearance and it helps protect it against rusting. Your Hyacinth
Macaw will climb on and chew the bars so make extra sure they won’t be eating
paint.
Hyacinth Macaws are known to pull the locks off of their cages. Not
because they’re desperate to get out of their cage but simply because they’re
curious and mischievous and because they can. Either be prepared to
replace the lock often or invest in a really good lock!
It is advised to let your Hyacinth out of their cage when you're home to
supervise so they can be part of the family and get proper exercise. A perch is
an excellent way to give them a place to 'hang out' in your home.
When it comes to your Hyacinth Macaw, it is best to place their cage in a
location that is free from drafts and also provides plenty of natural sunlight
during the day. Natural sunlight is critical for the development of
vitamin K which contributes to healthy skin and feathers.
It is also important to make sure your Macaw’s
cage is in a location where they can feel part of the family because Hyacinth
Macaws are incredibly social and affectionate birds.
Hyacinth Macaws weigh up to three pounds, which means a hearty appetite and a
messy cage. Hyacinth’s have different diet needs from other parrots and
macaws. In the wild they eat an abundance of fatty nuts like macadamia
nuts.
In captivity it is okay to feed them nuts as long
as they get an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies each day too. Pellets
are not generally recommended as the base of their diet due to the high protein
content which can cause kidney disease in Hyacinth Macaws. Before you
establish a diet for your Hyacinth Macaw, visit your avian veterinarian for
recommendations.
While it takes a lot of time and attention to keep your Hyacinth macaw healthy,
happy, and strong it is well worth the reward. They are truly magnificent
birds and when properly cared for will live 50 years or more as a viable and
interactive member of your family. They’re a true joy to have around.