Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

Scarlet Macaw Ara macao
Name	Scarlet Macaw
Name Lat.	Ara macao
Family	Parrots
Family lat.	Psittacidae
Order	Parrots
Order lat.	Psittaciformes
Origin	Central and South America
Climate	Tropical
Diet	Parrot seed, sprouts, veggies, fruits
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cavity nest
Life Span	50-60 years
Protection	CITES Appendix I; EC Annex A
Metric Units
Size	85 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	400 x 200 x 200 cm
US Units
Size	33"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	150" x 80" x 80"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution range of the bright red macaws extends from southern Mexico (Tamaulipas, Oaxaca) across Central America to eastern Brazil. They live in savannas and cultivated land with trees, in rainforests and open forests up to 1,000 m altitude

Cage size

The minimum size of the aviary is 400 x 200 x 200 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. This size may not be undercut even in the case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, the floor space must be increased by 50%, provided that the birds are compatible with the species. The aviary must be placed in a bright, draft-free and quiet place and should have cross-wiring or netting. An aviary with 10 m² of floor space is recommended.

Maintenance

The floor must be covered with sand, shavings of untreated wood or similar material and cleaned once a week if possible. At least 2 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height are to be installed in such a way that the longest possible flight path is created. They need a bathing opportunity and should also be sprayed with water occasionally (e.g. sprinkler system). Rings, ropes, and natural branches that are not harmful to health should be offered for occupation. They should be kept at room temperature.

Diet

The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "Arafutter" in premium quality, which should also be offered in germinated form, depending on individual preference supplemented with green fodder (dandelion, chickweed, etc..), oil palm fruit, vegetables (peppers, carrots, etc.), fruit (apples, pears, etc.), fresh twigs, occasional animal protein (poultry bones, cat pellets), and sprouted seeds (wheat, corn) and egg food especially for raising young. Small seeds keep them more occupied and lead to better condition. As digestive aids they need grit, cuttlefish, vitamin lime, clay containing minerals and sandstones. Water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers. Food and water must be offered fresh daily, and the containers must be cleaned beforehand

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

A reliable sex determination is only possible by endoscopy or better by genetic analysis (DNA).

They breed in nest boxes made of hardwood or better in thick-walled natural trunk cavities. Mulch or coarse sawdust is suitable as bedding. The clutch consists of 1-2 eggs, the incubation period is about 27 days. The breeding season is, biologically speaking, year-round. During the breeding season they should be kept only in pairs. Young birds should be raised so that they are species-specific.

Species protection

They must be identified in accordance with Appendix 6 of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The animal population must be reported to the responsible authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Species protection: WA Appendix I; EU Appendix A. You will receive a CITES document with the purchase, which confirms that this animal is an offspring. Please keep the CITES document in a safe place!

Important

In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter of at least 2 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must be the same as those used in cages

They may only be kept in pairs or in a group and not chained or on a hanger. Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight shall be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate shall be provided. The health condition of the birds shall be checked daily.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata 

Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Papageien; ARNDT (1997): Lexikon der Papageien, Arndt Verlag; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch  

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF