The Darling Hahns Macaw
Hahn's Macaws are social sociable birds that thrive on human interaction. If left alone, they could become bored and destructive. They might chew on toys, or even attack humans and animals.
These medium sized birds are the smallest members of the macaw family and they are very intelligent. They respond quickly to instruction and can be excellent talkers.
Characteristics
The Darling Hahns Macaw is a simple-to-train and fun choice for those who want to experience the joys of a macaw, but doesn't have the room or budget for an expensive species, such as a green-winged, blue and scarlet macaw, or golden. These mini macaws are affectionate and smart with a great disposition. As with all birds, they need to be properly treated and socialized daily for them to remain happy and healthy. Young macaws may nip, but they will get rid of this habit as they mature and become well-socialized.
Like all parrots the Darling macaw has a need for plenty of time outside of the cage each day to exercise and stretch their muscles. They also like learning new tasks and keep their minds active and helps prevent boredom. The bird should be trained by a knowledgeable trainer who understands macaws' habits and is familiar with their needs.
The Darling Hahns Macaw is found in the tropical forests and savannahs as well as swamps in eastern Venezuela and northeastern Brazil. Their green color helps them blend in with the foliage of their habitat. Nests are created in trees, mainly palms (Carya species). Other species of trees are also used as nesting holes. The birds lay between two and five eggs that hatch after 24 days. After about two months the chicks are weaned.
The Darling can be taught to talk at an early age, just like most macaws. They can master a repertoire of whistles, words, and tunes. They are particularly adept at imitating human speech with a high pitched tone. They also have a unique sound that resembles cartoon laughter.
Darling hahns require a diet rich in high-quality fruits, seeds nuts, and other vegetables. They prefer the black-sage bush's berries Cordia aubletis as well as the paste trees (Carya spp.). They eat anything that is offered to them and are particularly attracted to avocados mango, apricots, and mango. Darling hahns can be susceptible to diarrhea, just like other parrots. If symptoms persist, a veterinarian should be consulted.
Care
Macaws are awestruck by learning and are very easy to train. They are excellent communicators and have a large vocabulary. They can also mimic human sounds and laugh in a funny way. They are playful and should be provided with plenty of toys both in their cages and outside. It is recommended to rotate the toys in order to keep your bird from becoming bored. These birds also like to bathe, and should be provided with an unassuming bowl of water to drink regularly.
They should be physically and mentally active. This can be achieved by giving them time to fly in an open aviary, or by taking them to regular play sessions. You can help them learn to climb and use their claws to open doors or latches to go out.
Since they are extremely social animals, they are great pets for families with children. If they are properly tamed and trained they will be gentle with children in the household. Young macaws are more likely bite, but they tend to calm when they get older. They are strong enough to cause severe harm, which is why it's vital to stop the bad behavior as soon as possible.
In their adolescence, these birds can become more aggressive and territorial as they begin to develop their own feathers. It's like a teenager getting agitated and trying to drive away their parents. This is part of the growth process, but it can be difficult for new owners. As they age, this behavior will diminish and they will form strong bonds with their owners again.
It is crucial to purchase a well-bred Macaw from an established seller. These birds are rarely available in traditional pet stores. They should be purchased from a breeder that can provide references, and also information on the condition of the cages and parent stock. This will ensure that your pet is happy and healthy. Breeders should be able to answer any questions you might have regarding caring for your bird.
Feeding
Hahn's macaws require lots of attention and interaction. They are extremely intelligent birds that love to talk, play and learn. They must be able to communicate their energy, or else they'll end up being destructive. This is why having humans as a companion is essential.
In the wild they are programmed eat from the trees' canopy and therefore, a home owner is likely to feed them with foods that are rich in nutrients and protein. They should be fed a mix of fruits, vegetables, and pellets. Table scraps can be fed to them as long as they're healthy and don't contain sugar or fat. You can offer them broccoli, spinach kale as well as apples, chili peppers and carrots. They are omnivores in nature and can be given a variety of nuts, seeds and grains as well.
Macaws are active and will require a lot of room to fly and climb. To keep them occupied, and to keep them engaged give them a variety of toys both inside and outside their enclosure. They should also be permitted to leave their cage for a minimum of two hours a day, though three or four hours is best. They can develop respiratory infections and self-mutilation if they don't exercise enough.
A Darling hahns macaw will need to live in a clean environment. The cage should be cleaned daily and all feces and droppings read more must be removed. The cage should also be kept away from drafts and sources of heat. It is an excellent idea to place the cage in a room that is at or below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
As with all parrots, as with all parrots, Darling hahns macaw can be very vocal, especially during the day and dusk. They'll squawk for brief periods and call out to their flock. The bird will squawk louder if he is not satisfied with his surroundings or hasn't received enough attention.
If a pet macaw is suffering from behavior issues, it's usually because something isn't working in their life. They aren't satisfied when they don't have a partner, don't receive enough exercise or interaction and aren't eating the right kind of food. These issues can be solved by taking the time to establish trust with the macaw and creating a stimulating environment.
Training
They are extremely intelligent and easily trained. They are also playful, fun and affectionate. Like all macaws, they cannot adapt to the new environment and require a lot of interaction with their owners. If they don't receive enough attention, they might develop behavior issues that are difficult to fix.
The cage should be large enough and allow them to roam freely. They will thrive when they are kept in pairs, as this is their natural behaviour. To prevent boredom the cage should be filled with toys that are rotated to keep them physically and mentally engaged. These birds are awestruck by the ability to talk and mimic, and are able to be taught a range of phrases and words. They also are believed to have a longer tongue than other parrots, which may allow them to hear human sounds better.
It is crucial to start training your macaw as quickly as you can, when it is still young and eager to learn new techniques. It is also important to provide positive reinforcement during training sessions to promote good behavior and deter bad behaviors. Macaws are extremely protective and may become scared when they aren't feeling secure. Learn your macaw’s body language to be able to recognize signs of aggression or fear.
As a new pet owner it is essential to establish a relationship with an avian veterinarian at the earliest time. Regularly checking your macaw will help prevent serious illnesses and diseases that could prove fatal to them. An annual exam should include a fecal test and blood work. Immunizations for Psittacosis, Avian Bornavirus and Polyomavirus are recommended as well.
To be a happy, healthy pet your macaw needs to be provided with two hours of play and interaction every day. If you don't have the time to give your pet the time they deserve and deserve, it is ideal to find a new home for them. Giving your macaw regular interactions will improve its bond with you and will eventually result in an improved, healthier and happier bird.