The majestic Macaws--loving, devoted, child-like, playful and good (not always great) talkers.
Anyone who has witnessed their beautiful colors and impressive size cannot help but be captivated
by these stunning clowns. The Macaw family, from the miniatures to the giants, include some of the
most extravagantly colored birds in the world. And there is nothing subtle about a Macaw--they
are flamboyant, comical and adoring. Oh, I should also mention occasionally intimidating and
vocal.
Choosing a Macaw is a challenge, especially with so many to pick from. Clearly, the larger
species --Hyacinth, Green-Winged, Scarlet, Blue & Gold--are not a pet for just anyone. Their
sheer physical size and spatial requirements create immediate limitations. Fortunately, there are
also mid-sized Macaws, like the Military and the Red-Front; as well as miniatures, such as the
Severe, the Yellow-Collared, the Nobel and the HahnÕs. All have the wonderful personalities
unique to the Macaw family. So never rule out a Macaw as a pet because you think of them as
HUGE birds. From the large down to the minature macaws, only eight inches in size, all make
excellent pets.
The third of my personal pets, my Green-Winged Macaw, Big Mac, is the puppy of our
household. The second largest of the Macaws, Green Wings are also said to be the smartest.
Because of this, one might also say they are prone to mischief, and they are. With a beak that is
the size and strength of bolt cutters, you can imagine that Big Mac commands a lot of respect in
my house. Still, his personality is that of a big, red, Labrador puppy-- complete with huge feet and
a two-foot tail-- and his clumsy and playful maneuvers often entertain us for hours. He particularly
likes to sit on the couch with us and watch football, while sharing whatever snacks we may have.
Mac, like most Macaws, delights in whole nuts as a treat. It is pretty awesome to watch him crack
open a Brazil nut or Walnut with one "crunch", and then listen to his joyous exclamations of
pleasure as he ever so delicately removes the nutmeat and devours every crumb. While his
vocabulary is less than that of our African Grey, his vociferous yet very genuine "I Love You"
delivered with a big kiss and lick of his soft dry tongue, would warm anyones heart. That is if
you welcome that huge beak anywhere near your face!
Of course I must mention my other wonderful macaw child, my Red Fronted Macaw, named
Cleopatra, or "Cleo". Her name best describes her beauty and behavior. Frequently she is found
laying on her back, with her elegant green, orange and turquoise wings spread wide, inviting you to
stroke or tickle her tummy - depending on her mood. Or, perhaps the coy look when she lays on
her side and drapes one outstretched wing over her pretty red-orange head, while calling out "I
love you". Truly a mischievous child, Cleo loves to play, including patty-cake and
hide-and-go-seek, and to talk nonstop at times, being sure to get in the last word. However,
unlike most young children who hate baths, Cleo will dive into any body of water, or under any
running faucet, if I don´t restrain her. Macaws are notarious for loving showers.
I hand raise and sell all of the main Macaw species, and highly recommend them as pets. Just
make sure you are fully informed and educated as to their needs and personalities. That is part of
my service. But if you are dealing with someone else, please be sure to get educated on these
birds before making your selection and purchase.
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