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Severe Macaws As
Pets
Author: Clara Hollins Also known as the
Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, the Severe Macaw is one of the largest
'mini-macaws'. They are about 40-45 cm (16-18in) long,
including the tail which is about half its length. They live in
South America, from Panama south into Amazonian Brazil and
northern Bolivia.
Both sexes are monomorphic, meaning they are identical in
appearance. A DNA test should be carried out to identify the
gender. Severes are mostly green in colour, with a blue crown,
brown forehead band and chin. The flight feathers are blue and
the tail has a red-dark chestnut underside. The carpal edges
are red and the iris in sexually mature birds is orange.
As Companion Pets
The Severe Macaw is a lot like the large macaws when it comes
to intelligence and its child-like personality. They play like
conures.
They are very social, playful, affectionate and generally enjoy
being petted. They are quite vocal and like climbing and
hanging upside down. Severe Macaws are quite smart and many
owners have successfully toilet trained their bird.
Severes need suitable items for chewing on as they may be
destructive if bored. They tend to also enjoy ropes to swing
on. Don't provide toys designed for small birds as these are
not strong enough to handle a Severe's beak. Like many birds,
they love baths and showers.
If you want a Severe Macaw as a companion bird, it is best to
acquire a handreared individual. If well socialised at a young
age, Severes tend to quite sociable and not a one person bird,
however they will have a favourite person. Like all parrots,
they need quality time out of their cage every day.
Diet and Health
Macaws have a higher fat requirement compared to other species
of parrots. High level of fat (usually in the form of nuts)
should also be accompanied with an adequate level of dietary
protein if the fat is to be metabolised properly.
A good Severe Macaw diet consists of seed, nuts, vegetables,
fruits, and commercial parrot pellets.
Their lifespan is listed from anywhere between 30 to 80 years
old, but it is generally considered to be 40 years.
Interesting Facts
* There are no established mutations of this species.However, a
colour has come up in one female individual, labeled as 'red
pied'. The bird has not reproduced yet.
* Severe Macaws are the only mini-macaw to have feather lines
on the bare patches on its face.
About the author: Clara Hollins is the founder of Wiki Pet
Bird, a new interactive resource for birdkeepers all over the
world. Members can share their knowledge in all aspects of bird
care, submit toy and product reviews, and join in at the forum.
You can visit Wiki Pet Bird at (http://www.wikipetbird.com).
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