The Darling Hahns Macaw
Hahn's macaws are social birds that require plenty of human interaction for them to thrive. If left alone, they can become bored and destructive. They may chew on toys and may even attack people or animals.
They are intelligent and medium-sized birds. They are quick to respond to training and are excellent talking birds.
Characteristics
Easy to train and fun, easily trained and playful, the Darling hahns macaw is an excellent option for anyone who wishes to enjoy the pleasures of a macaw but do not have the room or funds for larger species like one with a blue, scarlet and gold, or green-winged macaw. These miniature macaws are friendly and intelligent, with a positive temperament. They require attention and socialized every day as do all birds. Macaws are known to nip when they are young, but this habit will disappear as they mature and get more socialized.
The Darling hahns Macaw, like all parrots needs to be in a position to exercise and play their muscles daily. They also love learning how to learn, which keeps their minds active and keeps them from becoming bored. The bird should be taught by a knowledgeable trainer who understands macaws' behavior and understands their needs.
The Darling hahns Macaw is found in the tropical woodlands, savannahs, and swamps of eastern Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and northeastern Brazil. Their green color helps them blend in with the foliage of their habitat. Nests are made in trees, mainly palms (Carya species). However, they have been known to use the holes of other species as well. The birds lay two to five eggs, which hatch within 24 days. The chicks are weaned at about two months.
The Darling hahns can be taught to speak at an early age, similar to most macaws. They can be taught a variety of whistles, words and tunes and are especially adept at mimicking human speech with a high pitched tone. They also have a distinctive call that sounds similar to the sound of caricature laughter.
Like all parrots as well, the Darling needs an alimentation that is high-quality seeds as well as fruits, nuts, and vegetables. The birds are fond of the berries from the black-sage bush Cordiaaubletis and paste trees with flowers. They can eat anything, but they love avocados, apricots and mangos. Like other parrots, Darling is susceptible to diarrhea. If symptoms persist, you should consult an animal veterinarian.
Care
Macaws are awestruck by learning and are easy to train. They are excellent talkers and can build a large vocabulary from a young age. They can also mimic human sounds and laugh in a funny way. They love to play, so they should have plenty of toys both inside and outside their cage. It is recommended to rotate the toys to keep your bird from becoming bored. These birds also like to bathe and should be given a shallow bowl of water to drink from on a regular basis.
They need to be physically and mentally active. You can achieve this by letting them fly in an aviary that is large, or by taking them on regular play sessions. You can help them learn to climb up and use their claws to open latches or doors to go out.
They are social animals and make excellent pets for families. If they are properly trained and tamed they will be gentle around children. Ziggy Our Scarlet Macaw are more likely be nip, but they will become calmer as they mature. However, they're strong enough to do serious damage and it is essential to nip bad habits in the bud when they first occur.
As they develop their own feathers, these birds may become angry and territorial. It's like teens getting angry with their parents and attempting to keep them away. This is a normal part of the growth process, and can be difficult for new owners. As they reach maturity, this behavior will subside and they will once again bond with their owners strongly.
It is essential to purchase a well-bred Macaw from a reliable seller. They are not sold in pet stores that are traditional. 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 bird is happy and healthy. Breeders should also be in a position to answer any questions you might have regarding caring for your pet.
Feeding
Hahn's Macaws require lots of attention and interaction. They are intelligent birds who are a joy to play with, talk and learn. They must be able to communicate their energy or they will end up being destructive. This is why having a human companion is essential.
In the wild, they are programmed by nature to eat the leaves of trees. The owner of the home should feed them with meals that are rich in nutrients and protein. They should be fed a mixture of fruits, vegetables and pellets. Table scraps can be fed to them as long as they're nutritious and aren't fatty or sweet. You can give them broccoli, spinach kale and apples, chili peppers and carrots. They are omnivores of nature and can be fed various grains as well as seeds, nuts, and other food items.
These macaws are also very active and will require plenty of space to fly and climb. To keep them entertained, and to keep them engaged, provide them with various toys within and outside their enclosure. They should also be able to leave their cages for at least two hours every day, but three or four hours is ideal. If they don't get enough exercise there could be health issues that arise, including respiratory infections and self-mutilation.
A Darling hahns macaw will need to have a very clean environment. The cage should be cleaned daily and all feces and droppings should be removed. The cage should be kept clear of drafts and heat sources. It is an excellent idea to place the cage in a space that's at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Darling hahns Macaws are vocal, just like all parrots. This is especially the case at dusk and dawn. They will squawk loudly for short periods of time and will call out to their flock. The bird will squawk even louder in case he is unhappy with his surroundings or hasn't received enough attention.
If a pet macaw experiences behavior issues, it's usually due to something missing from their lives. They won't be satisfied when they don't have a partner, don't get enough exercise or social interaction and don't have the right kind of food. These problems can often be corrected by taking time to build trust with the macaw and creating an environment that is stimulating.
Training
These birds are highly intelligent and easily capable of being trained. They are also playful, fun and affectionate. Like all macaws they are not able to adapt to a new environment and require a lot of interaction with their owners. If they don't get enough attention, they may begin to exhibit behavior issues that are difficult to fix.
They require a large cage that allows them to move freely. They are most effective when kept in pairs which is normal behavior of birds. The cage should be full of toys that can be constantly being rotated in and out, to avoid boredom and keep them engaged mentally as well as physically. They are extremely intelligent and enjoy mimicking and talking. They can be taught many different words and phrases. It is also believed that they have a longer and more flexible tongue than other parrots. This can help them better understand human sounds.
It is important to begin training your macaw as soon 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 have an intense sense of self-preservation and can become fearful when they don't feel safe and secure. Learn to read your macaw's body language to identify indications of aggression or fear.
As a pet owner who is new it is essential to establish a connection with an avian veterinarian at the earliest time. Regularly checking your macaw can help prevent serious diseases and illnesses that could be fatal. Annual exams should include a fecal analysis and blood tests. Vaccinations for Psittacosis, Avian Bornavirus and Polyomavirus are recommended as well.
To be a healthy, happy pet your macaw needs to be provided with two hours of playtime and interaction every day. This is a huge amount of time for most families, so if you do not have the time to provide your pet with the time it needs, it's likely to be better off finding a new place to keep it. Every day, your macaw will strengthen the relationship between you and it, and ultimately, make it a more happy bird.