The gorgeous, cobalt blue macaw hyacinth can be described as the biggest of the parrots. It is a scarce and endangered species that should be owned by a dedicated owner who is able to provide the needs of a bird that are as huge like the birds themselves. It is a bird that is more prevalent in zoos than in private homes, and with reasons that are very good. It is rare to find a person with the patience, time, and finances to care for the bird with sensitivity and uniqueness which is almost as big as an eagle with a bald head.

Origin and History

The hyacinth macaw belongs to the central and eastern regions of South America. There three major populations of the species: one situated in the Pantanal wetland region in Brazil and eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay and another situated in the Cerrado region in Brazil’s eastern interior, and another within Brazil’s Amazon basin of Brazil.  Do Birds Have Sex Hyacinth macaws prefer to live in woodlands, palm swamps as well as semi-open areas. It typically avoids humid, dense forests. It is usually found in open areas along major rivers.

English ornithologist , artist and scientist John Latham first described and identified the hyacinth macaw back in 1790. Its population in the wild has declined steadily since that time due to a gradual decrease in habitat as well as a steady demands for it through the pet trade as well as by indigenous tribes that hunt for the meat of the birds and feathers for ornamental purposes. In the end, the hyacinth Macaw is included on appendix I in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species list which bans trade in parrots across the world. Both Brazil as well as Paraguay are now protected through law.

Temperament

Although it appears to be a bit frightening because of its size and sharp, powerful hook, the macaw of the hyacinth is actually an easy massive beast. Hyacinths are very kind and gentle in their nature. They can be easily trained through positive reinforcement, and they tend to be very close to those who care for them.

Hyacinth macaws are able to sing a broad range of vocalizations that range between deep, guttural growls high trills to loud screeching. They also have the ability of purring. They usually make more noise when they are in large groups.

Care and Housing

Hyacinth macaws are difficult to handle So, before you look for an breeder, make sure you check with animal rescue groups and adoption agencies to determine the possibility that a animal was given away by someone who was unable to take care of the bird. In addition, macaws aren’t often found by pet retailers, which is why you should you should seek an establishment that specializes in breeding this species.

They need more attention and time than any other species, and so the macaws of hyacinth are not the ideal pet for anyone. They are beautiful, big and intelligent They can be appealing, but you should resist the urge to take a hyacinth into your home without thinking about. Care for this bird is a huge task that requires an lengthy commitment of time.

As one would expect from the size of this bird the hyacinth macaw needs an expansive space to live in. There are only a handful of commercial cages that are large enough to accommodate the bird, and nearly all of them are ones that the parrot is able to escape from. A lot of owners feel that the cage they design is essential and a area dedicated to the bird is even more beneficial. The parrot needs room to move around, even when it’s been trimming its wings.

A majority of standard cages can transform into rubble with the strong beak. If you have to keep the bird inside cages the best option is an enclosure constructed of stainless steel. Steel cages made of stainless steel are longer-lasting and durable, and the advantages of having one for many years outweighs costs in the long term. An stainless steel cage can be an excellent investment.

Hyacinth macaws are extremely destructive and it is crucial to ensure that your cage is filled with plenty of wooden toys and branches to chew. It is expected to replace these often.

The beak of the hyacinth Macaw is a potent

instrument, meaning that they have to be taught from a young age to not “mouth” their human caregivers however gently. However, they’re generally very docile and gentle and seem to love the human interaction and learning. As with all parrots, the hyacinth macaw is very social animal that needs lots of interactions with its human companion for them to be satisfied. Unwanted, caged birds are usually called “neurotic,” given to destruction, screams and self-harming behaviors like feather-plucking. If they get lots of attention they’ll be one of the most friendly of macaws, extremely interested in human beings.

While not the best speaking macaws, the hyacinth is able to learn some phrases and words that it repeats incessantly. They are extremely smart and might be able to understand the meaning of those words in the right context.

Food

The wild hyacinth Macaws typically feed on fruits as well as green vegetation and nuts. They particularly consume nuts from the bocaiuva and acuri palms. Their strong beaks can smash coconuts. In captivity, they perform excellently with an omnivorous diet consisting of fruits as well as green vegetables, leafy vegetables and lots of nuts, including the macadamia nuts, since they require more carbs than other species of parrots. The diet of a pet hyacinth can be supplemented by specially-formulated specific pellets for the species.

Exercise

With wingspans that be as high as four feet in length, they need to be provided with enough time to exercise as well as space for stretching. It’s a good idea to allow a hyacinth minimum of between one and two hours in a gym, play area or any other secure area each day to keep their muscles. Do Birds Have Ears 

They also have to chew in order to keep their jaws and beaks and jaws, so chewable toys are essential for these beautiful, large birds. Big toys that can withstand the force of a strong beak are ideal in addition to toys that feature pieces or strips of leather in their. The beak of the bird evolved to break huge nuts that were found and it’s a natural instinct for users to make use of it for shredding or breaking up things that are hard to break.

Common Health Issues

The hyacinth is susceptible to beaks that are too long if they don’t have a regular supply of branches and toys to break. As with other macaw species the hyacinth may be vulnerable to the following conditions: