That Cute Baby Macaw: What You Need To Know

That Cute Baby Macaw: What You Need To Know
By Anna Hart

You stopped at the pet shop today, and you saw the cutest baby
parrot. It was a 10-week old Macaw, bright with reds, greens,
yellows, and blues – a lavish display of color. The comical,
affectionate little guy won your heart, and you decided to buy
him. Now you need parrot information. But the mall pet shop
staff is not up-to-date on parrot information. So you asked them
to hold Baby Macaw until tomorrow.

One bit of parrot information they did have was that Baby Macaw
can be expected to live as long as a human. His baby years will
be very important if you want to have a happy, healthy adult
Macaw.

Preparing for Baby Macaw

If you were bringing home a human baby, you would try to
prepare the nursery ahead of time. You should do the same for
Baby Macaw.

Those in the know on parrot information advise that you
hand-raise Baby Macaw, being careful not to spoil him. He will
learn to scream loudly at you if you spoil him! Teach him to
trust people, to bond with your family, and to learn house
rules.

Parrot information books also recommend that you provide the
following:

* A large, high cage with heavy duty bars – minimum size is 24”
x 36” x 36” high (about 61 x 91 x 91 centimeters)
* Several sturdy toys – strong wood, leather, Plexiglas, etc.
* Hand-feeding nutritional food
* Lots of play time with you

Setting up Baby Macaw’s Living Quarters

One very important piece of parrot information is that you
should place the cage in the corner of the room to make Baby
Macaw feel safe. The room should be kept at a temperature of at
least 68 degrees F (38 degrees C). A young parrot needs more
warmth than a parrot that has passed its first birthday.

Specific Parrot Information

General parrot information is good for all baby parrots, but
you will want specific parrot information for Baby Macaw. His
needs that differ from other parrots can include food, bedding,
and socializing.

Be sure you get the parrot information on what to expect from
Baby Macaw. Learn about its coloring, how well it will enjoy
playing with people, and how well it may talk.

Parrot Information on Handling

Most pet stores, including those online, should have parrot
information on handling Baby Macaw. Your baby will like being
handled each day. Birds are flock creatures, and need to be part
of a group. You are important to him.

Handle him when you feed him – and handle him between feedings.
Make it a playtime, but keep it quiet at first when your baby is
adjusting to his new home. Fifteen minutes at a time, in a quiet
room works best.

Parrot Information on Feeding

Your mall pet store may not have the latest parrot information
on feeding your baby. Hopefully, they will tell you to be
careful of its feeding. Find the most nutritional food for young
macaws. If you must change his diet at some point, do it
gradually to avoid upsetting his stomach.

Parrot Information on Talking

You will be eager to hear your little macaw talk, of course.
Most parrot information books agree that this will likely happen
sometime after he turns a year old. Don’t wait to encourage him,
though. Talk to him from the day you bring him home. Let him
learn to know your voice. Help him understand a few words that
you really want him to say someday. Be careful NOT to say the
words you don’t want to hear from him!

Speak clearly to your parrot. When he begins making noises that
sound a little like words, repeat the words so he can hear them
pronounced correctly and in a pleasant tone.

Parrot Information on Daily Schedule

It will be important to get your baby into a schedule. Like
human babies, parrots need to have regular times to wake, eat,
play, and sleep. Don’t be surprised to see your little one nod
off during the day.

Decide before you bring Baby Macaw home how you will handle
nights.

* Will you cover the cage every night to tell him it is
bedtime?
* Will you just turn off the lights in his room at bedtime?
* Will you leave a night light on for him?

Whatever you decide, be consistent from the first day – and do
it at the same time each night.

Get and follow proper parrot information, and you can raise a
baby macaw into a loving, life-long companion.

About the Author: ©2007, Anna Hart. Anna is a life-long animal
lover, interested in many different kinds of pets. An avid
reader and researcher, she explores many parrot breeds and
offers parrot information at
http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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