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MACAWS

Notable birds for its coloration and behavior, the Macaws attract to all with its affection. Together with the Parrots, are considered the most intelligent birds of the world. They can live up to 70 years old. In Brazil, they can be found in Amazon, Northeast and Center-West regions (Planalto Central).

Unhappily the illegal traffic of wild animals and the deforestation have decimated entire populations of these colorful birds. Innumerable species currently are threatened of extinguishing between them the Blue Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) and the Golden Parakeet (Aratinga guarouba). Some already are considered extinct as the Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) or the practically extinct ones the Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) and the Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari). Happily many organizations and institutions are working hard for the preservation and perpetuation of these gorgeous birds. The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloroptera) are currently commercialized by bird keepers legally registrated.

The Blue and Gold Macaw possess the body predominantly yellow, with the blue wings. Its head presents the colors white, black, yellow, blue and green. Already the Scarlet Macaw possesses the red head and the body, with green details, yellow and blue in the wings, varying with the species.

Reproduction:
Monogamous, they form a couple for the life all, the Macaws lives in groups and building their nests in cracks of hills and hollow logs. The reproductive period occurs in the winter months to spring. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs in intervals of 2 to 4 days between one egg to another. The incubation time is around 28 days. The male is responsible feeding the female during this period. After 12 weeks the chicks leave the nest already with similar adults aspect, however they will to depend of its parents for some more months. With two years they already show the adult plumage.

Maintenance:
They need sufficient space so they can to develop as in natural environment. The aviary with a minimum 2 m x 2 m x 2 m without defined maximum size is recommended. It must also possess a rain and a winter sheltered part. The aviary needs a practical floor to be clean, as sand or polishing cement, some twigs of different sizes and preference some trees and other non-poison plants. Food and water bowl should be kept always clean. Is important to offer a bath chance, either by means of rain water (a discovered aviary part), bowls or sprays of water.

Feed:
alcon Club Psita Sticks, alcon Club Farinhada com Ovo para Psitacídeos (alcon Club Egg Food for Psitacids), alcon Club Papa para Filhotes - Psitacídeos.