Why do birds pluck each others feathers?
Birds usually pluck their feathers to preen and groom themselves. Feather plucking becomes a serious behavioral disorder when the bird moderately overpreens or even self-mutilates its self.
Is there such thing as a blue and gold macaw?
Although I have yet to have that experience with Max my Blue and Gold Macaw, I do think I know him well enough by now, that I would notice any subtle changes quite easily. Ultimately, this did get me thinking and I decided to do some research.
What does a macaw do in the morning?
You will often observe this behavior when they are taken out of their cages in the morning; they love to drum their wings and stretch their wings. Macaws have beautiful feathers and they love to keep them shiny and healthy. They run their beaks from the base of the feathers to the top to clean, straighten and smoothen them.
Why does my macaw keep picking its feathers?
Psychological factors such as anxiety, sexual frustration, and boredom may be causing your macaw to pick at its feathers. If the feather picking doesn’t appear to have a medical cause, observe your bird to see whether it may be experiencing psychological distress.
How big of a cage do I need for a macaw?
Since your macaw’s feather picking and chewing could be caused by boredom, give it a bigger cage. With more space and perhaps a few more places to perch and play, your macaw may find some entertainment beyond feather picking. The minimum cage size for a small macaw is 34’’ wide by 36’’ tall and 24’’ deep.
How big is a blue and gold macaw’s tail?
We stock feathers from both of the Blue-and-gold Macaw subspecies and their main tail feathers can reach around 60cm in length, but more often around 50 – 55cm. Their tail feathers are usually longer than the feathers from some of the other larger Macaws. The Green-winged Macaw is equally the second largest of all the parrots.
What kind of feathers does a macaw have?
We stock and sell feathers from the Blue-and-gold, Green-winged and Scarlet Macaw. Their feathers are the most durable parrot feathers and one of the most durable feathers from any bird species – so are ideal for a wide range of uses. All of our Macaw feathers (like every feather we sell) are humanly sourced.
Why are blue and yellow macaws good subjects?
Because they have bare white facial skin with several lines of strongly contrasting and independently “fluffable” (can be erected or sleeked) black feathers, and brightly colored feathers on their crown and nape that are also “fluffable”, blue-and-yellow macaws, Ara ararauna, are appropriate subjects for this sort of study.
How can I get my macaw to stop picking at its feathers?
Place some mop heads in the cage and see if your macaw will pick at them instead of its feathers. Consider whether it has a stimulating environment and toys to play with. Use anti-depressant medications to reduce anxiety. Since feather picking is often a result of anxiety and distress, anti-depressants can be effective.
