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Hyacinth Macaw
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. hyacinth macaw
Aviary Notes: Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only. Government Regulations & By-Laws: Refer to " Government Laws " web page. Housing Requirements: Refer to " Macaws " web page for general details on the housing of Macaws or read on for specific details for this parrot. One of the largest and strongest birds kept in captivity in Australia and require a suitably strong aviary or cage. They prefer a large aviary of up to 8 metres long. Diet / Feeding: Refer to " Macaws " web page for general details on the feeding of Macaws or read on for specific details for this parrot. Hyacinth Macaws have very powerful beaks and have few problems opening the shells of nuts. Palm nuts are a large portion of their natural diet. Natural diet include seeds, fruits, nuts and other vegetable matter. Nesting: A basic overview only. Dimensions are typical / average and can vary widely, influenced by the owner's preferences and the birds preferences. Parent bird's preferences can also be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which the bird was hatched and reared. If space allows, offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, can allow the parent birds to make their own choice. Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season. Try and keep that one for their exclusive use. Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed. If the "spare" boxes are to be removed and moved to another flight, ensure the log / nest-box is cleaned to ensure the receptacle has the minimal contamination of mites, parasites and pathogens.
In the wild, Hyacinth Macaws prefer to nest in the trunks of Buriti palms. Breeding pairs need a large sturdy nest that will withstand their destructive nature. Large wine style barrels are often used. Unlike most parrot nests that are hung on the aviary wall, these nests may have to be placed on a strong platform to avoid any unfortunate accidents. Nest boxes that are hung externally to the cage need special attention. A macaw can easily chew through a timber log or timber nest box and escape. An external strong wire mesh can be attached to the outer walls of the nest box so if the nest wall is compromised, the parents or young will be unable to escape the nest box. It is important to have a strong "chew proof"
ladder (10 gauge wire mesh is often used ) on the inside of the nest box, below the
entry hole to allow the birds to climb down to the floor of the nest instead of
jumping. The internal ladder is essential in nest boxes that are in
a vertical or near vertical position. The ladder also allows the birds to
easily and safely exit the nest. With nests placed in a horizontal or near
horizontal position a ladder may not be required. Breeding: Egg Colour White. Clutch/s per year 1. Eggs per nest 2 - 3. Incubation approx. 26 - 28 days. Fledge approx. 12 - 13 weeks but can be more than 16 weeks. Independent .. Usually by 20 weeks of age, but may be fed by the parents up to the start of the next breeding season. One of the largest birds kept in captivity in Australia and, compared to other parrots, take a long time to fledge and become fully independent. In the wild Hyacinth Macaws usually only successfully rear one young per clutch. Adult birds can become aggressive at breeding season and may attack the keeper. Nest boxes are best positioned so the nest inspection can be carried out from outside the aviary. Nest inspection is best done when the adult birds are out of the nest. Artificial incubation and hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site. It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here. Health Issues: Refer to "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.
General References: Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page. Specific References:
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