Know All About Feeding Macaws

Macaws, a popular parrot variety needs proper nutrition; you as an owner have to ensure that the bird is fed a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. It is to be remembered that an improper nutrition can lead to various health problems; macaws thrive and flourish better with proper nutrition.

A few points about diet and feeding of macaws:

• As a general rule macaws eat a variety of foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, berries and vegetables in the wild. These birds need a higher level of fat during the breeding season and have to be provided a varied and well balanced diet at all times.

• Seeds are loved by macaws; they are readily available and have to be stored properly to be offered to the macaw. It is significant that macaws in the wild eat a wider variety of seeds than in captivity; however an all seed diet high in fat content could make the macaw sick and even shorten its life. Also macaws eat only certain seeds like peanuts and sunflower that they like, so it is best to purchase commercial seed mixes that contain a large variety of seeds. A small amount of a good quality seed mix offered each time would help eliminate malnutrition.

• Water forms an important part of the diet of a macaw; ensure that your pet macaw gets fresh clean water to drink at all times; also ensure you wash the food and water dishes daily and keep them clean.  

• Your pet macaw can eat any wholesome and nutritious food the family eats; fruits and vegetables should form about 1/4th to 1/5th of the pet bird’s diet. The fruits that can be given to the pet macaw are apple, apricots, banana, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, melons, mango, nectarines, orange, peaches, pineapple, plum, pear, cherries and strawberry; avoid avocado as it is potentially toxic.

• The vegetables that could be included in a macaw’s diet include asparagus,     beet, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, carrot tops, cucumber, dandelion leaves, kale, parsnip, spinach, and tomato. It is best to note that pale vegetables like lettuce, celery that has high water content offers less nutritional value. You can also give your macaw beans like chick beans, kidney beans and lentils cooked, brown rice, corn and sprouted seeds.

• Make sure the fruits and vegetables are well washed to remove chemicals. Ensure you cut all the fruits and vegetables to manageable size and offer them in a separate dish; peeling the skin is however not necessary.

• Last but most important certain macaws may enjoy eating a small amount of lean meat, cheese or egg occasionally; dairy foods can be consumed in moderation, however it is best to avoid junk foods and alcoholic beverages.