Diet

HYACINTH MACAW the diet of a Hyacinth Macaw is unlike the diet of most other parrots. This is where aviculturists often go wrong with them. It has been well publicize that Hyacinths need more fat in their diet and this can be offer to the birds in many forms. Macadamia nuts are about the best food for this purpose. Here in the United States we seldom have difficulty obtaining macadamia nuts. However, many of my friends in Europe seem to have some trouble finding them.

Macadamia nut oil is normally sold in gourmet food stores and is an acceptable substitute, if it is cold press. The oil can be poured over fresh food or soaked into bread and then offered to the birds.

Walnuts have omega 3 fatty acids and are a very nutritious nut. Unfortunately, as with the Brazil nuts, I find many that are rancid. So, they is also give in limit numbers and inspect in the same way as the Brazil nuts. Walnuts also contain volatile oils that aggravate pancreatitis. I am aware of one Hyacinth that developed this and this was a bird that ate a minimum of 10 walnuts a day. For this reason some aviculturists will not feed their birds any walnuts.

Filberts are high in calcium, which is a mineral that Hyacinths need in higher quantities than most other parrots.

Almonds are even higher in calcium than filberts, but they contain oxalic acid, which binds calcium and thus decreases its absorption. Pistachios are high in vitamin A compared to other nuts. I give these to my birds as treats several times a day.

Coconuts are another beneficial high fat food. Coconuts are a seasonal food, although they may be available all year. When shopping for coconuts out of season I find that many of them are spoil. An alternative is can coconut milk, which can be pour over or mixe into fruits and vegetables to encourage finicky eaters to consume a healthier diet. Birds that have not had coconut milk before may be suspicious when they see this creamy white liquid covering their food, so I recommen offering small amounts until the birds taste it and then it normally becomes a favorite food. Coconut milk can be froze after the can is open which is important since it will spoil quickly. Ground nuts can also be sprinkle on fresh foods to encourage good eating habits.