Blue-Throated Macaw
Blue-throated macaws are often confused with the common Blue & gold macaw. They are similar in color to Blue & gold macaws but have a blue throat rather than the black throat of the Blue & gold they and are smaller. Blue-throated macaws are a brilliant ultramarine blue above (slightly more aqua than a blue & gold) and gold beneath. The naked facial skin patch is white and has rows of blue feathers forming lines. The facial skin blushes with excitement. The tail is long and tapered, blue above and gold beneath.
Macaws
Blue-Throated Macaw are lively boisterous birds and require generous living space. Their beaks are large and strong for opening large nuts (large species). Wild blue- throated macaws are shy and reclusive but hand fed birds are very mischievous, curious and outgoing.
Blue-throated macaws have a tiny range limit to the Bolivian Pantanal, a seasonal flood plain in the Beni province (Northern Bolivia). Biologists only recently observed them for the first time. The wild population is very small. Probably only 100 to 1000 individuals remain in the wild. They inhabit riverine forests and palm groves which form islands of habitat in their grassland habitat. The feed on locally available fruits; especially palm nut fruits, nuts and buds. The nest in cavities especially in dead palm trunks.
Personality
Blue-throated macaws personality – Young hand-raise macaws are very adaptable and typically easily handled by many people. They must be socialized and exposed to a variety of experiences (veterinary visits, other pets, visitors, wing and nail trims, car rides, etc.) at a young age to avoid fearful behavior. Macaws can make excellent pets, especially hyacinths and Blue-throated macaws, although some have a tendency to become nippy. Macaws can be very loud as well as destructive. While some speak, most macaws have limit ability to mimic. Macaws are very intelligent and relatively easy to train. They are a favorite for shows and trick training.
Blue-throated macaws are very inquisitive, mischievous and animate. While they don’t enjoy handling as much as a blue & gold they are delightful pets and aviary subjects because of their outgoing personalities.
Activities
Blue-throated macaws are playful and love to chew. They should always be provide with toys, especially wooden blocks that can be chew and branches from non-toxic trees. In order to ensure safety companion macaws should not be allowe unsupervise freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items. Young macaws should be socialize to many people and expose to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, etc. to avoid fear of novel situations.
Dietary
Dietary needs – All macaws need plenty of energy for good health. Many of their natural foods, especially palm nuts are rich in oils, and calories.
Macaws should be fed a formulate pellet or extrude diet) as a basis for good nutrition. The diet should be supplemente with fresh fruits and vegetables daily to add variety and psychological enrichment. Feed approximately ½ cup of Kaytee Exact. Also offer ½ cup of fresh fruits and vegetables. Give 2-3 nuts as treats. Small amounts of seed may also be give as treats especially as rewards for good behavior. Vitamin supplements are not neede for birds that are eating a formulate diet.
Blue-throated macaws
Blue-throated macaws are moderately difficult to hand feed from a very early age. They require a high fat diet and do well with additional protein as well especially at a very young age. Kaytee Exact Macaw handrearing formula is a good choice. A small amount of peanut butter or ground sunflower seeds may be add to increase protein and fat levels. Be careful not to add too much as this will slow digestion.
Grooming
Grooming – Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Birds can be mist and allow to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or dried with a blow drier. An ideal way to bathe macaws is to put them in a cage outside, sprinkle them with the hose, and allow them to dry in the sun. Macaws are strong fliers. Most of the primary flight feathers 10 feathers closest to the tip of the wing should be clipp to prevent flight. Clip only enough so the bird will glide to the floor.