The Scarlet Macaw is perhaps the most magnificent of the macaw species. This magnificent macaw has a long history as a companion to humans, dating back to the early 1100's with the Incas. It is frequently described as "magnificent, beautiful, and striking". The Scarlet Macaw is very beautiful, inquisitive, and intelligent. It is a large macaw, very similar in size and appearance to the Green-winged Macaw, though a bit more boisterous. This is a lively bird that loves to play and interact. But like all macaws, it has a loud call and it may be quite vocal at times. Scarlet Macaw's are eager learners and can be taught a variety of tricks. They can be quite talented as a talker. The personality of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization at a young age. It also needs a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. The well socialized Scarlet Macaw is extremely social, and will be very friendly and confident with a number people. However, this macaw takes a dedicated and determined keeper to reach and maintain its potential as a great pet bird.

Cages:

Macaw cages must accommodate a very large bird. Provide the largest bird cage possible. A macaw must be able to fully extend its wings without touching the sides of the cage. The largest macaw, the Hyacinth Macaw, has a wing span of 3 - 3 1/2 feet. Macaws must also be able to move freely between two perches or muscular dystrophy can occur which will render it unable to fly.  Another very important consideration is that macaw cages be very durable. These birds are very strong chewers. Macaws are also very good at opening cage doors, so be sure the cage has locks or escape-proof latches. Provide perches that are fresh fruit tree branches, they are great as your bird will love to chew on them, of course they will have to be replaced regularly. The branches need to have some areas that are about 3/4" in diameter, and even bigger diameter areas for larger macaws. It works best to have the dishes hanging from the side for feed and water. Try to place the perches away from dishes so the food and water dish do not become soiled with bird droppings. Do not use plastic because your bird will chew and break the plastic and it can become hazardous. Because macaws are very loud, the amount of noise and the closeness of neighbors should be considered when determining where to keep you bird. Macaws are very social and inquisitive, so the room you house your pet in can be a room that gets visited frequently by the family. Place the cage at eye level in a quiet sunny area away from drafts.

Bird Toys:

Exercise and play are important activities for the physical well being and psychological health of your parrot. These activities help deter distress and prevent the problems of screeching and feather picking. Though they are quite affectionate and cuddly, macaws are also very boisterous and need a large area to exercise. Outdoors is ideal as most indoor spaces are too small. Great climbers, they will explore all over their enclosure, sometimes hanging by their toes from the top.

They are vigorous chewers and will chew on anything within reach. They can be quite destructive to household items and woodwork, so if you keep them on a playpen make sure nothing valuable is within reach. Provide lots of fresh non-toxic tree branches for them to chew up. Also make sure to give your macaw lots of toys and activities in the form of large link chains, bird ladders, parrot swings, ropes, wood toys for gnawing and chewing, and rotate new bird toys on a regular basis.

Feeding:

Macaws eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat. A Macaw diet consisting of a good parrot mix which includes formulated foods, a variety of seeds, dried fruits, and nuts is generally regarded as a suitable base to provide nutrition and variety. Along with this, provide a daily supplement of fresh fruits and vegetable. Remember in the wild they eat a variety of foods and will need this in captivity as well.  Each macaw, depending on its size, will eat about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of parrot mix and about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of fruit and vegetables. Fresh clean water should be provided daily.

Baths and Grooming:

The personal hygiene of your Macaw includes a regular bath or shower for good plumage and skin condition. One way to accomplish this is with either a hand held shower sprayer or a hose with a fine spray head and lukewarm water.

The wings should be kept trim if you want to discourage flight and to prevent the loss of your pet through an open window or door. Clip most of the primaries (10 feathers closest to the wing tip) and only enough so the bird can glide to the floor.

Beak: The beak needs to be trimmed if it becomes overgrown or deformed. There are many mineral blocks, lava blocks, and other beak grooming items available at your pet store to help your bird keep its beak in shape.

Nails:A variety of concrete type perches are also available to help the keep nails trim, but they should be trimmed if they become overgrown.

Social Behaviors:

In the wild macaws form a strong bond with another bird and the pair will join small flocks. They also tend to only vocalize within flock situations. In captivity most pet macaws are more likely to interact with their owners through physical contact, and often use vocal mimicry for attention. Macaws make excellent pets. They have very nice temperaments and are very playful. A hand reared macaw is usually gentle and easily handled.

There are a few things to be aware of (and to do) in order to have a wonderful and affectionate pet macaw:

Socializing A Macaw:

A well socialized macaw is a pet that will be enjoyed in lots of situations and by many people for years. A young macaw should be socialized with as many people as possible. They also should be exposed to lots of situations such as new cages, visits to a veterinarian, handling by friends, and having their wings and nails clipped.

Socializing a macaw and providing it lots of experiences are the keys to a great pet. Doing these things will develop a well rounded bird that doesn't become frightened of new things. It will also prevent too strong a bond with only one person developing.

Macaws and Children:

Macaws and children can mix very successfully if the child learns how to interact with the parrot. Children and macaws should be supervised.

Macaws and Pets:

Macaws and other pets can also get used to each other and learn to accept each other. Again, however, be very careful to monitor all groupings of animals. A macaw can be very dangerous to small pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and even small birds.

Handling/Training:

Macaws are excellent for taming, and relatively easy to train. They are very intelligent, good talkers and they can be taught many tricks. This ability to learn and perform tricks makes them a favorite bird for use in shows all over the world.

Macaws and Adolescence:

As macaws grow into and through adolescence they become more boisterous, mischievous, and difficult to handle. They must be handled with confidence during this time to keep their respect. Never allow bad behavior to develop. Otherwise they can become untrustworthy as a pet. This is often non-reversible and they will then need to be reserved for breeding rather than as a pet. You can compare this time to a teenage human child.