Read About Macaw Breeding

Macaw Breeding enables a bit of the Amazonian exotica to be part of our living rooms. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Macaw Breeding - Breeder Facts

  1. Professional Affiliations:

    Macaws are exotic parrot birds. The breeders of macaws must be affiliated with the American Federation of Aviculture, which is the premier bird registering body in the USA.
  2. Why Use a Breeder:

    Since macaws are exotic birds, the way they are bred is very important. Breeders can raise them for colors, temperaments and physical traits. They can assure freedom from genetic sicknesses by selection of the right parents. Breeders can also give healthcare tips.
  3. How to Find:

    Macaw breeders are listed in all pet magazines and classifieds of newspapers. The Internet is a source of information on these exotic bird breeders. You can also find parrot and macaw clubs to get information.
  4. What to Expect:

    Macaws are not sold easily. You'll have to fill out a form with personal details and information on other birds you may have had or still have. Only after being assured of the condition of you as an owner will the breeder sell the macaw to you.
  5. Breeder's Surroundings:

    Macaws are tropical birds, so the breeders must maintain warm conditions if it gets unduly cold. Hygiene of the surroundings is important.

Macaw Breeding - Newborn Facts

  1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

    Macaws lay two to three eggs in a single clutch.
  2. Age To Be Sold:

    Macaws should not be sold till they reach six weeks of age. They need this time to develop their bones and internal organs, as well to get their digestive system in place.
  3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

    Macaws younglings will not have their colors developed until the first few weeks after their birth, but they will be able to flap their wings and squawk around.
  4. Registry:

    You can register the macaw with a premier parrot registering body or the American Federation of Aviculture.
  5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

    Since the AKC only deals with dog breeds, it does not recognize the macaw.
  6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

    A macaw newborn can be costly. The blue and gold macaws can be $1000, but the rarer breeds can cost up to $10000.
  7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

    Macaws are bred for color. Information on their parents is necessary, at least about their color. It is also important to know about the parents in order to ensure that the macaws do not suffer from hereditary problems like goiter.

Macaw Breeding - Breeder Concerns

  1. Breeder Reputation:

    Make sure that you get a macaw from a reputed breeder. Some breeders breed one healthy macaw sire with a cheap dam to get a hybrid macaw, an amateur will not be able to know the difference. You can approach any avian club in your area to find out about the breeder's reputation.
  2. Pet Health:

    Macaws can suffer from goiter, and if neglected, they can die from it. They can also suffer infections of West Nile virus and bacterial infections from Escherichia coli and salmonella. Macaws can also have air mites and hookworms.
  3. Assurances:

    The breeder must not only give a health assurance, but also a health certificate from a qualified veterinarian. The breeder may promises to buy the macaw back in case you are unable to keep it.