Macaws are beautiful, intelligent, and life long companions. They are sometimes called "winged rainbows", which suits them perfectly! They are very colourful, and are one of the only parrots who add colour to mother nature. They are also one of the biggest.

Although they are wonderful pets, caring for them isn't easy... and shouldn't be taken lightly either!

Most websites on the internet will say that macaws live to be around 75 years old, but the average lifespan is actually 55. Many macaw owners make small mistakes that can cut their parrot's life short. Another reason could be that not all owners were completely committed or aware of their pet's long lifespan. They may have become bored over the years... which isn't fair to the parrot! This is why it's so important to really think about the future before buying a parrot -- Are you planning on going to college? Do you plan on having kids? Do you think you'll be living in an apartment in the future? Do you want to travel a lot? Will your parrot out live you? If something ever happens to you, where would your parrot end up? These are some things to ask yourself before buying a macaw. They are a huge commitment and it's important to realize that!
 
With a good diet and treatment from all members of your family, your macaw will be a very wonderful pet! It's important that every family member takes the time to socialize with the macaw so that it doesn't get territorial.

It's also important that you search around for an avian vet. Most veterinarians aren't skilled in taking care of these exotic birds.

When choosing a diet remember that your parrot needs more then just seeds. You should give him/her fruits and veggies (fresh, of course!) every day. Also, giving them part of your family's dinner is always good. They enjoy chicken! They aren't usually picky eaters, but if you find this to be a problem, then switch around what you feed him/her every day.

* You should be aware that some foods are toxic to macaws! Here is a list of some of these foods that you should NOT feed your macaw:

- Avocado (toxic to all birds)


- Fruit pits and seeds (remove before giving your macaw any fruits)


- Salt (use a mineral block instead of a salt block)


- Dairy Products (give in small pieces and not very often... it is hard for them to digest)

Remember that your macaw is a lifetime companion and with good treatment and care may live to be 75 years old or more!
For more information, visit my blog! http://parrottrainingguide.blogspot.com/

Moving your pet birds successfully is a major concern for people having to move their parrots, peacocks and other birds. While some pets will not react negatively to these moves, others will be very uncomfortable, harsh and restless. However, everything depends on how companionable your pets are.

The single most ideal thing to do while handling a pet on the move is to keep its regular habit unchanged. Feeding and interaction with you should be followed up religiously. Like your baby, it feels safer when you are around it.

Check the moving route for any dangerous outbreaks that may affect your birds, visit the veterinary before your move and have them update its health records. If you are moving across borders, make relevant papers (vaccination records0 for the bird. Be absolutely close to the bird to watch its behavior. For instance, if it begins pecking its feather, consult your veterinary immediately because these are signs of stress. If you have any doubts about transporting pets, visit the offices of USDA veterinary services located in Los Angeles or several other branches scattered all over the United States. Confirm issues of quarantine with them; be very careful with details here as you should not endanger the life of your pet in any way.

When moving pets, be it locally or across the states, move them in its traditional cage. This is its home and should remain so, but unfix all toys, decks and sways from its cage to keep the bird out of harms way. Similarly, remove all food and water cans from the cage as it may eventually spill its content on the birds, but be responsive, feed it with adequate food and water regularly as the move is developing. Depending on the weather condition of the transiting region, if cold, cover the cages with some blanket. Proper temperature regulation is needed here, and at anytime you wish to open the cage, do so with caution, the bird may have been long irritated and seeking every avenue to escape.

Looking at long distance moves that may last-longer than usual, special carrier is needed so you have to take pains preparing them in advance. The bird has to get used to its new home quite on time. Play with it consistently till its new home feels naturally comfortable for it. If you can achieve this, a successful move is guaranteed.

Upon arrival at your new home, try to create a similar habitat for your bird. Place familiar stuff close to the cage, let the environment and its surroundings have he same feel for it like your former home. Don't get the bird startled by making everything look new for it to adapt to. Birds are living things that can also feel the impact of environmental changes, keep this at bay from it as much as you can. Don't place the cages close to the fireplace, wall fans, open windows and frames, but rather keep it in a strategic place where it can conveniently view all he activities going on in the home.

Los Angeles movers
Los Angeles moving company
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Mor

By Anna Hart

Parrots come in many colors: gray, brown, red, green, yellow, blue, white, black, and various shades of all of those. Parrots can be very small, 4 inches (10 centimeters) – or very large, 40” (100 centimeters). Some parrots learn to talk well, while others never talk at all.

There are certain things, though, that all parrots have in common. They all like to live in warm places, for one thing. In addition, consider the following four similarities.

1. Beak: Every parrot has a curved, hooked beak. The beak is very strong, and able to inflict a deep wound. Its primary purpose, though, is to crack open strong nut shells or tear apart other food. A parrot uses its bill for “transportation” at times, too, pulling itself to a higher branch or perch with the strong bill.

2. Body: Every parrot has an upright body. Most birds, by comparison, have a horizontal body. Parrots’ bodies are upright like humans.

3. Legs: Parrots have 2 short legs.

4. Toes: How many toes does a parrot have? All parrots have 4 toes on each foot. Parrot toes are zygodactyl. That means the first and fourth toes are turned backward. The second and third toes turn forward. Song birds also have 4 toes, but they have 3 toes forward and 1 toe backward.

Useful Parrot Toes

Parrot toes make for awkward walking, but they are very useful tools. Parrots can use the 2-forward, 2-backward combination as humans use a thumb and finger, grasping objects tightly between back and front toes.

The 4 parrot toes produce a foot pattern that lets them grasp branches and move along a branch. Progress is always sideways in slow, deliberate steps.

The 4 parrot toes also enable a parrot to grasp food in its foot. Using its 2 front toes and 1 of the back toes, it holds the food tightly as it bites off pieces with its beak. A parrot usually holds the perch with its right foot, and lifts food to its mouth with the left foot.

Parrot toes are useful for tricks, too. Many parrots delight in showing off for your praise by dangling upside down from a perch or the ceiling of their cage, often by only 1 toe! In the wild, this trick helps them reach food.

Parrot Toes in Training

The first step in training a parrot is to acquaint the parrot with your touch. Its 8 parrot toes can be your bridge to success in this. Gently touch those parrot toes for a moment, and then withdraw your hand. Wait a few second, and then reach into the cage to touch the toes again. Let your parrot see that nothing bad happens when you touch its toes. When it accepts this touch, move on to touch its legs, and work your way up the parrot. Be sure other family members also touch the bird frequently so it does not become a one-person parrot.

When you are ready to finger train your bird, those parrot toes will again be important. Choose the evening, when your parrot has eaten and is less lively. In a quiet room, open the cage door slowly, and put your index finger into the cage. Slowly touch the parrots’ abdomen and it will hop onto your finger, clinging with its toes to maintain balance. Do not remove it from the cage the first few days. Simply repeat your finger training. When it is at ease with the action, slowly pull your finger with the parrot on it toward the cage door where you have placed a treat. With patience, your parrot will soon respond to a “Step Up” command and get on your finger when asked.

Always remember that a parrot will never step down – only up. Always hold your finger or a perch above the parrot’s toes.

A clever trick that is quickly learned by a parrot is a cute wave of those 4 parrot toes. You can also teach it to put its foot to its beak on command.

Parrot Toes and Toys

It is important to keep parrot toes busy and exercised. Parrot foot toys are an answer that provides entertainment as well as exercise. Parrot foot toys are small enough for a parrot to hold with its foot. The parrot will then chew the toy, getting great enjoyment out of its destruction!

How Many Toes Does a Parrot Have? Exactly the right number to walk, climb trees, move along branches, eat food, learn tricks, and play.

©2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot species, and offers other interesting parrot information at http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com/ If you would like to learn more about how to train your parrot, you won’t want to miss Anna’s advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart