Ruby Macaw (Personality, Appearance, Diet, and Caring)

Last Updated on February 24, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Being an avian veterinarian, I am very fond of macaws for several reasons. However, hybrid macaws are what surprised me most. We have already discussed a lot about hybrid Macaws, and this article will focus on Ruby Macaws.

Ruby macaw is a first-generation hybrid macaw that is developed through a cross between Scarlet Macaw and Green Winged Macaw. As the offspring contain traits and characteristics from both parents, they are influenced by both of their parents.

In general, fathers carry the dominant gene, which influences the coloration of the offspring as well as the overall appearance of the child.

Generally, Ruby Macaws are more closely related to Green Winged Macaws but have some orange and yellow coloration in their feathers similar to Scarlet Macaws.

They possess traits of scarlet macaws such as socialization, but they also possess the docile nature of green-winged macaws as well.

The Ruby Macaw is arguably the most gorgeous species of Macaw, and it has a very pleasing personality as well. This article provides a detailed description of these beautiful birds and a close-up look at their beauty.

Origin and History of Ruby Macaw

The Ruby Macaw is a hybrid bird that is produced in captivity. Normally, these macaws cannot be seen in the wild. Even though the habitats of the two parent macaws are the same, natural breeding is not likely for Ruby Macaws.

If you follow the breeding pattern, you can create your own Ruby macaws. In general, ruby macaws are captive birds and it is extremely rare to see ruby macaws in the wild.

Appearance

Ruby Macaws are full-sized macaws, very similar in size to their parents. They will weigh more than two pounds when they reach adulthood. Scarlet Macaws can reach a length of 85 cm (33.5 inches) and Green-winged Macaws can reach a length of 90 cm (35.5 inches).

A Ruby Macaw’s size will fall somewhere between that of its parents. Ruby Macaws are among the most colorful of all Macaws and are extremely striking in coloration. This is a full-sized macaw that can be trained to speak up to 15 words or expressions in general.

Ruby Macaws require good socialization and consistent training as they grow. When a mating pair is formed, the male has the dominant gene. Ruby Macaws frequently appear very similar to Green-winged Macaws and are often mistaken for them.

Despite this, the coloration varies from baby to baby, even within a single clutch. In the case of a male Green-winged Macaw: Offspring usually have the same head and body size as their dad.

In comparison to its Green-winged counterpart, the Ruby’s most distinguishing feature includes a central band of feathers. Yellow and orange feathers can be mixed in varying amounts and edged with different shades of yellow and orange.

In the case of a Scarlet Macaw male parent: Generally speaking, the offspring will possess the size and shape of a Scarlet. The color and amount of facial feathers will resemble those of the father. Generally, the offspring of Scarlets display little facial feathering.

Temperament

Ruby macaws differ from other hybrid macaws in that they inherit characteristics from both parents. Characteristically, they’re a mix of Scarlet Macaws and Green-winged Macaws.

While they are not as relaxed as green-winged macaws, they do display some of the same infectious, and sensitive characteristics as their green-winged counterparts.

Inquisitive and playful, they enjoy exploring their surroundings and can be quite mischievous at times. Additionally, they have a great deal of comical personality that is inherited from their Scarlet Macaw parents.

It is always a surprise as to what kind of temperament hybrid parrots will exhibit, as they can inherit both sides of their parents’ breeds or fall somewhere in the middle.

In general, Ruby Macaws exhibit the characteristics you would expect from most Macaws: intelligence, playfulness, affection, and occasional mischief.

Speech & Vocalizations

Ruby Macaws, like most Macaws, are very loud during the early morning and evening, so they are not recommended as pets if you have nearby neighbors. If they feel threatened, get excited, or simply wish to be noticed, they may screech and scream.

The Scarlet Macaw and Green-Winged Macaw do not possess a large vocabulary or the ability to mimic. However, Ruby Macaws are capable of learning 15 to 20 words and phrases when properly trained.

Breeding

Since they are hybrid macaws, they cannot be bred naturally. However, you can create your ruby macaw by crossing a scarlet and a green-wing macaw.

Caring for the Ruby Macaw

Ruby Macaws require the same level of care as other Macaw species, including housing, feeding, and interaction. Due to their large size, long lifespan, and need for attention and interaction, these parrots represent a significant responsibility for owners.

A macaw is an intelligent bird that requires a great deal of mental stimulation and physical exercise regularly. It is a social animal that needs regular interaction with its owners; however, if kept with another Macaw, it will likely become territorial.

Cages should be at least three feet by three feet, but the larger the cage, the better. Every day, they should spend at least three to four hours outside their cage. They are prone to get bored easily, leading to destructive behavior and plucking.

Interaction, playtime outside their cage, and toys like perches and swings are essential to their mental and physical well-being.

Health Issues

The ruby macaw is particularly susceptible to overgrown beaks and requires a steady supply of safe chewing materials. Like other macaws, ruby macaws can get

• Proventricular dilatation disease
• Psittacosis
• Papilloma

It’s important to keep your ruby macaw healthy with a special diet and regular checkups.

Diet

A Ruby Macaw should be fed specially formulated parrot pellets, which will meet all of its nutritional needs. Obviously, they will also enjoy seed mixes. Their beaks are designed to crack nuts and seeds, but their diet should not exceed 20% of nuts and seeds per day.

Furthermore, they’ll occasionally eat fresh fruits and vegetables as treats so that they’re getting extra variety and nutrition.

From Where You can Get a Ruby Macaw

It’s hard and expensive to buy Ruby Macaws since they’re not as common as their parents. If you are looking for them, it is best to visit an avian pet store or contact a reputable breeder.

In general, the price of these birds ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder and availability. Depending on your luck, an adoption agency or rescue organization may be able to help you locate an abandoned Ruby Macaw.

The reason is that many people buy Macaws without realizing how much responsibility they are taking on. By getting a Macaw from one of these organizations, you won’t just save money, you’ll also be helping a bird.

Conclusion

Ruby Macaws are often referred to as the most beautiful of Macaws due to their stunning appearances. In terms of coloration, these Macaws exhibit an outstanding combination of orange, red, and blue plumage.

Their temperaments are awesome too, combining the best traits of both parents, making them intelligent, affectionate, and docile.

As they are extremely long-lived and require a great deal of care, they represent a huge responsibility. However, if all of their needs are met, you will have a lifetime of companionship that will be unsurpassed.