Verde Macaw (Expert Opinion)
Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Ali Shahid
The Verde Macaw is the first generation of a hybrid macaw. This means that its parents are two different species of macaw that live in the wild. It was made when a Scarlet Macaw crossed with a Buffon’s Macaw.
This mixture makes for a very intelligent and trainable pet that can prove to be an affectionate companion. But it will also need to be trained with a firm, consistent hand, especially as it gets older.
Its personality traits are also a good mix for an active, lively pet bird. With the intelligence and personality of both of its parents, it should also be easy to train, be friendly, and learn to talk and do tricks.
Like all macaws, they will need to be socialized well and trained regularly to make good pets.
| Aspect | Details |
| Species | Being vibrant, and energetic, necessitates thorough socialization and regular training |
| Parentage | Offspring of Buffon’s Macaw (Ara ambigua) and Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) |
| Appearance | Highly vibrant, size determined by the dominant gene from the paternal species |
| Temperament | Amiable, smart, capable of training |
| As a Pet | Vibrant, and energetic, necessitates thorough socialization and regular training |
| Lifespan | Typically 30-70+ years |
| Size | Large, around 33 inches |
| Weight | Typically 2 1/2-3 lbs |
| Noise Level | Loud, capable of mimicking and speaking words |
| Personality | Sociable, potentially affectionate |
| Availability | Uncommon, available for purchase at a premium price |
| Conservation Status | Parent species, especially the Buffon’s Macaw, are at risk |
| Habitat | As a hybrid bred in captivity, it doesn’t have a specific natural habitat. Parent species are native to Central and South America |
| Diet | Prefers seeds and nuts over fruits |
| Challenges | Macaw populations are threatened by deforestation and illegal pet trade |
Origin History of Verde Macaw
Due to the enormous demand of bird lovers, hybrid Macaws are being bred in captivity. There is rarely a chance you will see a hybrid Macaw in the wild.
This is why their origin is unknown. This is also true for the rainbow-colored verde macaw. No information is available about its origin, history, and habitat.
Appearance
Verde Macaws are big birds that are about 37 inches long and weigh about 2 kg. Most of the time, they look like scarlet macaws because they are rainbow-colored. Around the eyes, there is a circle of white spots with black lines running through them.
Depending on which type of scarlet is used and which species is male or female in the cross, the colors and sizes will be different.
One good example is the scarlet Macaw’s beak, which is usually black but can also be white depending on the subspecies.
This is just one of the many ways in which the Verdi Macaw hybrid will be different. Other things that will be changed include size, color, and even personality.
In an ideal world, there are three different sub-species of Scarlet, so there are six different ways to make a Verdi cross. Each breeder will make a Verdi Macaw hybrid that is of a different size, color pattern, and temperature.
Personality
A Verde Macaw is a lively and intelligent bird, known for its ability to talk and learn tricks. However, its behavior can be a bit unpredictable, so it needs good socialization and consistent training to be a good pet.
One of its parent species, the Scarlet Macaw, is curious and intelligent but more energetic, requiring socialization. The other parent, Buffon’s Macaw, is calm and affectionate. Verde Macaws are calm, peaceful, and affectionate, surprising many with their gentle nature. They love attention and are social birds.
They are good at talking and make less noise than other macaws, which is great for apartment living. Keep in mind that each Verde Macaw may have a different temperament, so proper socialization and training are important. Overall, owners find Verde Macaws to be loving pets with good talking abilities and less noise compared to other macaws.
Pros and Cons of Verde Macaw
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Extremely vibrant and visually appealing | As a hybrid, its behavior and temperament can be unpredictable |
| Amiable, smart, and capable of training | Necessitates thorough socialization and regular training |
| Capable of learning to speak and perform tricks | Can be noisy, which may not be suitable for all households |
| Energetic and vibrant, making them entertaining pets | Uncommon and can be costly |
| Generally serene and tranquil | As a hybrid, it doesn’t have a specific natural habitat |
| Can be very sociable and affectionate | Parent species, especially the Buffon’s Macaw, are at risk |
| Doesn’t produce as much noise as other macaw species | Macaw populations are threatened by deforestation and illegal pet trade |
Speech and Sound
Verde Macaws talks very well. They don’t make as much noise as other macaw species. So this is a bonus for people who live in apartments.
They are very good at making sounds with their mouths and can learn to say a lot of words. These are like the cherry on top for people who want a macaw that can talk but is also quiet.
Breeding
This is a hybrid. It used to be that hybrids weren’t usually bred, but now it’s becoming more common. Still, there is a lot of work needed to understand the breeding behavior of hybrid macaws.
How to Care for a Verde Macaw
The Verde Macaw is a beautiful and smart bird that needs to be taken care of well to stay healthy and happy. Here are some care tips for a Verde Macaw:
- Housing
A Verde Macaw needs a large cage that is at least 3 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 4 feet tall. The cage should be made of strong materials, like stainless steel, and have a lot of perches, toys, and other things to keep the bird busy.
- Diet
A Verde Macaw should eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. But 60-70 percent of their diet should be pelleted. You should feed them a 3/4 cup pelleted diet and 1/2 cup fruit and vegetables at a time.
However, don’t give them avocado, chocolate, or caffeine, because these foods can make them sick. It is crucial that they have access to clean water every day.
- Exercise
Verde Macaws are very active birds that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Give your bird a lot of toys and switch them out often to keep things interesting. Give your bird at least two to three hours a day to fly and exercise outside of its cage.
- Getting along with other people
Verde Macaws are social birds that need a lot of time with their owners. Every day, spend time with your bird, talk to it, and show it. Also, it’s an excellent idea to give your bird chances to hang out with other birds.
Care for your bird’s health: Your bird needs regular checkups with an avian vet to stay healthy. Changes in appetite, behavior, and poop are all signs of illness. To stop the spread of disease, keep your bird’s cage clean and free of droppings.
Verde Macaw Health Problems
F1 generation Verde Macaws are usually healthy birds as long as they get the right care, food, and veterinary care. But just like any other living thing, they can get sick. Here are some of the most common health problems that Verde Macaws can have:
- Feather Plucking: Some Verde Macaws may develop a habit of plucking their feathers due to boredom, stress, or lack of mental stimulation.
- Psittacosis: This is a bacterial infection that can affect birds, including Verde Macaws. It can cause respiratory problems, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
- Vitamin A deficiency: A lack of vitamin A in their diet can cause Verde Macaws to experience respiratory infections, vision problems, and other health issues.
- Aspergillosis: This is a fungal infection that can affect the respiratory system of birds, including Verde Macaws. It can cause difficulty breathing and other respiratory symptoms.
- Macaw Wasting Disease: This is a viral infection that can cause Verde Macaws to experience weight loss, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
If you notice any signs of illness in your Verde Macaw, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent many health problems in Verde Macaws.
From Where You Can Get a Verde Macaw
Verde Macaw is a hybrid macaw and very difficult to find in your local breeder stores. Chances are you may not get it from even an experienced macaw breeder.
But don’t worry, we have already found a reputable online store that sells Verde Macaws in North America. The site name is parrotdaddy.com.
However, they haven’t mentioned the price of this parrot. But considering the rarity and demand of these hybrids you can expect to pay in the range of $3000-$8000
