Some endangered animals that need to be saved include birds like the Hyacinth Macaw parrot. It has been called the dream bird which should explain why it is desired by many bird lovers. This parrot is fun to have around. They are laid-back and gentle. However, they have to be trained early not to squeeze the fingers of the person holding it. Without proper training, this magnificent of all parrots, high on the list of endangered animals, can break finger bones very easily. Thus, in thinking that they can get started early, bird lovers try to get the youngest Hyacinth Macaw parrot, and here is where the problems starts.
For bird lovers who do not know any better, they buy a Hyacinth Macaw that has not been properly weaned from its mother. As a result, hundreds of these parrots die from wrong feeding and rearing strategies. They can even be given the wrong food to begin with. Young Hyacinth Macaw parrots require a diet of high fat content. They also need to be fed by hand. Some of the food recommended for just weaned parrots are fresh coconut and unsalted nuts. A good indication of when a baby parrot can be weaned from its mother is its body weight. It should weigh at least 1250 grams or between 2 to 3 months of age.
Once the parrot reaches a certain age, it develops amazing strength. It has been known to snap cage wires made of stainless steel to escape. A cage that has not been welded twice is not going to be able to keep the bird in the cage. The ideal cages can cost up to $2,000 which is very steep for many bird owners. Thus, a lot of birds end up escaping and unable to fend for themselves on their own.
A baby Hyacinth Macaw parrot is also very vulnerable to health issues. They can easily develop bacterial and yeast infection. So, if they don’t die from wrong care and maintenance, they could succumb to illness.
In addition, buying the Hyacinth Macaw, which can be considered illegal in some areas being an endangered species, can be fraught with risks. In the name of a quick buck, breeders without the proper weaning habits can sell you an parrot that will never live past 6 months.
Then, there is the issue of breeding the parrot too early. The parrot needs to be at least 10 years old to start having babies. If done earlier, the parrot could harm the baby because it would be too immature physically, emotional, and mentally.
Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.
