Macaw Dietary Questions

Macawlover12

New member
Feb 7, 2014
276
3
Caret, VA
Parrots
Kali-Catalina Macaw
Hello,
I am new to this forum and I will be getting a catalina macaw. I was just curious if anyone could tell me what amounts of food to feed him.
For example:
1 cup of fruit/veggies
1cup of pellets
6 nuts

I know there is no exact diet plan but would like to get a general idea in a measurement I can understand, instead of just percentages. I am fully prepared to give the macaw all that it needs, but I don't want to overdo it. If anyone has an advice or has any information on what they feed their macaws, I would appreciate it!

Thanks in advance.
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
Wow, if you put it in cups I would have to think about it as we don't usually measure. But I guess we kinda do cause we know how much they would eat. But I guess a cup of each would do. I don't give that much nuts, we give 4 a day and whatever other treats we may give them.
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Greenwing:

The only thing I measure in cups is the pellet mix. I put one cup in each of her two food bowls.

I mix in two peanuts in each bowl, three nutriberries, each bowl, usually one walnut each bowl, and three to four pistachios each bowl (her favorite.) Plus fresh foods - fruits and veggies. Her favorites are apples, bananas, grapes, corn on the cob, and broccoli.

And plain rice and potatoes. ANY potatoes. It just doesn't matter. They love them.

And the occasional bits of chicken and fish as a treat, when I cook that for us.
 
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Macawlover12

New member
Feb 7, 2014
276
3
Caret, VA
Parrots
Kali-Catalina Macaw
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Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate the advice. I kinda figured it was around that general measurement, but wanted to be sure. I also had another question, if you dont mind.
I was reading that its best to feed the macaw fruits and veggies in the morning. once hes finished add the non perishable pellet food for the remainder of the day. What is your opinion about this?
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Well, I don't give them the perishable stuff in the mornings. I give them stuff that will keep all day.

I hand feed the perishable stuff. That way I also make sure they eat it, rather than throw it. And it's disposed of before it goes bad, and attracts insects.
 
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Macawlover12

New member
Feb 7, 2014
276
3
Caret, VA
Parrots
Kali-Catalina Macaw
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for all the help with this! I will take the advice of all who posted. I feel like I am adopting a child and am trying hard to make sure I have everything in order for when my bird arrives.

Thanks so much!:D
 

JerseyWendy

New member
Jul 20, 2012
20,995
24
Thanks for all the help with this! I will take the advice of all who posted. I feel like I am adopting a child and am trying hard to make sure I have everything in order for when my bird arrives.

Thanks so much!:D

Welcome to the forum. :)

You ARE adopting a child...one with feathers. :D

Please post photos when your baby arrives.
 

Birdman666

Well-known member
Sep 18, 2013
9,904
258
San Antonio, TX
Parrots
Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Same IQ, Same attention needs as a 3-5 year old child...

and you raise them the same way you would a human toddler. With boundary setting and nurturing guidance.

Seriously, macaws are the most toddler-like of all the parrots. In both the good ways, and the bad ways...
 

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