Creating suitable accommodations for large birds poses challenges in terms of space and safety. Larger flight areas are ideal for the well-being of these birds. While I prefer suspended flights due to their ease of maintenance, suspending a large flight can be complex, and capturing the birds can become challenging. For breeding flights, I recommend a minimum size of 5 feet wide by 5 feet tall by 8 feet long (1.5m x 1.5m x 2.4m). Breeding pairs can become aggressive, even dangerous, so prioritizing safety is crucial when setting up aviaries.
To ensure safety, nest-boxes should be positioned outside the flight and have a convenient blocking mechanism to keep parents out during checks on eggs or chicks. While some macaws have successfully bred in flights with minimal separation, I recommend maintaining a distance of approximately 3 feet (1 meter) or more between flights. This buffer zone helps establish clear territorial boundaries, reducing stress and aggression among breeding pairs. Using barriers to limit visual access between neighboring nest-boxes can further decrease distress.
For nest-boxes, I suggest dimensions of 18 inches by 18 inches by 36 inches (45.7cm x 45.7cm x 91.4cm). Metal nest-boxes are suitable for indoor use, but affixing a thick piece of wood to the front provides a more natural appearance. If used outdoors, select insulating materials like wood to regulate temperatures throughout the seasons. Coating the nest-boxes with stainless steel wire can prevent bird escape or injuries to eggs and chicks if the birds chew through the wood. Mount the nest-box horizontally with an entrance located on the long side near the end, typically 10 inches by 8 inches (25.4cm x 20.3cm) for large macaws. Place an inspection door towards the center of the box, opposite the entrance, with dimensions of approximately 12 inches by 7.5 inches (30.5cm x 19cm) to allow comfortable access for handling eggs and chicks.
By implementing these guidelines, you can create suitable breeding environments for large macaws, ensuring their safety and promoting successful breeding.
0 Comments