barnee - 2013-03-19 I've had my chestnut front his entire life (24 years) I think he's really easy going. He doesn't live in a cage I have an entire room for him. He sleeps in an open closet or with me, I'm a light sleeper. I feed him roudybush first thing in the morning then I take his food away until noon then I return his uneaten portion of roudybush mixed with spaghetti or sweet potato, he loves sweet potato, then after he is done eating I take his food away again until early evenning. Then I give him the remainder. By taking his food away when he's done it emulates his wild behavior that keeps him focused at meal time (no playing or finicky behavior. Some parrots like to take baths some don't it all depends on how you introduce them to water and bathing. I use water as a punishment via a squirt bottle when he was misbehaving as a result he is scared of water, live and learn, if you remember that ara severa is in need of companionship you can use that to guide his behavior.
Matt - 2011-11-11 I am about to get my very first severe macaw, he is 5 months old and I've decided to name him Mojo. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice on this type of bird and its needs? He is very friendly to me and doesn't seem to mind my wife too much. I had an african grey in the past and he was very much a one person bird, he would fly and attack people that talked to me, almost seeming to be jealous of my interactions with anyone that wasn't himself. I was told the severe macaw is a very social breed of parrot and that they make great family pets. I'm in this for the long haul so any advice is welcome. Peace love and crackers!
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Tamee - 2011-11-18 I have a Severe Macaw. I inherited her 6 years ago. She is 35 years old. Well we think she is 35 anyway. She was caught in the wild and was bought just out of quarantine. I just read on Wikipedia that the Severe Macaw got it name Severe because once they reach puberty they are not so sweet. Well that can be true. Mandy Lynn can be sweet as punch then in the next few minutes a real bitch. That is just who she is and I love her anyway.
Be sure to socialize your bird while it is young. Socialize socialize socialize I cannot emphasize that enough. Get him one of those little bird leashes if you are unsure of his safety in the open.
Mandy never socialized and is scared of everything and everyone except Me and my boyfriend. When she is on my shoulder no one better touch her not even my boyfriend even though she will roll over coo and let him pick her up cupped in his hands. A feat I was only able to do with her in the past.
She is messy and no your cage will not contain the mess just know you will be cleaning up after your bird daily and taking the cage out for a hosing about once a week.
DO NOT FEED your bird a diet high in nuts. I just found that out. Mandy has spent her whole captivity eating mainly cashews. Now she is severely Vitamin A deficient and no longer has the little natural barbs in her mouth that help hod her food so she can swallow it.
I did not know until she just recently started feather plucking. Something they do when they are ill. Or if they don't get enough attention. Nuts should only be given as treats. I am not sure how often. I have just stopped giving them to her.
Now I get up every morning give her her medicine on a piece of bread for her feather plucking. Then I give her yogurt with her vitamins in it. She loves that. I feed her Harrisons. I am feeding her the Harrisons that you would start your little guy on because the vet said she needs the extra nutrients for now.
Not all the tests are back so she could still have some issues to deal with. He liver is very enlarged. So she does not have the lung capacity she should. Her original owner was a chain smoker that smoked in her vicinity her whole life. She actually lived with him on a boat for 11 years. Close quarters.
I also would definitely build him an aviary in your back yard. One big enough for him to fly. I hate to think that my bird has given up its greatest natural gift to be my pet.
Charlie Roche - 2011-11-18 Severe macaws can make a wonderful family pet - they learn who does what the best and go there. Maybe your spouse gives him a treat or your daughter pets his head the best etc. They are normally quite comfortable and affectionate with the family. Unl;ess socialized and out a lot meeting other people, they have a tendency to be leery or afraid of new people. After they know them a few days they usually warm up. A grey almost always bonds to one person. They may tolerate others but will usually be jealous of their human mates interactions with other humans. Macaws are quite expressive in their body language and the little severe will train you and the other members of your family quite easily. Learn their language, interact and watch them. Have them where you are most frequently whether the kitchen or the TV room - on a perch - preferably separate from their cage. Start the basics right away such as 'up' when you pick him up. 'Kiss' when you kiss him on the top of the head. 'Foot' to shake hands etc. Put words with actions just like you would a child. They learn and they understand. I believe macaws go through stages like the lovable infant, the naughty twos and puberty. During molt or start of puberty - they can be pretty independent. It is just a stage -
Jo - 2013-01-15 I have a Severe Macaw don't know the sex. I have had the parrot for about 7 year's. They like being out on a tree most of the day. Jade is very, very loud. They vocalize in the morning and in the evening. I also have a 20 year old african gray. She laid 2 egg's last year RT before she turned 20!! Good luck!
chris martin - 2012-02-27 I am considering adopting a severe. I have experience with birds having had a goffins cockatoo in the past. Are severe macaws screamers? That is my most important question. I know that some birds call out in the morning and/or evening, but I don't want a bird that sits on its perch, inside or outside his cage, all the time.
Thanks
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Charlie Roche - 2012-02-27 A severe macaw can and will make a pretty big noise for a little guy. Yes, usually in the morning and as the sun sets but sometimes if they want out or attention. They are not, however, as vocal as a cockatoo and are more independent and wiling to play on their own.
dusty - 2012-08-29 My severe is much noisier than either my goffin or mollucan...but I love the commotion...lol
Shellie - 2013-01-03 I have a severe mini named Zoe, he is absolutely adorable. He is not a screamer, he makes sounds nothing annoying. I spend time with him everyday petting and rubbing under his wngs. He always fly to me and sit with me. I have taught him to give a kiss, flap his wings when I say show me your feathers. I bought him for my son but I'm the favorite one. Zoe is shy but once she gets use to someone she shares her love for them as well. Everyday around 4ish Zoe starts to speak and bark like the dog. I don't respond when she tries to get my attention everytime I walk by the cage. It takes time but they are easy to train, I've only had him since 12-14-2012. Good Luck!!!!
LORA - 2012-11-06 HELP! I RESCUED A severe macaw 2 days ago. He's 10. I'm in complete and total love but I would like to find out a few things to be able to take good care of him. His previous owner died. He was in a dark pet store in a dirty cage. He has 2 broken feathers on each wing. Does any one know what I can do to help his feathers?
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Charlie Roche - 2012-11-06 Congratulations and if you love him - I am sure he loves you. Then you just have to understand each others language and you will learn to obey him and all will be well. Joking but they seem to have a way about them that will tell you what it is that they want and like. The two feathers. If it is just the ends - I would just take a pair of scissors and while you pull his wing out saying pretty - cut the tip off where it is broken. I would just remove the scraggly end so it doesn't prickle or itch him. Then start bathing him with an aloe bird bath - spritz him down cuz fathers might be dry. He might even like a shower -
Lisa Windsor Windham - 2012-08-19 I have a Severe female and she was abused, took a lot of work but now she is amazing but she acts like she wants a companion. Would you get another Severe? Or what other can you put with her? Severe are very hard to find around here. Any suggestions or comments, please....
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Charlie Roche - 2012-08-19 I am not sure what you mean by 'she acts like she wants a companion?' So I will assume you don't want to breed and you believe it would just be more fun for your bird to have a bird friend so they have company when you aren't there. OK? I'd do a conure. They get along with just about everything - they are lovable and do not have control issues - at least most of the time. Severe is and will remain the boss and the conure - and get a young one that you can hold, cuddle, be lovable with and your severe will too. Two separate cages - we don't want them thinking about bonding just about playing. Conures are velcro birds. They will stay by you and chances are when you aren't there will watch over the severed.
Conures run about $150 purchased direct from a breeder. If you want to do an amazon - I'd do a laid back one that is affectionate and easier on training. Panama, Yellow Shoulder or yellow face. They talk but they are just much easier going than the napes or double yellow heads. I think the severe would like the conure better - so maybe a panama down the road.
Lisa Windsor Windham - 2012-08-19 Thank you for the info. I'm not really sure what she wants, over the past year, she has started acting like she was flirting with everything and gotten even more loving toward everything. About 5 months ago she laid an egg. This was the first time she'd ever done that before. We have a pair of cockatiels, and lovebirds, and we have raised lovebirds before. With my Severe, she was so mistreated that it took us a long time to get her to where she is. When we first rescued her, you couldn't touch her or anything, not she loves to cuddle and give kisses. All my birds have been rescues. So with her, whether it's a mate or just a companion, I want to get what makes her happy. My cockatiels are terrified of her. And she just needs something. My biggest problem has been trying to find a Severe in this area. I have found other minis but not a Severe and I've found a lot of gimmicks on the Internet. What would you think would be best in her case. She has really started trying to love on everything and trying to make a nest. Thank you very much for all the help, I'm just so unsure what to get her to really make her happy.
Charlie Roche - 2012-08-19 OK you don't care if she breeds? You will most likely lose the pet quality that you have now. She is picking up the hormonal scent from the other breeding pairs. Doesn't mean she needs a mate. If you want her to have a mate and Severs not around - you can pair her with another macaw about the same size, Illigers, red front, yellow collared. Some will just say/be4lieve think this is absolutely awful - that you should never cross breed. Well if you lived in scotland and I lived in Australia we would probably never meet so we won't breed. But if you move to NYC and I move to NYC - we will meet and .....
Kenneth - 2012-06-26 We have a pair of Severes set up to breed. The hen has stopped being social and now goes straight into the nesting box when we come to feed them instead of coming over to greet us. She also has stopped eating as much and ever refuses her favorite food...peanuts. Is this typical nesting behavior? Is this a sign she is getting ready to lay? We checked her vent and she doesn't appear to be sick.
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Charlie Roche - 2012-06-26 It is definitely a sign that she intends to breed. So if the male is cooperative and she actually lays the eggs in the nest box and she sits and incubates, and the eggs hatch and she feeds - what I am trying to say is yes, breeding behavior but sometimes it takes a clutch or two for the pair to learn how to do it and raise the babes. So keep your fingers crossed.
Jill Swanberg - 2012-04-20 I have a Severe Macaw and the green feathers are turning red and I would like to find out why this is happening.
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Charlie Roche - 2012-04-20 Some severe macaws have more red (on their feathers) than others. Is your little one about 2 year old and starting to get his adult feathers and coloring? There are also mutations.
Denise Carlin - 2010-10-02 Hello, I have had my severe macaw, Mac for about 10 years. He is very clever and many times unscrews things I have attaching things in his cage, like his water bottle. I even tighten the bolts as tight as I can and he still can get them off. Does anyone else have an industrious severe macaw? I am often amazed at how smart he is!
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Charlie Roche - 2012-03-08 I use small padlocks to hold toys in my macaws cages. Actually had one that picked a padlock.
brenda samrow - 2012-03-08 I have a 4 yr old named Kid.He's always unscrewing his toys and getting out of his escape proof cage. Sometimes he can't get enough attention and other times its best to leave him alone. He's in a cage with a cockatoo and they have the darndest conversations. I just adore them.
Atalanta Starnight - 2012-02-07 Don't do it! Don't get one. I have one. You won't be able to do anything else with your life other than babysit the macaw. They are adorable but very very needy. They have the emotional nature of a two year old and never grow up.
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Atalanta Starnight - 2012-02-07 Oh and no matter how much attention you give it, once day they will pluck everything off (because you had to go to work or something) and you can't stop them.
Lewis - 2011-11-03 Hi I Am thinking of getting a parrot. But I don't know what one to get, either a severe macaw or an African grey. I really want one but I am only allowed to have one, could anyone help me as to what parrot I should get????
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Charlie Roche - 2011-11-03 They are both good choices but way far different in personalities and type of companion. A severe macaw will say a few words but mostly is very expressive with body language - especially his foot (honest). They will be comfortable wherever you go and with whatever enviornment you are in. You can take them to your friends house, etc. They travel easy and will adapt easily to a harness if you want to take them to the park or for a ride in a car. They usually get along with most people - especially all those that are a constant in the home or frequent visitor. They might like you best but are usually fine with all people, places, noices, commotion, quiet, toys, alone time and lots of play. More socialization than the friendly they are with all people. A grey is almost always a one person bird and will tolerate others but sure not like them much. They do not like commotion, loud noises, traffic, kids going in and out. They like attention from their human and require much attention and stimulation or they will pluck and most pluck. They will not adapt to different enviornments, and do not like change. They are excellent speakers and quite clear but it takes a lot of patience and teaching to have them talk. Amazons don't speak as clearly but they usually have some sounds going on. So you have severe that you can hold, play with, cuddle, have around other people and take out and will be OK on his own playing but will love playing with you and learning. Or you have a grey - which you will be able to pet but probably no one else can. A grey is the ruler and he wants peace and quiet and will not like change. They require much stimulation. People who are at home, quiet home, absolutely adore their greys - to the best of my knowledge. People who are active, go out, have friends over or young children running in and out etc and can't devote a lot of time - a grey probably won't work regarding lifestyle.
The Severe macaw is one of the "mini" macaws. The baby Severe Macaw pictured above, "Fuzz Button" is one of two very sweet, friendly baby birds!
I've had my chestnut front his entire life (24 years) I think he's really easy going. He doesn't live in a cage I have an entire room for him. He sleeps in an open closet or with me, I'm a light sleeper. I feed him roudybush first thing in the morning then I take his food away until noon then I return his uneaten portion of roudybush mixed with spaghetti or sweet potato, he loves sweet potato, then after he is done eating I take his food away again until early evenning. Then I give him the remainder. By taking his food away when he's done it emulates his wild behavior that keeps him focused at meal time (no playing or finicky behavior. Some parrots like to take baths some don't it all depends on how you introduce them to water and bathing. I use water as a punishment via a squirt bottle when he was misbehaving as a result he is scared of water, live and learn, if you remember that ara severa is in need of companionship you can use that to guide his behavior.
I am about to get my very first severe macaw, he is 5 months old and I've decided to name him Mojo. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice on this type of bird and its needs? He is very friendly to me and doesn't seem to mind my wife too much. I had an african grey in the past and he was very much a one person bird, he would fly and attack people that talked to me, almost seeming to be jealous of my interactions with anyone that wasn't himself. I was told the severe macaw is a very social breed of parrot and that they make great family pets. I'm in this for the long haul so any advice is welcome. Peace love and crackers!
I have a Severe Macaw. I inherited her 6 years ago. She is 35 years old. Well we think she is 35 anyway. She was caught in the wild and was bought just out of quarantine.
I just read on Wikipedia that the Severe Macaw got it name Severe because once they reach puberty they are not so sweet.
Well that can be true. Mandy Lynn can be sweet as punch then in the next few minutes a real bitch. That is just who she is and I love her anyway.
Be sure to socialize your bird while it is young. Socialize socialize socialize I cannot emphasize that enough. Get him one of those little bird leashes if you are unsure of his safety in the open.
Mandy never socialized and is scared of everything and everyone except Me and my boyfriend. When she is on my shoulder no one better touch her not even my boyfriend even though she will roll over coo and let him pick her up cupped in his hands. A feat I was only able to do with her in the past.
She is messy and no your cage will not contain the mess just know you will be cleaning up after your bird daily and taking the cage out for a hosing about once a week.
DO NOT FEED your bird a diet high in nuts. I just found that out. Mandy has spent her whole captivity eating mainly cashews. Now she is severely Vitamin A deficient and no longer has the little natural barbs in her mouth that help hod her food so she can swallow it.
I did not know until she just recently started feather plucking. Something they do when they are ill. Or if they don't get enough attention. Nuts should only be given as treats. I am not sure how often. I have just stopped giving them to her.
Now I get up every morning give her her medicine on a piece of bread for her feather plucking. Then I give her yogurt with her vitamins in it. She loves that. I feed her Harrisons. I am feeding her the Harrisons that you would start your little guy on because the vet said she needs the extra nutrients for now.
Not all the tests are back so she could still have some issues to deal with. He liver is very enlarged. So she does not have the lung capacity she should. Her original owner was a chain smoker that smoked in her vicinity her whole life. She actually lived with him on a boat for 11 years. Close quarters.
I also would definitely build him an aviary in your back yard. One big enough for him to fly. I hate to think that my bird has given up its greatest natural gift to be my pet.
Severe macaws can make a wonderful family pet - they learn who does what the best and go there. Maybe your spouse gives him a treat or your daughter pets his head the best etc. They are normally quite comfortable and affectionate with the family. Unl;ess socialized and out a lot meeting other people, they have a tendency to be leery or afraid of new people. After they know them a few days they usually warm up. A grey almost always bonds to one person. They may tolerate others but will usually be jealous of their human mates interactions with other humans. Macaws are quite expressive in their body language and the little severe will train you and the other members of your family quite easily. Learn their language, interact and watch them. Have them where you are most frequently whether the kitchen or the TV room - on a perch - preferably separate from their cage. Start the basics right away such as 'up' when you pick him up. 'Kiss' when you kiss him on the top of the head. 'Foot' to shake hands etc. Put words with actions just like you would a child. They learn and they understand. I believe macaws go through stages like the lovable infant, the naughty twos and puberty. During molt or start of puberty - they can be pretty independent. It is just a stage -
I have a Severe Macaw don't know the sex. I have had the parrot for about 7 year's. They like being out on a tree most of the day. Jade is very, very loud. They vocalize in the morning and in the evening. I also have a 20 year old african gray. She laid 2 egg's last year RT before she turned 20!! Good luck!
I am considering adopting a severe. I have experience with birds having had a goffins cockatoo in the past.
Are severe macaws screamers? That is my most important question. I know that some birds call out in the morning and/or evening, but I don't want a bird that sits on its perch, inside or outside his cage, all the time.
Thanks
A severe macaw can and will make a pretty big noise for a little guy. Yes, usually in the morning and as the sun sets but sometimes if they want out or attention. They are not, however, as vocal as a cockatoo and are more independent and wiling to play on their own.
My severe is much noisier than either my goffin or mollucan...but I love the commotion...lol
I have a severe mini named Zoe, he is absolutely adorable. He is not a screamer, he makes sounds nothing annoying. I spend time with him everyday petting and rubbing under his wngs. He always fly to me and sit with me. I have taught him to give a kiss, flap his wings when I say show me your feathers. I bought him for my son but I'm the favorite one. Zoe is shy but once she gets use to someone she shares her love for them as well. Everyday around 4ish Zoe starts to speak and bark like the dog. I don't respond when she tries to get my attention everytime I walk by the cage. It takes time but they are easy to train, I've only had him since 12-14-2012. Good Luck!!!!
HELP! I RESCUED A severe macaw 2 days ago. He's 10. I'm in complete and total love but I would like to find out a few things to be able to take good care of him. His previous owner died. He was in a dark pet store in a dirty cage. He has 2 broken feathers on each wing. Does any one know what I can do to help his feathers?
Congratulations and if you love him - I am sure he loves you. Then you just have to understand each others language and you will learn to obey him and all will be well. Joking but they seem to have a way about them that will tell you what it is that they want and like. The two feathers. If it is just the ends - I would just take a pair of scissors and while you pull his wing out saying pretty - cut the tip off where it is broken. I would just remove the scraggly end so it doesn't prickle or itch him. Then start bathing him with an aloe bird bath - spritz him down cuz fathers might be dry. He might even like a shower -
I have a Severe female and she was abused, took a lot of work but now she is amazing but she acts like she wants a companion. Would you get another Severe? Or what other can you put with her? Severe are very hard to find around here. Any suggestions or comments, please....
I am not sure what you mean by 'she acts like she wants a companion?' So I will assume you don't want to breed and you believe it would just be more fun for your bird to have a bird friend so they have company when you aren't there. OK? I'd do a conure. They get along with just about everything - they are lovable and do not have control issues - at least most of the time. Severe is and will remain the boss and the conure - and get a young one that you can hold, cuddle, be lovable with and your severe will too. Two separate cages - we don't want them thinking about bonding just about playing. Conures are velcro birds. They will stay by you and chances are when you aren't there will watch over the severed.
Conures run about $150 purchased direct from a breeder. If you want to do an amazon - I'd do a laid back one that is affectionate and easier on training. Panama, Yellow Shoulder or yellow face. They talk but they are just much easier going than the napes or double yellow heads. I think the severe would like the conure better - so maybe a panama down the road.
Thank you for the info. I'm not really sure what she wants, over the past year, she has started acting like she was flirting with everything and gotten even more loving toward everything. About 5 months ago she laid an egg. This was the first time she'd ever done that before. We have a pair of cockatiels, and lovebirds, and we have raised lovebirds before. With my Severe, she was so mistreated that it took us a long time to get her to where she is. When we first rescued her, you couldn't touch her or anything, not she loves to cuddle and give kisses. All my birds have been rescues. So with her, whether it's a mate or just a companion, I want to get what makes her happy. My cockatiels are terrified of her. And she just needs something. My biggest problem has been trying to find a Severe in this area. I have found other minis but not a Severe and I've found a lot of gimmicks on the Internet. What would you think would be best in her case. She has really started trying to love on everything and trying to make a nest. Thank you very much for all the help, I'm just so unsure what to get her to really make her happy.
OK you don't care if she breeds? You will most likely lose the pet quality that you have now. She is picking up the hormonal scent from the other breeding pairs. Doesn't mean she needs a mate. If you want her to have a mate and Severs not around - you can pair her with another macaw about the same size, Illigers, red front, yellow collared. Some will just say/be4lieve think this is absolutely awful - that you should never cross breed. Well if you lived in scotland and I lived in Australia we would probably never meet so we won't breed. But if you move to NYC and I move to NYC - we will meet and .....
We have a pair of Severes set up to breed. The hen has stopped being social and now goes straight into the nesting box when we come to feed them instead of coming over to greet us. She also has stopped eating as much and ever refuses her favorite food...peanuts. Is this typical nesting behavior? Is this a sign she is getting ready to lay? We checked her vent and she doesn't appear to be sick.
It is definitely a sign that she intends to breed. So if the male is cooperative and she actually lays the eggs in the nest box and she sits and incubates, and the eggs hatch and she feeds - what I am trying to say is yes, breeding behavior but sometimes it takes a clutch or two for the pair to learn how to do it and raise the babes. So keep your fingers crossed.
I have a Severe Macaw and the green feathers are turning red and I would like to find out why this is happening.
Some severe macaws have more red (on their feathers) than others. Is your little one about 2 year old and starting to get his adult feathers and coloring? There are also mutations.
Hello,
I have had my severe macaw, Mac for about 10 years. He is very clever and many times unscrews things I have attaching things in his cage, like his water bottle. I even tighten the bolts as tight as I can and he still can get them off. Does anyone else have an industrious severe macaw? I am often amazed at how smart he is!
I use small padlocks to hold toys in my macaws cages. Actually had one that picked a padlock.
I have a 4 yr old named Kid.He's always unscrewing his toys and getting out of his escape proof cage. Sometimes he can't get enough attention and other times its best to leave him alone. He's in a cage with a cockatoo and they have the darndest conversations. I just adore them.
Don't do it! Don't get one. I have one. You won't be able to do anything else with your life other than babysit the macaw. They are adorable but very very needy. They have the emotional nature of a two year old and never grow up.
Oh and no matter how much attention you give it, once day they will pluck everything off (because you had to go to work or something) and you can't stop them.
Hi I Am thinking of getting a parrot. But I don't know what one to get, either a severe macaw or an African grey. I really want one but I am only allowed to have one, could anyone help me as to what parrot I should get????
They are both good choices but way far different in personalities and type of companion. A severe macaw will say a few words but mostly is very expressive with body language - especially his foot (honest). They will be comfortable wherever you go and with whatever enviornment you are in. You can take them to your friends house, etc. They travel easy and will adapt easily to a harness if you want to take them to the park or for a ride in a car. They usually get along with most people - especially all those that are a constant in the home or frequent visitor. They might like you best but are usually fine with all people, places, noices, commotion, quiet, toys, alone time and lots of play. More socialization than the friendly they are with all people. A grey is almost always a one person bird and will tolerate others but sure not like them much. They do not like commotion, loud noises, traffic, kids going in and out. They like attention from their human and require much attention and stimulation or they will pluck and most pluck. They will not adapt to different enviornments, and do not like change. They are excellent speakers and quite clear but it takes a lot of patience and teaching to have them talk. Amazons don't speak as clearly but they usually have some sounds going on. So you have severe that you can hold, play with, cuddle, have around other people and take out and will be OK on his own playing but will love playing with you and learning. Or you have a grey - which you will be able to pet but probably no one else can. A grey is the ruler and he wants peace and quiet and will not like change. They require much stimulation. People who are at home, quiet home, absolutely adore their greys - to the best of my knowledge. People who are active, go out, have friends over or young children running in and out etc and can't devote a lot of time - a grey probably won't work regarding lifestyle.