Severe Macaw

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 11th, 2018

About Severe Macaw

Size

18 inches

Lifespan

up to 80 years

Bird Species

Macaw

Colors

Green

Sounds

Vocal, Talkative, Mimics, Noisy

Interaction

Social, Fun, Energetic, Affectionate, Silly

Comparable Breeds

African Grey Parrot, Hyacinth Macaw

Severe Macaw General Info

We all know that macaws are, without a doubt, some of the funniest, cuddliest and affectionate pets out there – the true entertainers of the parrot world. That’s what makes these parrots loved and sought after worldwide, and the Severe macaw is undoubtedly a fitting representative of the family. Silly and fun, this loving and energetic parrot is always friendly and in the center of attention. The long lifespan also makes them a wonderful companion for a lifetime.

The Severe Macaw is one of the best parrots in their family. A variety of lovely traits makes them a popular and cherished pet.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

Like almost all other macaws, the Severe Macaw too can be found in a large area in northern South America. This territory includes countries like Brazil, Panama, and Bolivia. Unlike some other macaws, they haven’t been affected by poaching or loss of habitat, and they have steady populations in the wild. These parrots love to nest in holes they find in the trees and enjoy their habitat of tropical, Amazonian forests.

Overall Description

Severe macaws are a part of the so-called “mini macaw” family, but they are still pretty big birds. The adults reach an average length of 18 inches (40 centimeters), and they share almost all other traits with their close cousins. You could say that this size is the perfect middle ground – they are not too large as the big macaws, but not too small either. In any case, a lot of room is still mandatory to ensure a happy parrot.

Speech and Sounds

Macaws can be loud sometimes. Their loud, tropical caws and calls are a part of their nature, but they are not often heard. What they like the best is talking. Severe macaws can build a small vocabulary of words they hear most often. They love to repeat these in a silly, loud voice that is bound to get a smile on every face. Mimicking everyday sounds is also one of their favorite tricks to learn. Their talking abilities never fail to cheer a crowd up and put these parrots in the spotlight.

Colors

Like a lot of the New World parrots, the Severe Macaw has an exotic look full of tropical colors. While they are mostly green, they have a few unique and distinguishing details. The underside of the wings has red and blue patches, and the forehead is brown. They too have a bare white facial patch with black lines like other macaw breeds. All of these details combined present us a beautiful, vibrant bird.

Severe macaws bring a fresh breeze of tropical, vivid colors into your home. These beautiful birds will charm you for sure.

Care and Feeding

There are specific seed and pellet mixes out there that are tailored for macaws. These will be an excellent choice for a basic diet. To supplement it you should offer a regular dose of cooked rice and chicken, fresh fruits, and green vegetables.

These macaws depend on freedom of movement. They have a large wingspan and need to exercise freely. A large, spacious cage and the free flight around the house are a top priority. You’ll also need to take care of their hygienic requirements- all macaws love baths. Make sure you bring them to the shower from time to time. They will love it so much!

Health and Common Conditions

Severe macaws are hardy and adaptable birds. They won’t have any trouble and are considered healthy and robust birds. This is all maintained by a lot of attention which includes hygiene, diet and social interaction. They create strong bonds and depend on your company and friendship. Don’t neglect your feathered friend’s needs and they will remain a healthy and happy pet parrot.

Macaws thrive on social interaction and friendship with their owner- make sure to provide it.

Personality & Behavior

These parrots can be quite the clowns. They have a fun, energetic and silly character, but in a cuddly way. They are explorers and love to play with toys and general items so keep an eye out. But in general, they’re not mischievous birds. You will soon see their affectionate and loving side and you will realize that this little macaw is more than a parrot. It is a part of your family.

Photo credit: Oskanov/BigStock; DickDaniels/WIkimedia Commons; Benjamin Graves/Wikimedia Commons

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Newfoundland Dogs Deliver Your Tree at This US Christmas Tree Farm

“It’s a great way to expose people to the joy of Christmas but also teach people about Newfoundland dogs,” explained Lindsay Eshelman when asked about her family farm. “They’re big, and sometimes people are scared of big dogs, and we want to show that they’re gentle giants.”The Esheman family’s love of the breed is evident, with four Newfoundland dogs currently among their ranks. But they didn’t want to stop there. By inviting Newfies from far and wide to come together, they have rightfully earned the title “The Newfoundland Farm.” The event has become a big part of what they do, a tradition they excitedly look forward to year after year.“We are a destination for these dogs,” Eshelman said. “We actually have had people drive all the way from Vermont, Maine, Ohio – those are ten-plus hour-long drives.”Are you interested in joining the festivities next year, but your dog doesn’t quite fit the breed? Don’t worry! Their Facebook states that all dogs are welcome, not just Newfies. If your dog isn’t keen on public spaces, that’s okay too! Dog lovers are welcome to join in with or without a dog. There will be plenty of adorable pups eager to enjoy your attention.So, start planning your trip to Pennsylvania next year to participate in Newfoundland Day and make some unique holiday memories.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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