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Hahn's Macaw

Red-shouldered Macaw

Family: PsittacidaeHahn's Macaw - "Lu" is DNA sexed male Ara nobilis nobilisPhoto Courtesy Becca

The Hahn's Macaw is the smallest of all the Macaw Parrots, and is one of the best talkers!

The Hahn's Macaw, scientifically described as Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis (previously Ara nobilis nobilis) is the smallest of all the macaw species. There are three sub-species of Diopsittaca nobilis.These mini macaw parrots are collectively known as the Red-shouldered Macaws.

The Red-shouldered Macaw subspecies are very similar in appearance. All three of these parrots have a green body that becomes more yellow underneath. They also have blue on the forehead and crown, and along the outer primary feathers of the upper wings. The name "red-shouldered" is derived from a red accent along the bend of the wing. The main color distinction between these three is that the Hahn's Macaw has a black bill, as opposed to the pale cream colored upper beak on the other two.

Because of their small size and coloration, the Red-shouldered Macaws are occasionally confused with conures of the genus Aratinga, particularly the Blue-crowned Conure Aratinga acuticaudata. This is not surprising as they have a close morphological relationship. In fact, the Blue Crown Conure is actually an inch or two larger than these macaws, reaching up to 14 1/2" (37 cm) in length.

Hand reared Red-shouldered Macaws are considered the easiest of all the macaws to care for, and make an excellent pet. They become extremely tame and are very easy to manage. They are also very clever mimics, capable of a very large vocabulary for a macaw. In his book All About the Parrots, author Arthur Freud tells of a Noble Macaw with a vocabulary of over 50 words. The vocabulary of most macaws consists of only about 15 to 20 words.

A hand raised Hahn's Macaw is an ideal bird for a beginner. They are small and easy to handle, and are very social birds with a friendly and comical nature. They will breed readily both as a single pair or when kept in a group. "Lu" shown above was hand raised and is a male, he has been DNA sexed. The Hahn's Macaw is an all around good choice for the inexperienced person who wants a larger parrot.

For more information about mini macaws, see:
Mini Macaw Parrots: Types of Mini Macaws - Mini Macaws as Pets

Geographic Distribution Ara nobilis nobilis Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Scientific nameDiopsittaca nobilis nobilis - previously Ara nobilis nobilis

Distribution The Hahn's Macaw Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis, previously Ara nobilis nobilis, is one of three subspecies collectively known as the Red-shouldered Macaws. The Red-shouldered Macaws are found across a wide range from eastern Venezuela then east through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; and south to southern Brazil, southeastern Peru, and northern Bolivia.

The three subspecies of Red-shouldered Macaws are:

• Hahn's Macaw: Diopsittaca nobilis nobilis, previously Ara nobilis nobilis
• Noble Macaw: D. n. cumanensis, previously A. n. cumanensis
• Long-winged Macaw: D. n. longipennis, previously A. n. longipennis

The Red-shouldered Macaws were first described by Linnaeus in 1758, with the Noble Macaw being first described in 1764.

The natural habitat of the Hahn's Macaw D. n. nobilis, is north of the Amazon from Venezuela to northeast Brazil. The Noble Macaw D. n. cumanensis, is found in northeastern Brazil, but south of the Amazon. The Long-winged Macaw D. n. longipennis is found from the interior of Brazil to southeastern Peru and northern Bolivia.

The Red-shouldered Macaws inhabit open wooded habitats including palm groves, forest-fringed savannahs, open bushy savannahs, plantations, and a variety of wooded habitats. In the wild they are seen in small groups in trees where they are very quiet, or flocks in flight where they are extremely noisy. Sometimes they are seen in association with the Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilata.

Status The Diopsittaca nobilis is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Least Concern (LC).

As with all macaw species, there has been some loss of the natural habitat of the Red-shouldered Macaws. Yet their natural distribution spans a very vast region, and although it is believed there has been a decline in population, to date it is not enough to consider this species as vulnerable. They have proven to be prolific breeders in captivity and have been bred for many years. They are widely established and available as a pet.

Description The Hahn's Macaw is the smallest of all the macaws, and is the tiniest of the three Red-shouldered Macaw subspecies. The name Red-shouldered Macaw is a common name associated with all three of the Diopsittaca nobilis subspecies. Like the other mini macaw parrots, these macaws have predominantly green bodies. They have a blue crown and a tinge of blue on the lower edge of the wing. The bends of the wing are clearly marked with red, and thus the alternate name of Red-shoulder Macaw. They have a naked white patch around the eye, but unlike like the patch on the larger macaws, it does not extend down into the cheek. Their eyes are a dark orange.

"Lu" - 8 month old DNA sexed malePhoto Courtesy Becca

The Hahn's Macaw and the other two Red-shouldered Macaws belong to the group of small macaws often called dwarf macaws or mini macaw parrots. The Hahn's Macaw, being the smallest of this genus, reaches 11 3/4" (30 cm) in length, while the Noble Macaw D. n. cumanensis (previously A. n. cumanensis) is a bit bigger and the Long-winged Macaw D. n. longipennis (previously A. n. longipennis) is the largest. These last two reach about 13"-14" (31-33 cm). The Long-wing Macaw has longer wings than the Noble, but they are very similar in all other aspects.

The distinguishing feature of the Hahn's Macaw is that its beak is black, while the other two subspecies have a horn colored beak. Juveniles of all three subspecies have no blue on their head and no red on the bend of their wing, and their eyes are brown. A mini macaw parrots lifespan is between about 20-30 years in a good environment.

Care and feeding In the wild the Hahn's Macaw, as well as the other two subspecies of Red-shouldered Macaw, feed on a variety of seeds, berries, fruits, nuts, and blossoms. In his book, Parrots of the World, author Joseph M. Forshaw says they have been noted to enjoy the berries of the black-sage bush Cordia aubletis and paste trees cordia spp., and the flowers of the sandkoker tree Erythrina glauca. All three are a secondary scrubby growth, with the first two growing in abandoned canefields.

For the Hahn's Macaw care and feeding in captivity, there are name brand commercially prepared Macaw seed or pellet mixes. They can also eat anything nutritious that you eat and these foods should be offered. Most parrots enjoy eating with their family. They may also eat some protein in the wild, and they do like chicken. Avocado and chocolate are toxic to parrots.

See Macaw Care and Feeding for more information.

HousingA roomy cage is required, at least 2 1/2 by 3 feet, and the bird will appreciate being let out for extended periods. Pet Macaws need at least 2 - 3 hours a day outside their cage. Many birds can spend most of their time on a playpen or parrot perch. As alternatives to a cage, they can be kept in an outdoor aviary where the weather permits, and some people like to provide their bird with its own "bird room".

A large sturdy perch needs to be mounted in the cage. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. Macaws are avid chewers and should be provided with plenty of natural branches and wooden toys. Fresh fruit tree branches work great for them to chew on, but then they will have to be replaced occasionally. Food and water dishes, along with a treat dish work best mounted above the perch at the side of the cage.

A Macaw's cage is their territory and a play pen top is great, but it is still their territory. It is better to interact with your Macaw on top of a sturdy perch away from the Macaw cage. A separate, free-standing playpen works great for this

See Macaw Housing or more information.

Social BehaviorsIn the wild the Hahn's Macaw, as well as the other two subspecies of Red-shouldered Macaws, are very social birds. and are generally seen in small groups in trees, or in flocks when in flight. In captivity, these birds are lovable, friendly, and intelligent. They are also fun little clowns. They love to play around and can be quite mischievous.

The Hahn's Macaw can become a very good pet for someone who wants to experience the macaw, but wants a smaller bird. These mini macaws are very social and friendly, and can be a good family type bird. They are intelligent and eager for attention and play. With a good disposition and responding well to handling and training, they are ideal for the beginner. But they are a typical macaw and can be cranky at times and may prefer only one person or only one gender.

Macaws do tend to mirror your moods. If you are agitated they can become agitated, but when you are happy and loving, well so is your pet. To have a well-rounded bird that enjoys more than one person, make sure it is well socialized with lots of folks.

See Macaws Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly Macaw.

Handling/Training The Hahn's Macaw, adapts quickly. Once it becomes accustomed to a new environment and its keeper it is then ready to start bird training. Generally though, you should give a new arrival a few days to get use to you, your voice and its cage before trying to handle it. A hand fed baby will not need much taming and can often be handled right away, as it is use to human attention.

With all parrots, taming and training takes trust and patience. Macaws are very intelligent making them easy to tame. They are also very adept at learning and quick to train. They excel best at learning tricks and small tasks. Though macaws in general are not as inclined to talk and mimic as much as some of the other types of parrots, notably the Amazon Parrots, the Hahn's Macaw can learn quite a few words or phrases. While most macaws learn only about 15-20 words, the Red-shouldered Macaws are noted for learning up to 50 words or so.

For information about handling and training your Hahn's Macaw see Macaw Training

ActivitiesFor the physical well being and psychological health of a Macaw Parrot, they must have plenty of opportunity to exercise and play. These are lovable pets and activities include interactive time with its keeper. Everything from petting, cuddling, and preening is appreciated, as well as performing and learning new tricks. But these are also very large, rambunctious pets that need a good sized space to play and climb around. Both climbing around inside a large cage, and providing a outside playpen offers them interest and variety.

Macaws are avid chewers, munching intently on anything they can get a hold of. When they are on a playpen, make sure they can't reach trim or any household items you don't want destroyed. Provide lots of toys and activities in the form of large link chains, bird ladders, parrot swings, ropes, and wood toys for gnawing and chewing. Rotate in new bird toys on a regular basis.

Providing regular interaction and lots of playtime. Having plenty of space and a large selection of toys and activities will help deter distress in your pet Macaw. It will also reduce the chance of your parrot developing undesirable behaviors like screeching, biting, and feather picking.

Sexing - Sexual DifferencesNo visible differences, though it has been stated that the males may be slightly larger. Yet there is no certain way to distinguish a male Hahn's Macaw from a female. In order to know whether you have a male or female, the bird must be sexed. DNA / Feather or surgical sexing is recommended.

Breeding/ReproductionIn the wild, all three of the subspecies of the Red-shouldered Macaw will build its nest in the holes of trees. They seem to prefer cavities in live palms, but have been found in dead palms and the cavities of other trees as well. Sometimes a palm tree will have two holes with nests in them.

The Red-shouldered Macaws are ready breeders in captivity. They have proven to be prolific breeders and have been successfully bred for many years. In his book All About the Parrots, author Arthur Freud notes that the Noble Macaw was first bred in captivity in the United States in 1939 and again in 1940, by Mr. and Mrs. Vance Wright. But it was the successful British breeding in 1949 by E. M. T. Vane, that is the best known. In fact Vane received the British Avicultural Society's first breeding metal for his accomplishments with the Noble Macaw.

The Hahn's Macaw is social even when breeding, and pairs can be kept in colonies and will usually readily breed. The nest box needs to be 9" (23 cm) square and be 18" (46 cm) deep. The usual clutch consists of two to five eggs laid two days apart like the larger macaws. The eggs incubate for about 24 days. The babies will fledge as early as 8 weeks. Feed the parents plenty of green stuffs, corn-on-the-cob, carrots, and fruit laced with food supplements while they are rearing the youngsters.

See Macaw Breeding for more information.

Hybridizations of mini macaws are quite rare, though there have been reports of crosses between the Hahn's Macaw Diopsittaca n. nobilis and the Noble Macaw Diopsittaca n. cumanensis to develop a hybrid macaw. The Hahn's Macaw has not been hybridized with large macaws.

There are also varying reports and claims, though rare, of crosses between species of Red-shouldered Macaws with a few conure species. These include such crosses as the Hahn's Macaw with the Blue-crowned Conure and Sun Conure, possibly the Noble Macaw and a Mitred Conure, and a few other conures have also been mentioned. Some of these crosses are documented, while others are not yet substantiated.

Potential Problems It is definitely true that a Hahn's Macaw can make noise, but it is not often, and not without some provocation. Usually if a Macaw makes a loud squawking noise, it's because they perceive something to be wrong or different. Maybe a car they don't recognize is coming to the home or the dog is loose. They are also known to make a noise for about 10 minutes as the sun is setting. This is an alert to their flock to settle in for the evening.

A pet Macaw when well cared for will seldom become ill. Yet they can contract some diseases, and there some also things in the environmental that can cause illness. Behavior problems can also occur, resulting in feather plucking, biting, and loud screeching. Though it is often difficult to determine illness, some visible signs of illness to be aware of are:

• Ruffled plumage
• Listlessness
• Drooping wings
• Sagging body
• Extreme mood changes
• Having no appetite
• Bulges in feathering
• Partially closed or watery eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Rasping
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive saliva
• Dirty vent
• Any change in the feces not apparently diet related

Some of the more common illnesses are:

• Proventricular Dilation disease (Macaw wasting disease)
• Psittacosis (chlamydiosis or parrot fever)
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Feather picking - results of boredom, poor diet, sexual frustration, and lack of bathing
• Allergies
• Chewing flight and tail feathers by juveniles
• Beak malformations in chicks
• Papillomas
• Kidney disease (gout)
• Toxicity - heavy metal poisoning
• Lipomas in older birds

If you notice any of these bird illnesses in your Hahn's Macaw immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86°F (30°C). Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. An ailing parrot should be taken to an avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Behavior problems in a pet Macaw usually stem from something that is missing in the bird's environment. Some of the most common are lack of trust, becoming bored, or lack of interaction with people or other birds. When these things are missing that can lead to problems resulting in undesirable behavior. Try to develop a bond of trust and spend time with your bird to help avoid these problems. We have also had good success with Chet Womach's Parrot Training Course. He offers free 3-day introductory course so you can try it out before you buy anything.

Availability:The Hahn's Macaw D. n. nobilis and the Noble Macaw D. n. cumanensis are the two species of the Red-shouldered mini macaw for sale. They both breed readily and are generally available.

References

• Animal-World References: Pet Birds - Exotic Birds
• Joseph M. Forshaw, Parrots of the World, Hancock House Pub Ltd. 2000
• Roger G. Sweeney,  Macaws a Complete Owners Manual, Barron's, 1992
• David Alderton, Parrots, Salamander Books, 1999
• Arthur Freud, All About The Parrots, Howell Book House, 1986.
• Dr. David Alderton, The Atlas of Parrots of the World, T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 1991
• David Alderton, A Bird Keeper's Guide to Parrots and Macaws, Salamander Books, 1989

Author: Clarice Brough CAS

Lastest Comments on Hahn\'s Macaw View all 23 comments on Hahn\'s Macaw Add Your Comment

randall white - 2012-05-15 My red shouldered hahns macaw is having problems with what seems to be a parasite problem which is consuming his feathers. I have tried mite sprays anticeptics and daily baths but nothing is working. None of my other parrots seem to be affected. Any suggestions Charlie Roche - 2012-05-15 Take him to an avian vet as soon as possible. He might be plucking his own feathers but the way you are saying this with such anxiety and no relief I'd have him tested for beak and feather. It is a virus and contagious. Reply

Jake - 2012-05-13 Hi, I have a baby hahns, The baby was 12 days old when I got her, I got from a friend of mine that bought the baby but didn't know how to care it. the baby seems to be doing fine, I've had her for about 3 weeks now, and growing bigger every day, but I'm alittle worried about her legs, there out to her side, she moves the around and her claws grab hold of my finger, is the normal for a baby, I haven't gotten 1 this small before. Thanks Jake Charlie Roche - 2012-05-13 Sounds like splayed leg. Somehow the mom sitting of the baby nesting, somehow got the leg(s) got squished out to the side. Probably should take her to an avian vet - make sure avian though. The vet would actually splint the legs in place using guaze. He'll do a figure 8 bandage with guaze wrapping the legs fairly close together so the legs aren't 'spalyed' but upright and baby will be able to stand. This is usually done when first seen and at 5-10 days old would be all right in 5 days or so. Your's is older and so I am concerned about the age and that is why I say vet. Just should be a bandage wrap to put the legs in their correct position. They grow so fast at this age, they heal fast so should be OK. But need to fix the condition. OK? Jake - 2012-05-13 Thank you so much, I'll take the baby to Doc tomarrow am Thanks Jake - 2012-05-14 Charlie, thanks again for your help, I took the baby to the vet today, and the splint the babys legs, hope this does the trick, thanks again, Jake Reply

kevin - 2012-04-29 we have a hahns macaw and we were wondering about introducing a mate would anyone have any tips on this subject Charlie Roche - 2012-04-29 First is you need to know what sex your Hahns macaw is and get the opposite sex. Place the second macaw in a cage next to the first. You will see after a few days/ a week they will be obviously interested in each other. Set up a nest box andplace it in the females cage and then place themale in with the female. Reply

Donna - 2012-02-14 Got our Hahns from a breeder when it was 5 months old. The breeder told us she hadn't handled 'Dublin' for quite some time (her larger Macaws were her 'babies'). We bought Dublin anyway and hoped she would come around for us. We still have a horrible time getting her to come out of the cage and don't want to upset her. Any suggestions would be sooooo appreciated. She doesn't do 'step up' but will come close to get treats. We love her already but would like to be able to hold and pet her and be closer. Thanks for any info. Donna Charlie Roche - 2012-02-15 If the breeder can't handle the bird, then the breeder shouldn't be selling the bird. That was an excuse for either not hand feeding as she should have, or not hand feeding at all or just neglect after weaning. Given that, your little guy is young and people shy/hand shy and you have to start at the beginning. Because he wasn't handled, he doesn't know that humans are great companions and love him. Yes, feed him treats with your hand, talk to him. Put him on the floor on a towel and play with him, with treats or little toys or they usually like small stuffed animals. Go slow. After a few days pick him up right in the towel and just put him in your lap. Continue the feeding and playing or just gently pet him. If this takes a few weeks - it does. Remember you have a fella with a 60 year life expectancy so no hurry. The idea is to get him not afraid of your hands, then enjoy being around your hands and then with the towel into your lap. He will train you from there. You will also be able to start teaching him to step up. Donna - 2012-02-28 Hi! Thanks again! I have her out right now -- but once again it was a hassle. Once she is out she seems to enjoy it so I don't understand why she won't come out on her own. Have tried leaving food and treats just outside her cage -- just seems like she's afraid. I talk to her all the time and reward her for any little bit she gives me. I can now put my finger right up to her but she still won't 'step up'. Any suggestions on that? I feel so bad for her but am trying everyday to get closer and closer. Every place I read about birds it says that 'step up' is the first command learned. Do you still think I can eventually get her to 'step up' and let me hold her without her being afraid? Thanks again for all your help. Donna Donna - 2012-02-28 Hi -- thanks for the info on our Hahns 'Dublin' but am still having such a hard time getting her out of her cage. Have been trying to get her to 'step up' onto a perch but she is terrified of coming out of her cage. She gets near the end of the perch but runs back into the cage. Got her out a couple of times and was able to play with her on a towel on the floor but I HATE to get her sooooo upset getting her out. I've tried holding the perch with one hand and a treat for her in the other but she gets sooo spooked if I start to take the perch out and scrambles for the nearest bar she can hold onto. I sit with her, talk to her and try to let her know how much I love her. I've had her for a month now (supposedly she's 6 months old now) and don't know if it's normal for her to still be so scared. I would definitely appreciate any info on how to get her out of the cage without spooking her -- and if I should still get her out no matter what. Thanks so much for any input. Donna Charlie Roche - 2012-02-28 It isn't normal. She was stuffed in a cage or breeder box and not let out for probably weeks at a time and she is cage bound. She is afraid. Her whole life she has been enclosed in little walls. She is young and I am pretty sure this is reversible. Leave the cage door open and put food and water just inside the cage door. Then place the food and water just outside the cage door - then a little further. The more she is out, the more she is going to get used to being out. Try and look at it as if you were locked in a closet for months and months and fed there but not talked to and then someone let the door open. You would be afraid of the scary big world out there. Charlie Roche - 2012-02-28 Yes, I am confident that you will be able to get her so she is not so afraid and will 'step up'. Let's say every time you go through a door - a gun goes off. It would scare you and eventually you just would not want to come out. Sure would be grateful when you are out but terrified of coming out - I mean who knows when the bullet will hit you. I think the breeder just grabbed this little guy and tube fed (force fed) and ignored any kind of pet, talk, hug, touch etc. Another thought - what happens if you just totally remove the cage? I realize you can't do that permanently but can it be done for a day - Step up. While the little guy is sitting on your lap or in a towel just slide your whole hand under his belly. Just leave your hand there and make sure he is relaxed. Pet the top of his head with your other hand. Laugh, talk etc. Then say 'up' and just lift him from underneath maybe 1/2 inch - sorta like a game. Do this as play. Eventually just lift him 'up' with your hand, holding on to his foot with your thumb. You cradle a baby lifting it up - so you are going to cradle the little bird as you pickit 'UP' slowly. Charlie Roche - 2012-03-03 Hey great - Dublin got out and went on top of her cage - that is a start. Yep, sounds older and definitely not treated very well. But you know now she will come out of her cage so just let her go in and out as she wishes. Talk to her, feed her little pieces of your food with your hand - she will come to you. It just takes time. Donna - 2012-03-03 Thank you so much for all your input. I was thinking the same thing about the age. The breeder said that she thought 'Dublin' was a female and she wanted to keep the 'male' for breeding. Now I am beginning to think 'Dublin' IS older and was not a good breeding hahns. Is there a way a vet can tell the age? She came out and went to the top of her cage to get some food in her 'play' area and got back into her cage after about 1/2 hour. I put some food right outside her door on a chair but she didn't go for that. Also -- think I might have scared her in the beginning trying to get her out of the cage (the 'breeder' said to get her out no matter what). I will continue to keep trying as I am beginning to think she might have been abused by the breeder. Thanks again for all your help. Donna Charlie Roche - 2012-03-03 I don't know for a fact but the behavior of Dublin is way unusual. If I had to guess, I would think you have more of an older bird - possibly not hand fed. This breeder should have been able to handle her own babies and you should have been able to handle the baby easily. That's done so we just go from there. Up until maybe 30 years ago, most pet birds were 'wild caught' and imported. They were caught in the forest and brought to the United States. They made wonderful loving companions. So just recently people have the luxury of having a hand fed, tame baby. Now I know your bird was not wild caught as not allowed anymore but I do believe you are having problems. If it is possible to have a wild caught full size macaw as an affectionate loving pet - then your Dublin will come around. It is just a little more difficult. It takes time. Dublin is probably sensing some of your anxiety as well - birds are great at that. I go back to put the food outside the cage and let him come out to eat. He is not going to starve - they don't eat sometimes for a day but he will come out to eat. Just leave the cage door open. Try putting a perch (a screw on perch) and possibly a screw on food bowl on the outside of the cage. What happens when you take him out and he 'runs'? Go by him and sit down. Just go get him and pick him up again or try putting him on the bed with you. Get creative but youneed to get him out of the cage and into your lap or laying down next to you or laying on your chest or by you in the bed - something to start connecting. He is going to live a long time and you have lots of time - you do not have to go fast. This is going to take a few weeks - maybe longer but you will have a wonderful companion. Donna - 2012-03-03 Hi -- it's me again -- and losing confidence fast as far as our little hahns 'Dublin' will ever be a bird that wants to come out of her cage, sit on our shoulders, and just 'not run away' when she thinks we want her out of the cage. Tried putting her food just outside of her cage (even with a few treats) and waiting to see if she comes out. Nothing! Then I feel sorry and put the food back in thinking I don't want to starve her. Just how long can the food be out of reach? I do believe she has come a long way since I first got her but I really want her to just come out to me and that doesn't seem to be happening. Tried putting a towel on my lap to have her 'step up' but she 'runs' for anything she can climb up on. You've been great -- any other suggestions? Do you still think she'll overcome her fear? Thanks for ANY input. Charlie Roche - 2012-03-16 Hey you have Dublin 'stepping up' ... You may not realize it but you have him 'stepping up' When he flies down and then gets on your hand - he is 'stepping up' Honest. Now every time he gets up on your hand say 'UP' and what a good bird etc make over him and be fun and funny. Let Dublin get used to that and used to being on your hand to get to your shoulder (which is way normal behavior). Birds always want to be on highest point. Now, after you believe he is pretty used to (accostumed) to you saying 'UP' and talking, dancing, being funny etc. when he gets on your hand, hold his foot with your thrumb to keep him from going up your arm and onto your shoulder. If you think he is going to bite just twist your arm slightly or just let your thumb up. But the idea is for you to have control viz holding his foot with your thumb. Not hard - just a light hold usually works and also makes them feel secure. You did it congratulations - now just keep on going. You are getting it. Parrots train their humans quite well - we just got to pay attention. Donna - 2012-03-16 Hi! Dublin (our Hahns Macaw) is starting to come out of her cage. Still takes quite a bit of coaxing and she still doesn't 'trust' our hand/fingers. After she 'flies' down to the floor, she will climb up my arm to my shoulder (most of the time) and I think she is getting more and more comfortable. She is also starting to talk quite a bit. I still would love to have her come right out and 'step up' on my finger but I guess that will take a while longer. Took all of your suggestions and they worked more than anything else I tried. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Will keep you posted on Dublins progress. Donna Reply

Cindy - 2012-01-18 Can anyone tell me can a macaw have mushrooms?? We just bought our hahns 'Henry' and is three months old and is sexed a male. I just want to make sure we are not feeding him something he should not have. Any help you can share would be appreciated. Thanks Charlie Roche - 2012-01-18 Ovviously, your little macaw can eat anything that is a high quality see/nut/pellet mix for macaws. Additionally, he can eat anything that is nutricious that humans eat except no avocado. Chocolate and wine are not nutricious. I have fed mine meatloaf with mushrooms in it but realize some mushrooms are toxic to both humans and birds. I don't know how to tell the difference so unless you know - I wouldn't do it. Here is a list of things Macaw foods which lists foods ok for macaws and those not suggested such as salty or sugar. Hope it helps. Reply

robbie - 2008-05-31 I have my hahns macaws sitting on eggs right now, I'm all excited about that. They have had a couple of clutches before I got them and had three eggs out of each clutch hatch. So right now I noticed three eggs and have left them alone so they can do their thing, and I monitor the eggs only when they are out of the box eating. They are great little birds... I really enjoy my Hanzel and Gretel. Reply

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