The Yellow-collared Mini Macaws are more easily trained than the larger macaws, and are more often recommended as house pets than the other macaws.
However, as with many of the mini macaw members, this parrot must be well socialized as a youngster to prevent him or her from becoming a "one person bird".
They are a playful, animated bird, but can become very noisy. They are very curious and easily excitable. They have the potential of becoming excellent talkers - which would help in diverting their vocal tendencies into words instead of noise.
They can become nippy, if it is not discouraged when young. Training is important to teach them manners and acceptable behavior. Training and discipline will make the difference of this parrot becoming a beloved member of the family or a discarded problem.
Captive Diet / Feeding
They are usually provided a good quality seed mix: sunflower, safflower, various millets, oats and hemp seeds* are good ingredients.
Dried rowan berries and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and green food should also be made available, as well as some pine nuts.
They also need mineral supplements - especially before and during the breeding season, calcium supplementation is very important.
While raising chicks, parents need soft foods, such as eggfood and half-ripe maize for rearing the young. (*Hemp Seeds are often referred to as "super-seeds" as they offer a complete amino acid profile, have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and provide an impressive amount of trace minerals - they also have the highest concentration of protein in the plant kingdom.)
Calls / Vocalizations / Sounds
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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