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Hahns Macaw

(Ara nobilis nobilis)

Hahn's mini macaws, Ara nobilis nobilis, also known as Red Shouldered macaws, are the smallest of the miniature macaws. They are predominately deep forest green with dark teal on the top of their heads above their beaks, and crimson red at the bends of their wings on mature birds. They have white patches of skin around their eyes with small black feathers that trace patterns on their white facial skin. Hahn's macaws are fairly common in their native habitat of semi-open lowland areas in eastern Venezuela, Guyana and northeastern Brazil.

Hahn's mini macaws are about 12 inches in length, half of that being their long tail, and weigh around 165 grams.

Hahn's miniature macaws may be small in size but they are large in personality. Hahn's macaws are endearing and acrobatic. Their favourite position is hanging by one toe while playing with a toy, or from your fingers. Extremely playful and exuberant, Hahn's mini macaws seem to smile all the time. They adore toys and readily accept new ones. They also seem to love things to snuggle with or to hide in while sleeping. Like other macaws, Hahn's macaws love to be cuddled and "scratched" when they trust the person they are with.

Hahn's macaws can often be quite good talkers, picking up many words and phrases as well as caricature laughter. Their voices tend to be higher pitched and are sometimes a little bit difficult to understand if you don't know what to listen for. Hahn's can also have a harsh, loud call, but they only use it when they really are distressed or trying to make contact with their flock (family). Their contact calls can be a bit piercing. Fortunately, they tend not to be screamers unless they are isolated from their flock. They will contact call often when their flock is out of sight, so it is important to keep Hahn's macaws in the mainstream of the household so they feel safe and secure while their flock (family) is doing things.

These little green guys are not as socially demanding as the bigger macaws, and overall seem to be more independent. However, it is very important to spend regular good-quality time with your Hahn's mini macaw or it can become very wild. They are still macaws, and require as much interaction as a large macaw to keep them tame. Hahn's miniature macaws are dominant, demanding, pushy little birds, and if not kept well socialized can become a bit nippy; regular handling is essential. With their sharp, exceptionally pointy little macaw beaks, their nips, while not very damaging can be quite sharp. Because of this sharp nip, Hahn's macaws aren't the best choice for families with small children.

Always ask your Hahn's macaw to step up on your finger to come out of its cage - don't let it come out on its own. It is important for Hahn's macaws to know that they are not in charge, so keeping boundaries set with nurturing guidance is essential. It is important not be afraid of your Hahn's (who thinks he/she is the largest bird in the universe). You can offer your Hahn's macaw a small hand-held toy to redirect its pinching to something appropriate.

Shy at first, Hahn's need formal introductions to new people; they are not birds that kiss on the first date. They are not birds that you can just pass around to your friends without being introduced. Once a Hahn's knows you it becomes bold and endearing.

Little Hahn's macaws do not realize how small they are and will fearlessly approach other birds or animals that are much larger than they. With larger birds or other animals they need to be closely watched to keep them safe. Hahn's are not a good bird to have with very small children due to their potential nippiness, They should not be kept in a household with unsupervised and untrained dogs or cats as they are smaller and more fluttery than their larger cousins. Hahn's should never be in a house with ferrets, as ferrets prey on birds.

Hahn's macaws have dominant streaks that can extend to defending their new cages and not wanting to come out, known as cage dominance. If this occurs, have your Hahn's macaw step up on a stick (and bite the stick instead of you!). Once on the stick, get it away from its cage to its play area and it will settle right down. Usually cage dominance only lasts a month or so, and then your hand-raised baby will realize that his new room is his, and he doesn't have to share and it isn't going away. Thus, he needn't be there to defend it from all comers. This is an excellent example of why it is important to keep Hahn's macaws in dome top cages with separate play stands so they aren't as prone to "territorializing" their entire cage, both inside and out.

Hahn's miniature macaws are wonderful little companions that bring all of the joy of the large macaws in smaller packages. They do well for someone who wants a macaw, but does not have the space for a large one. They are little acrobats who love to play, but at the same time are very affectionate and love to cuddle. Hahn's macaws bring a delightful lively, fun-loving, happy-go-lucky spirit with them.

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