Ruby macaw

[DanaC]

I am in the process of buying a Ruby which is weaned and will need to be shipped. to me in Idaho. I have owned a Blue and Gold and a Green Wing in the past and it has been 15 years since I have had a macaw friend.
I chose the Ruby because the description of the personality attracted me and while I like B&Gs they just aren't the same. I can't afford a Green Wing and the Ruby hybrid after what I have read seemed to be the ticket.

I have worked with parrots who had "issues" and worked out biting problems and other things and have read copiously about parrot training.

I am semi retired and work about 6 hours a day 4 days a week. I have two standard poodles that love other animals so the bird with have companionship between the bars

I guess the question is about my decision and what you all think.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I don't have any macaw-expertise, but meanwhile, just a suggestion, while we await macaw expertise. Use the Search Tab to see if there is info about Ruby Macaws, and the others you considered. I STILL use the tab a lot. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support. I wish you good luck!. I'm glad you found this place!

 

[DanaC]

I searched and couldn't find any posts about Ruby's. I will keep trying however.
Thanks for your reply.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Well, DANG!
Hang in there... LOTS of macaw-peeps here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[happy410]

I don't have any experience with Rubys, but I do with B&G's. I would like to ask what happened to the other macaws you have owned? Just remember that they are a lifetime commitment. There are so many macaws in rescues because their owners decided not to keep them. I know there are situations that happen in life where birds have to be rehomed but most of the time is just because they are unwanted and neglected. There are 2 recent members that have just adopted and the stories really tear at your heart.

 

[DanaC]

The first macaw Pablo went in a divorce to my ex who promptly sold him. I bought him when he still needed feeding every four hours 24/7. He loved me and tolerated. Rosie, my Green Wing I re-homed when the real estate crash happened. I was living in Northern CA at the time 11 years ago. The lender I worked for was part of a bank and the FDIC shut them down. I found another job but it was in Idaho. I needed to sell my home fast and move but living arrangements were as yet to be determined..(I was homeless in a sense).
A couple that I knew loved Rosie and Rosie liked them so I re-homed Rosie with them and it has turned out to be a "happily ever after story".

 

[happy410]

Sorry all that happened to you. Like I said life can throw our plans out the window. Hopefully now you are in a place that you and your new birdie can live happily ever after. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SilleIN]

If you basically like the GW, could you not find a rehome GW within your budget?

I don't know the ruby, but they are half scarlet and they do tend to have a mind of their own (even more than macaws in general).

The hybrids are difficult to categorize, as they can turn out to lean to either macaw type, so you could end up with a calm GW'ish ruby or a rowdy unruly scarlet'ish ruby.

Choosing the "purebred" ones, you know a bit more of what you are getting personality wise.

What about the ruby attracts you to this hybrid? Maybe you could get these traits in a shelter macaw

 

[DiscoDuck]

I am adding to this thread since I just learned in an effort to learn a bit more.

Scientific name:
The Ruby Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw. It is a cross between a Scarlet Macaw Anodorhynchus macao and a Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera.

Distribution:
ThIs is a captive bred hybrid macaw. Hybrid macaws are rarely found in the wild.

Description:
Ruby Macaws are exceedingly striking in coloration, and rank right up there among the most colorful of the Macaws. They are a full size Macaw and can learn to talk with a general vocabulary of about 15 or more words or expressions. A Ruby Macaw needs good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially it matures.
Picture of a Ruby Macaw
Ruby Macaw
Photo © Animal-World:
Courtesy Deborah Pearson
In the mating pair, the male has the dominate gene. Often times the overall coloration of the Ruby Macaw can be very similar to the Green-winged Macaw and they are often mistakenly thought to be a Green-winged Macaw. Coloration varies however, even in babies from the same clutch.

If the male parent is a Green-winged Macaw:
The offspring will generally have the same size body and head as the father. What distinguishes the Ruby from the Green-winged father is the center band of feathers. These feathers can be a mixture of varying amounts of yellows and oranges, and they can be edged with different shades of yellows and oranges.
If the male parent is a Scarlet Macaw:
The offspring will generally have the head and body size of a Scarlet. The amount and coloration of the facial feathers will also generally be more similar to those of the respective father. There is very little facial feathering on the offspring of a Scarlet father.
Size - Weight:
The Ruby Macaw is a full sized macaw, very close to the same size as its parentage. They will reach over 2 pounds. The length of the Scarlet Macaw is up to 85 cm (33.5 inches) and the Green-winged Macaw is up to 90 cm (35.5 inches). A Ruby Macaw will reach a size somewhere in the middle and possibly closer to that of the father.

Care and feeding:

A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. In the wild their parent species eat a variety of palm nuts, fruits, seeds, and possibly vegetable matter from the treetops. Provide them with a good parrot mix that includes formulated foods, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. They will also enjoy fruits and vegetables.

See About Macaws: Housing and About Macaws: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
They are a typical macaw. Can be cranky at times and may even be a one person bird or only like men or women unless well socialized with lots or folks. See About Macaws: Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly macaw. (Also information on handling and activities)

Breeding/Reproduction:
Because it is a hybrid it is generally not bred.

Sexual differences:
No visible differences.

Potential Problems:
Can be noisy (as can all macaws). See About Macaws: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:
This bird is somewhat hard to find and fairly expensive. There are more and more breeders however and they are becoming more common.

Author: Clarice Brough, CAS