Nayanthara welcomes Tikiiro home; vet on what it takes to care for blue-and-yellow macaw

Actress Nayanthara has welcomed a new family member to her home—a blue-and-yellow macaw named Tikiiro, as she shared on Instagram. While the colorful bird may seem adorable, macaws require significant care and commitment. Dr. Priya Sharma, a Senior Veterinarian at Karma Foundation, explains what it takes to properly care for these intelligent birds.

Macaws are long-term commitments, often living several decades with the right care. They are highly social, intelligent, and require a substantial amount of daily attention, interaction, and mental stimulation. A common mistake in macaw care is feeding them only seeds; instead, they need a balanced diet of formulated feed, fresh vegetables, leafy greens, limited fruit, and nuts. A spacious, safe enclosure with appropriate toys and perches is essential, as macaws are powerful chewers.

Owners must also ensure their bird receives eight to ten hours of daylight each day and provide ample interaction through talking, training, supervised exploration, and enrichment activities. Neglecting these needs can lead to boredom, aggression, or destructive behavior. Before bringing a macaw home, potential owners should verify the bird's legal and ethical origin and consult with an experienced veterinarian regularly to prevent hidden illnesses.

Ultimately, understanding and meeting a macaw's natural behaviors and needs is crucial to ensuring a healthy, happy companion.