Behavior/Health Concerns:  Scarlet macaws can be nippy without the proper socialization, but if raised from a young age in a caring household and gently taught early on positive behavior, the nipping can be greatly reduced. Because the scarlet macaw is cuddly and inquisitive, it may come toward its owner and give a little pinch with the tip of its beak. This affectionate action is often mistaken for a bad biting habit. Keeping scarlet macaw engage with interacation, playtime, toys, out-of-cage time and proper training will help in many behavioral areas. Scarlet macaws require more fat in their diet than other birds do, so provide a healthy diet that consists of pellete, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the occasional nut. They are susceptible to overgrown beaks, so offer plenty of wooden and other hard toys to give their beaks a work out. They are also susceptibel to papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also known as “macaw wasting” disease), polyomavirus, psittacosis and vitamin-A sensitivity.