Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw is a large dog, intelligent, living around 50–70+ years. In a city where space is measured carefully, this breed asks less of a floor plan than people expect - it cares far more about whether anyone is in the room.

The real work here is seasonal. Four months of rain shape the coat care, the drying routine and the walk schedule, and a household that plans for that enjoys the dog considerably more than one surprised by it each June.

Caring for a Scarlet Macaw through a Mumbai year

• Monsoon: four months of rain shape the routine. Dry the dog thoroughly and never let bedding stay damp.
• Diet: pellets and fresh vegetables, not an all-seed bowl. Never avocado, chocolate or caffeine.
• Cage: wide rather than tall, with room to open both wings, and out of direct draught.
• Light: a regular day-night cycle; covered at night for uninterrupted sleep.
• Clinic: number saved and records kept in the same place.