Caring for a Blue
and Gold Macaw requires commitment, time, and attention. These
vibrant, intelligent parrots can live 50+ years and form strong bonds with
their owners. Here's a comprehensive care guide:
Blue and Gold Macaw Care Guide
Basic Information
· Scientific name: Ara ararauna
· Lifespan: 50–70 years (with proper care)
· Size: ~33–36 inches
(beak to tail)
· Weight: 2–3 pounds
· Temperament: Intelligent, social, playful, but can be loud and demanding
Housing & Environment
· Cage size: Minimum 36”W x 48”D x 60”H
· Bar spacing: 1”–1.5”
· Cage material: Stainless steel or powder-coated, heavy-duty
· Perches: Provide multiple diameters and textures to prevent foot
problems
· Toys: Rotate daily;
include foraging, shredding, climbing, and puzzle toys
· Time out of cage: 3–4 hours minimum daily (supervised)
· Location: Bright room with indirect sunlight; away from drafts and
kitchen fumes
Diet
· Base diet: High-quality pellets (60–70% of diet)
· Fresh fruits/vegetables: 20–30% (e.g., leafy greens, carrots, berries, apples)
· Nuts/seeds: As treats (especially walnuts, almonds, in
moderation)
· Avoid:
-
Avocado
-
Chocolate
-
Caffeine
-
Alcohol
-
Onions & garlic
-
Sugary or salty
foods
Mental Stimulation & Social Needs
· Intelligence: Comparable to a 3–5 year old child
· Training:
-
Use positive
reinforcement
-
Teach basic
commands (step up, recall)
-
Encourage talking
or mimicking
· Socialization: Daily interaction; macaws are flock animals and need
companionship
· Boredom prevention: Rotate toys, provide challenges, introduce new items safely
Grooming
· Bathing: Mist spray 2–3 times/week or allow supervised bath
· Beak care: Provide chew toys; see vet if beak is overgrown
· Nail trimming: Every few months or as needed
· Wing clipping (optional): If done, should be by a professional
Health & Vet Care
· Annual checkups: With avian vet
· Signs of illness:
-
Lethargy
-
Fluffed feathers
-
Weight loss
-
Changes in
droppings
-
Loss of appetite or
voice
· Common health issues:
-
Psittacine beak and
feather disease (PBFD)
-
Feather plucking
(often due to stress or boredom)
-
Respiratory
infections
-
Vitamin A
deficiency
Tips for First-Time Owners
· Macaws are loud and can scream—know this
is normal behavior.
· They require daily attention—not a pet to
leave alone all day.
· Be ready to clean daily—macaws are messy
eaters and chewers.
· Consider adopting from a parrot
rescue—many macaws need homes.
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