Animal-World > Birds > Macaws > Blue and Gold Macaw

Blue and Gold Macaw

Blue and Yellow Macaw, Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw

Family: PsittacidaeBlue and Gold Macaw - "Simba"Ara araraunaPhoto © Animal-World. Courtesy: David Brough

The beautiful Blue and Gold Macaw is a champion of large Macaws in color and personality!

The Blue and Gold Macaw Ara ararauna is one of the most beautiful large parrots. It is a sweet tempered and affectionate parrot, and has one of the best all around personalities of the large Macaws. This bird makes a great companion for a single person. But it is friendly with everyone, including other birds, when it's well socialized. Although some Macaws are one-person type birds, the Blue and Gold is right at home in a family type situation as well.

This large parrot is also sometimes called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, or you may come across a larger variant from Bolivia called the Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw. The Bolivian variety is distinguished by its larger size and its coloring. On all these Macaws the colors are vibrant, but the Bolivian has more of a true blue rather than the teal blue seen in the average Blue and Gold. They all share the same wonderful personality and characteristics.

Simba, seen in the picture above, is a handfed Blue and Gold Macaw. He originally came to us at the age of about 4 months and then quickly became everybody's favorite, as is typical for a Blue and Gold Macaw!

The Blue and Gold Macaw is very adaptive. Whatever environment they are in, it becomes quite normal for them. If they are around many people, they will accept many people. When well trained and socialized, Blue and Gold Macaws enjoy participating in all sorts of outdoor and public activities with their owners. We've seen them attending public festivals on their owners arms. One woman regularly took her Macaw with her to Western line dance classes. Another woman would take her Blue and Gold horseback riding with her. There are bird leashes available so you can take your feathered friend wherever you go, and they just adapt. They ride well in a car on a bird car seat

This is a lively, bouncy bird that loves to play, climb, and interact. They need a couple of hours a day outside a cage to be happy. Blue and Gold Macaw's are eager learners. They can be taught a variety of tricks and they are frequently seen in animal behavior acts. They are also one of the best talking of the Macaws and can learn about 15 to 20 words or expressions. But like all Macaws this parrot has a loud call, and it may be quite vocal at times.

The Blue and Gold is one of the most readily available of the large Macaws. They are also one of the least expensive Macaws for sale. But like all Macaws, they do require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets. They bond very closely with their humans. They are very affectionate, and will want your attention regularly.

For more information about Macaw parrots, see:
Macaw Care Guide: All about Macaws

Geographic Distribution Ara ararauna Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Scientific Name Ara ararauna

The Blue and Gold Macaw Ara ararauna is currently considered a monotypic species, meaning that it contains only one species. However, taxonomy is an ongoing science, and as experts learn more it could change. Here are a couple of Macaws that have raised questions:

• There is a variant of the Blue and Gold Macaw from Bolivia that is larger and more brightly colored. This Macaw is currently being called the Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw. Its blue coloring is more of a true blue rather than the blue green seen of the average Blue and Gold, and its size can rival that of some of the Hyacinth Macaws. Other than size and appearance however, they share the same personality traits and characteristics.
  
  
• The Blue-throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis, previously known as Ara caninde, is a species of question. Author Joseph M. Forshaw in his atlas, "Parrots of the World", mentions that this Macaw could be a subspecies of the Blue and Gold, Ara ararauna caninde. Current taxonomy however, identifies it as its own species. It is very similar to Blue and Gold, though slightly smaller and is found only in the southern population the Blue and Gold's region, and in a very restricted area. Other slight distinctions are a less extensive bare facial area, the black tracings on the cheeks are somewhat broader, and the blue band on its throat extends up to the ear coverts. It is also known as the Wagler's Macaw and the Canide Macaw.

Distribution The Blue and Gold Macaw Ara ararauna was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as the Blue and Yellow Macaw, and a variant from Bolivia is referred to as the Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw. It is found across a vast region, from eastern Panama in Central America south across northern South America, extending to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It has been introduced into Puerto Rico.

The Blue and Gold Macaws have an extremely large range. It encompasses a terrestrial system of lowland riverside forests to open savannah lands. Though their habitats includes open marshlands, they favor rainforests, woodlands, and tall palms, especially along swamps and rivers.

In the wild they are seen in pairs, and fly in large flocks to and from feeding grounds in the early morning and at sunset. They are most often seen living high up in large trees, and nesting in the hollow trunks of dead trees. They feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, and possibly some vegetable matter. They seem to prefer the fruits of palms.

Status The Ara ararauna is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Least Concern (LC).

Description Blue and Gold Macaws are among the most beautiful of the Macaw Family. They are a striking turquoise blue from the neck going down their back and the tops of the tail feathers. The chest and legs consists of feathers of gold. There is a bare facial patch with very small lined feathers going across the face. Right on the top of the head, there is usually a patch of green. The feathers on the underside of the tail are the gold color. The beak is black.

The Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw is a variant originating from Bolivia. It looks just like the typical Blue and Gold, however, it is much larger. It is the size of a Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera and often can be as large as the Hyacinth. A mutation of the Blue and Gold Macaw has also been reported where the yellow coloring is absent creating a blue and white bird.

The Blue and Gold Macaw is a full size Macaw and can weigh over 2 lbs. Their length is 32 to 35 inches (86 - 89 cm) and the wingspan measures 41 - 44.5 inches (106 - 113 cm). The Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw is quite a bit larger. Their lifespan is known to be up to 60 years. The bare facial patch will age and wrinkle as the bird matures.

Care and FeedingIn the wild they eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits and plants, and things such as small lizards. There are name brand commercially prepared seed or pellet mixes for the Macaw. They can also eat anything nutritious that you eat and these foods should be offered. Most parrots enjoy eating with their family. They eat protein in the wild and they do like chicken. Avocado and chocolate are toxic to parrots.

They require bathing to keep their feathers from drying out. They are used to a humid climate and without bathing their feathers will dry out and become itchy causing them to chew on them. You can spray them down with room temperature tap water or a commercial bird bath. Many owners just take their Macaw into the shower with them. They make shower perches for Macaws.

See Macaw Care and Feeding for more information.

HousingA roomy cage is required, at least 2 1/2 by 3 feet. Because Macaws can be quite vocal, be sure the cage is in a room where the amount of noise the neighbors hear is a minimal as possible. A large sturdy perch needs to be mounted in the cage. Fresh fruit tree branches work great because they can chew on them as well, but then they will have to be replaced occasionally. Food and water dishes, along with a treat dish work best mounted above the perch at the side of the cage. A variety of toys for playing and chewing should also be provided. As alternatives to a cage, they can be kept in an outdoor aviary where the weather permits, and some people like to provide their bird with its own "bird room".

These Macaws need 2 - 3 hours a day outside their cage. The Macaw's cage is their territory and a play pen top is great, but it is still their territory. It is better to interact with this Macaw on top of a sturdy perch away from the Macaw cage. A separate, free-standing playpen works great for this. Sometimes they will get down and just walk around looking for you. But usually once they hear you they will walk directly toward you. Many birds can spend most of their time on a playpen or parrot perch. .

See Macaw Housing or more information.

Maintenance The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Weekly you should wash all the perches and dirty toys, and the floor should be washed about every other week. A total hosing down and disinfecting of an aviary should be done yearly, replacing anything that needs to be freshened, such as old dishes, toys and perches.

Social Behaviors In the wild the Blue and Gold Macaws are seen in pairs. During non-breeding season they will flock in large numbers to and from feeding grounds, and can be seen peacefully with other birds.

As a pet, the Blue and Gold Macaw is known to be a good family type bird. They are a gentle bird that will get along with more than one person, although they will probably have a preference in the family. But they are a typical Macaw and can be cranky at times and may prefer only one person or only one gender. To have a well-rounded bird that enjoys more than one person, make sure it is well socialized with lots of folks.

See Macaws Social Behaviors for information on developing a well rounded friendly Macaw.

Handling/Training The Blue and Gold Macaw adapts quickly. Once it becomes accustomed to a new environment and its keeper it is then ready to start bird training. Generally though, you should give a new arrival a few days to get use to you, your voice and its cage before trying to handle it. A hand fed baby will not need much taming and can often be handled right away, as it is use to human attention.

With all parrots, taming and training takes trust and patience. Macaws are very intelligent making them easy to tame. They are also very adept at learning and quick to train. They excel best at learning tricks and small tasks. They are not as inclined to talk and mimic as some of the other parrots, notably the Amazon Parrots, but they can learn a few words or phrases. The Blue and Gold can develop a general vocabulary of about 15 or more words or expressions.

For information about handling and training your Blue and Gold Macaw see Macaw Training

ActivitiesFor the physical well being and psychological health of a Macaw Parrot, they must have plenty of opportunity to exercise and play. These are lovable pets and activities include interactive time with its keeper. Everything from petting, cuddling, and preening is appreciated, as well as performing and learning new tricks. But these are also very large, rambunctious pets that need a good sized space to play and climb around. Both climbing around inside a large cage, and providing a outside playpen offers them interest and variety.

Macaws are avid chewers, munching intently on anything they can get a hold of. When they are on a playpen, make sure they can't reach trim or any household items you don't want destroyed. Provide lots of toys and activities in the form of large link chains, bird ladders, parrot swings, ropes, and wood toys for gnawing and chewing. Rotate in new bird toys on a regular basis.

Providing regular interaction and lots of playtime. Having plenty of space and a large selection of toys and activities will help deter distress in your pet Macaw. It will also reduce the chance of your parrot developing undesirable behaviors like screeching, biting, and feather picking.

Sexing - Sexual Differences It is said that the males head is flatter and the females head is rounder, and the female beak is narrower than the males. However, There is no for certain way to distinguish the male Hyacinth Macaw from the female. In order to know whether you have a male or female, the bird must be sexed. DNA / Feather or surgical sexing is recommended.

Breeding/Reproduction Captive breeding in the United States has occurred since at least 1935. The Blue and Gold Macaw has been known to breed at as young an age as 3 years. Their lifespan for reproduction is long, several decades. The usual clutch consists of two or three eggs which incubate for about 28 days. The chicks will stay in the nest for about 3 months and are quite large when they fledge. Feed the parents plenty of green stuffs, corn-on-the-cob, carrots, protein, and fruit laced with food supplement while they are rearing the youngsters.

See Macaw Breeding for more information.

This Blue and Gold Macaw has also been crossed with other large macaw species to develop a number of hybrid Macaws. These include first generation (F1) hybrids like the Bluffon's Macaw, Caloshua Macaw, Catalina Macaw, Harlequin Macaw, Maui Sunset Macaw, and Miligold Macaw, and second generation (F2) and later generations hybirds such as the Blue and Gold Macaw x Calico Macaw, Catablu Macaw, and Harligold Macaw. It has not been hybridized with Mini Macaws.

Potential Problems It is definitely true that a Macaw parrot can make noise, but it is not often, and not without some provocation. Usually, if they make a loud squawking noise if they perceive something to be wrong or different. Maybe a car they don't recognize is coming to the home or the dog is loose. They are also known to make a large noise for about 10 minutes as the sun is setting. This is an alert to their flock to settle in for the evening.

A pet Macaw when well cared for will seldom become ill. Yet they can contract some diseases, and there some also things in the environmental that can cause illness. Behavior problems can also occur, resulting in feather plucking, biting, and loud screeching. Though it is often difficult to determine illness, some visible signs of illness to be aware of are:

• Ruffled plumage
• Listlessness
• Drooping wings
• Sagging body
• Extreme mood changes
• Having no appetite
• Bulges in feathering
• Partially closed or watery eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Rasping
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive saliva
• Dirty vent
• Any change in the feces not apparently diet related

Some of the more common illnesses are:

• Proventricular Dilation disease (Macaw wasting disease)
• Psittacosis (chlamydiosis or parrot fever)
• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Feather picking - results of boredom, poor diet, sexual frustration, and lack of bathing
• Allergies
• Chewing flight and tail feathers by juveniles
• Beak malformations in chicks
• Papillomas
• Kidney disease (gout)
• Toxicity - heavy metal poisoning
• Lipomas in older birds

If you notice any of these bird illnesses in your Blue and Gold Macaw immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86°F (30°C). Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. An ailing parrot should be taken to an avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Behavior problems in a pet Macaw usually stem from something that is missing in the bird's environment. Some of the most common are lack of trust, becoming bored, or lack of interaction with people or other birds. When these things are missing that can lead to problems resulting in undesirable behavior. Try to develop a bond of trust and spend time with your bird to help avoid these problems. We have also had good success with Chet Womach's Parrot Training Course. He offers free 3-day introductory course so you can try it out before you buy anything.

Availability The Blue and Gold Macaw, sometimes called the Blue and Yellow Macaw or the Bolivian Blue and Gold Macaw, is one of the most readily available of the large Macaws for sale. They are easy to obtain and they are also one of the least expensive Macaws.

References

• Animal-World References: Pet Birds - Exotic Birds
• Joseph M. Forshaw, Parrots of the World, Hancock House Pub Ltd. 2000
• J. Abramson, B.L. Speer, J.B. Thompson, The Large Macaws: Their Care, Breeding, and Conservation, Raintree Publications, 1996
• Roger G. Sweeney,  Macaws a Complete Owners Manual, Barron's, 1992
• David Alderton, Parrots, Salamander Books, 1999
• Dr. David Alderton, The Atlas of Parrots of the World, T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 1991
• David Alderton,, A Bird Keeper's Guide to Parrots and Macaws, Salamander Books, 1989
• Parrots, Buzzle.com, Copyright 2000 - 2010, 2011
• Don Harper, Practical Encyclopedia of pet Birds, Harmony, 1986

Author: Clarice Brough CAS, Cheryl Galloway

Lastest Comments on Blue and Gold Macaw View all 66 comments on Blue and Gold Macaw Add Your Comment

Jane - 2010-03-13 Advice for those considering becoming the parent of a parrot: Our blue and gold macaw, Sebastian will have his 12th birthday this coming August. I am writing this because I think it's important for everyone who is considering becoming parent to a parrot to know exactly what they're getting into. Sebastian - or Sabby, as we call him - is the love of our lives, but my husband and I really didn't realize when we first got him 12 years ago at 8 weeks old that bringing him into our lives was actually a decision to be a parent to a two year old for the REST OF OUR LIVES. I said a "two year old" because most studies show that many parrots are at about the same intelligence level and reasoning capacity as a two year old. If a parrot decides to talk, and not all of them do - they usually use the words they learn with cognition & context. In other words, they don't just "parrot" human speech, they also have a good general understanding of what the words mean and they use them at the right times. I said for the "REST OF OUR LIVES" because with good health, Sabby will likely live to be around 80 - essentially the same as human life expectency. So that's a major consideration as well. Not only are you making the decision to take on a two year old, you also need to consider who will be willing to take of the two year old after you die. Sabby's a smart, cute, active, funny, and totally beautiful two year old, but just as every human two year old that I've ever known, he can also be very DEMANDING. He just doesn't understand why he can't have what he wants when he wants it! My husband and I react to his temper tantrums just as we did with our daughter's when she was two. We take him back to his "room" (his cage in our bedroom) and we tell him that we'll get him again when he decides to be nice. And just as my daughter used to do, he plays in his room for awhile & forgets why he was mad. Maybe he even thinks about it what he did a little bit, lol. ;) Sabby loves us all, but I think the nature of parrots usually bonding with one mate for life makes them prone to also have one person in their life at a time who they favor over the others. I know that some parrots are more loving to everyone than others, but I do think that most have a favorite. I'm SO glad that we have that little boy. He is a center of our world, but we were also lucky that my husband and I were in the perfect position to spend all of the time and attention with him that he needs. Our daughter was 18 when we got him. She was another caretaker and buddy for him until she went off to college and recently, my husband and I retired. I wrote this because I think it's very important for people making this decision to do so with their eyes wide open. Parrots are amazing companions and their intellect is incredible, but they require much more attention than your average dog or cat or even ferret, IMHO, and & for the larger parrots, an added consideration is that they may outlive you. Also, if you are absolutely sure you want one, it really is an excellent idea to check into adoption before you consider buying. I've seen many who need a good home and I think that unless they have just gone crazy with grief from lack of attention (unfortunately extreme feather picking is a symptom), you can usually make them very happy again very quickly with just telling them how great they are, encouraging them & just loving them wholeheartedly - just as we do with our kids. :) Click For Replies (6) Janine, the bird lady. - 2010-09-20 Jane, I loved your posting and agree whole heartedly in adoption. Our motto is "Dont' breed, don't buy, ADOPT your new best friend". Having adopted 6 exotic birds that were all abused and/or given up, because someone just could not handle the amount of care they needed anymore, I thank you for your posting. There are already far too many of these beautiful creatures needing homes because someone thought it would be "nice to have a talking bird" and ran out and got one before thinking it through or learning all there is to know about being the parent of an exotic bird. Tracy - 2010-12-04 Thank you so very much for sharing so honestly. You have really shed some light on things to consider before tanking ownership of any bird for that matter. As for me, I have always been a dog and cat person, I recently acquired an interest in birds. My favorite choice is a "Goffin" Cockatoo however, I was told that they are extremely needy. That being said, I have now began to take an interest in the Blue and Gold Macaw. I guess I am experiencing the EMPTY NEST syndrome, my youngest daughter just moved out and I have a void even having my dog and cat. Do you think that the Macaw would be a good choice for a first time bird owner? Nadine - 2011-08-09 Do you know how to reach anyone about adopting a parrot? I had parrots before and know how much work they can be but would love to get another! peter blu - 2011-10-20 Hello from sub tropical south africa! I am disabled and spend most of my life confined to my house in kwazulu~natal. Recently(+\- 4 months ago I was given a macaw with severe feather loss. He was dumped at a bird park and abandoned. The caretaker could not manage and decided to rid the park of Cheeta. We immediately took to each other as it were and have formed a very close bond. I also share my house with 2 african greys. The pulling of feathers with Cheeta carries on. He has been to a vet and have no medical problems. Do you perhaps have any advice or suggestions to try? bright blessings. Peter Blu Charlie Roche - 2011-10-21 Plucking is a real problem and I don't think anyone has come up with a permanent solution or definite reason as to why it occurs. Vets normally say boredom, abuse, not enough socialization or attention. Whatever the reason, it has already occured. Some folks try putting a collar on the bird to prevent the plucking and hopefully break the habit. If you believe your parrot will accept a collar - you could try that. Initially I would try lots of attention, lots of alternate things to play with or do, branches to chew on, toys etc. Let him be around people and try and replace the behavior with a variety of things to do and extra attention. It is very difficult to deal with or change and no reflection on you if you can't change it. Try - spend time and toys and music or TV - anything to provide stimulation and distraction. Kaylyn - 2011-11-09 That's not just logic. That's really sesnbile. Reply

Rebecca Stevenson - 2012-01-20 Your post made me laugh. Macaws are just so full of personality. I'm 24 years old and have been looking for the perfect macaw for about a year now. Everyone keeps telling me I am crazy for taking on a long term commitment, but they don't realize I actually spend all my free time with my pets, I don't go out partying like most my age, I stay at home with my babies. I am a social gamers so computers are my form of socialization. (Sounds sad, but I have great friends, and enjoy life with them.) The life span of a macaw is very frightening, which is why I have decided on one so early in life, most macaws I've met have outlived their owners who were much older than me, and now have severe depression and issues. I've also have koi fish that currently are about 16 year old, I've been committed to their time and needs for almost my whole life. Koi can live longer than macaws, but indeed are easier to care for, but cost almost as much money in bills and supplies. I first considered adoption, and I found a few macaws who were well socialized, and very friendly. I was very close to adopting this 24 year old greenwing, but someone else beat me to the punch. Everyone I've met who owns a bird says they've never been happier. But recommend I get a baby macaw. I did consider this as well, I am in contact with a breeder who specializes in Camelot hybrid macaws, as well as dropping by a few stores so can meets macaws ands on. I am also starting to volunteer with a macaw adoption, to get more hands on practice with macaws. I would love to just go pick up a macaw tomorrow but a few things are holding me back. First off is noise. I adore the squawks of a demanding macaw, but neighbors might not. I've been researching on possible ways to entertain a macaw to keep the noise level down. Another scary trait is mating season. I hear macaws can become overwhelmed with hormones and many owners have been driven mad by the fuss. And the last is what happens if I need to travel for a week or two, trying to find a caretaker has proven a challenger. Plenty of vets, parrot stores, and airlines that allow pets in my area, but a babysitter is harder. Reply

Tamera Gibson - 2011-10-10 I have had my Blue and Gold for 3 years now and just recently she is continually trying to "mate" with me - she is constantly "mating" with the bars on the cage putting her privates through the bars and protruding it out. She is also spending a lot of time at the bottom of her cage and she has shredded her liners as if she is nesting. My question is; is this normal and should I encourage it by giving her bedding and nesting materials? Click For Replies (1) hector - 2012-01-03 It depends if you want her to breed yes yes this is normal but then she will become very aggressive no matter how calm she is just know all your hard work and training will be lost and very hard to regain and will just be come a cage bird and not a companion. To stop this limit day light in the morning keep her away from dark small boxes to hide and when she seems to try to make get her focus away from breeding if she lays eggs leave them there for about 1-2 months so she sees there not fertile and she stops laying more eggs because if you take them away she will try to breed again and try pre-shredded liner to see if she only wants to play and not make a nest Reply

david - 2011-11-18 Can they be taught to sit on your shoulder? I ride horses often, so I am also wondering if a typical example of this species would tolerate a horse back ride? Thanks! Click For Replies (2) Charlie Roche - 2011-11-19 I knew a gal who took her Blue Gold horseback riding but I don't remember whether the B/G rode on front of the saddle or on her shoulder. I am not sure I asked. I have seen B/G on the front of motorcycles riding behind a wind visor on a perch behind the handlebars. Mine rode just fine in a parrot car seat perch in the front seat. I would definitely get the B/G used to a parrot harness though. I don't know honestly how I feel about this but the ones I have seen on motorcycles truly seem to love it. Just go slow, be very careful and listen to your little guy. Charlie Roche - 2011-11-19 Whoops missed the easier question. It is hard to keep a macaw OFF your shoulder. It is their favorite place to sit. Many feel/believe that a parrot should not be allowed to sit on a persons shoulder as possibly would nip the face. I have sat on my humans shoulder for over 27 years and it would never occur to me to nip her in the face. Depends on the training/socialization/personlity of the bird. My humans macaw also rides around on her shoulder and the macaw is a big one. Reply

Claire - 2011-10-09 My Blue and Gold Macaw's beak has become very long and it needs to be trimmed. What causes the growth of the beak? What is used to file down? Click For Replies (1) Jasmine Brough Hinesley - 2011-10-09 A Blue and Gold Macaw's (Ara ararauna) beak will continue to grow throughout its life (similar to the way our fingernails continuously grow). It is a good idea in general to provide your macaw with a mineral block or lava block (purchased at pet stores) that it can regularly use to keep its beak trim and in shape. However, if it becomes too long and needs to be trimmed, you may want to bring it into a pet store or into your vet to have it trimmed. They will have more experience and will help you trim it. For more information, you can read the general Macaw Care page. Reply

Anonymous - 2009-06-30 Hi, my names Kenna and I am thinking of getting a Blue and Gold Macaw. I think it would be fun to have a talking bird. Click For Replies (7) Ashleigh - 2010-04-13 Getting a Macaw is far from just having a talking bird. They need a lot of attention and they are very big. I want one, I know , I know, you're probably saying 'How would I know all this if I don't have one?' Well I can answer that, I've been researching them for a long time because I wanted one. Anyway, they cost heaps too. And scream a lot. They need a very big cage and if you will be gone half of the day (or family) then you would need an Avery. Have you got space at home for a macaw? Can you afford to look after him, they cost a lot. Sometimes even over $6.000. I want one very much, but I have put all my information together and realize, I can't. And Birds do mate for life, and humans who love them and spend time with them will become their mate. And if the bird is given up, it can go under depression for losing it's mate. The owner. So put this all into consideration and research the macaw. I hope this helps. Also if a Macaw is to big, try these birds, Budgie. Galah. Canaries. cockatiel. Or search for another bird that will suit your lifestyle. Renee - 2010-06-30 If you have never had a bird before you might want to start out a little smaller and work your way up to a big bird. I have a 14 year old macaw and he is great, he does talk, but he also screams a lot. He naturally calls to his flock a couple of times a day and he also screams to get my attention. He was a rescue that I took him so we are still getting to trust each other. Do your research and good luck on your bird search. Janine, the bird lady. - 2010-09-20 Kenna, Macaws live to be about 75 to 80 years old. They need a great deal of love and attention and a caregiver that knows what to feed them and more importantly, what NOT to feed them. The Blue and Gold Macaw is not the most expensive bird to buy but, their yearly vet bills can reach up to $1000.00. Before you make up your mind about becoming a caregiver for one of these wonderful birds please do a great deal of research on their care requirements. Find an avian vet in your area and ask about yearly exams and blood work and the cost of each. Learn about proper feeding, what foods and plants are poison to Macaws (Avocados are VERY poisonous as well as sweets, coffee, sodas too much fats or too many seeds and many other things) cage size (cages for Macaws will cost you no less than $600.00 and up to $2,000.00 or more) Be sure that you can take on this kind of responsibility because having an exotic bird in your life is just like adopting a child. You must be willing to accept that this bird will be a part of your life for as long as you live and that they require as much love, attention and care as a child would. Terry bong - 2010-09-25 Hello, the blue and gold macaw parrots are the best. I am willing to give out 8 other parrots for adoption maybe if you are interested, I will offer any to you. alex - 2010-10-11 cccccccccccccccccoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllllllllll clarianne - 2010-11-01 Do you know they attack when you bother them to a point. They chew on furniture, window frames, picture frames anything that has wood made out of. And toys so don't have any kids and don't let them on your shoulder they would try to pick at your face. Not a good thing but a beautiful bird. maxjude - 2011-09-16 yes i have a male and a female blue and gold macaw they are both 2 years old not and there are for adoption not for sale where are you located and they will also be coming with their cage email me at maxjude77@yahoo.com Reply

Add your comment!

View all 66 comments on Blue and Gold Macaw

Back to Macaws