🦜 Birds

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

Spectacular, intelligent and a lifelong commitment.

Blue-and-gold macaws are large, social parrots that need huge amounts of space, attention and enrichment. They are loud and can live over 50 years.

Lifespan35–60 years
SizeLarge · 2–3 lb
Care levelExpert
Typical cost$80–150 / month
Great for
Experienced bird keepersLarge homesIntelligentSocialLoud
Blue-and-Gold Macaw

Photo: Luc Viatour · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

A very large cage (at least 3×4×5 ft) plus a play stand.

Pellets, vegetables and nuts in moderation.

4+ hours out of the cage daily with training.

Showers; beak and nail care.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Proventricular dilatation disease
  • Feather destructive behavior
  • Psittacosis
  • Beak injuries
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual avian exams with bloodwork.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.