Blue and Gold Macaw: Care, Feeding, and Keeping Guide

The Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a magnificent parrot species native to South America renowned for its striking colours and impressive intelligence.

These large parrots inhabit countries including Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, with smaller populations in Panama and even an introduced breeding colony in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Sadly, they are extinct in Trinidad due to past human activities, although repopulation efforts from wild birds caught in Guyana have taken place. Find macaws for sale in the UK through reputable sources. Their natural home ranges from varzea flooded forests to non-flooded forests and woodland areas.

Blue and Gold Macaws measure between 76-86cm in length and weigh around 900 to 1500 grams, making them one of the largest parrot species. Their plumage is vivid blue on wings and tail, golden yellow on breast and belly, with a green forehead. Their powerful black beak is ideal for cracking nuts and climbing. Around their face, the white featherless skin is lined with fine black feathers and can flush pink when excited or angry, even showing wrinkles with age.

These birds have a lifespan around 60 years and are typically social, living in pairs or small family groups. They gather in larger groups at dawn and dusk to fly between feeding and roosting places.

Feeding Your Blue and Gold Macaw

In the wild, their strong beaks allow them to break open nuts and access seeds and fruits. They are known for eating clay from riverbanks to neutralise toxins in unripe seeds — a behaviour replicated by supplement blocks available for captive birds.

In captivity, these intelligent birds thrive on a balanced diet. Provide high-quality pellets and a seed mix as a base, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Favourite treats include oranges, apples, grapes, peanuts, walnuts and sunflower seeds. Avoid cherries (toxic pips), avocados, chocolate and caffeine. Sharing occasional small amounts of bread or pasta can enrich bonding but should be given sparingly.

Breeding Blue and Gold Macaws

Blue and Gold Macaws generally form lifelong pairs. They nest in decayed palm trees, especially Mauritia flexuosa palms. Females typically lay two or three eggs, incubating them about 28 days. Usually, the first chick to hatch grows stronger and survives over siblings, a common survival pattern in large birds.

After hatching, the female feeds the chick exclusively for the first week before the male starts helping. Feathers begin to develop around day 17, and fledging occurs near 97 days. At fledging, young macaws start feeding themselves but remain fiercely guarded by parents.

In captivity, nesting boxes approximately 16x16x48 inches are suitable. Macaws can breed from 3-4 years old, typically annually or every other year depending on their environment.

Keeping Blue and Gold Macaws as Pets

These birds are highly intelligent and require ample space and mental stimulation to thrive. The World Parrot Trust recommends an enclosure no smaller than 15 metres (50 feet) in length for a single bird. They engage in tricks and form strong bonds with owners, making affectionate companions.

If housed indoors, bird-proofing is essential: cover electrical wires with plastic tubing and remove small or toxic household items. Due to their size and natural calls, Blue and Gold Macaws can be loud; even well-trained birds will scream occasionally to communicate. Their natural chewing behaviour necessitates sturdy cages and plenty of safe toys to prevent boredom and destructive habits like feather plucking or biting.

Owners should be committed to spending significant time with their bird daily. Special harnesses allow safe outdoor time, preventing accidental escapes. Regular bathing is vital for maintaining feather and skin health; mist spraying or shower perches in humid areas like bathrooms are ideal.

Blue and Gold Macaws are also known for learning to talk and demonstrating understanding of words, highlighting their intelligence and social nature.

Conclusion

Though captivating and affectionate, a Blue and Gold Macaw demands specialised care and attention. They are not pets to be taken lightly and need to be integrated into family life with adequate space, enrichment, and safety. If you are prepared for the commitment, this charismatic bird can be a rewarding and lifelong companion.