Bringing a Blue & Gold macaw into your life is an extremely exciting decision and one that should be made with serious consideration. Please take time to research the pros and cons of parrot ownership BEFORE you bring one home. A few things to consider might include;
MESS: They are messy! Food, water, feathers, chewed wood bits...everywhere! (yes, poop too!)
NOISE: B&G Macaws can be VERY LOUD! Your neighbors (and your spouse) may complain.
TIME: They require daily care and dedication. Are you prepared?
INVESTMENT: Beyond the investment of time - there exists a very real financial investment.
Including the initial purchase, cage & supplies, Medical care, grooming,
Play areas, ongoing toy and perch purchases....and more.
THAT BEAK: A B&G macaw can inflict a good bite and you will need to learn how to properly
handle your feathered companion. That beak was designed for a serious bit of
chewing! B&G Macaws love to chew wood. Lots of it...and your Antique
furniture ....walls....or piano will be chewed if you aren't careful! Provide lots
of safe and entertaining chew-toys.
COMMITMENT: It's a myth that B&G Macaws live over 125 years but they can live upwards of
50 years and that is a huge commitment. Are you prepared? If you're unable to
continue to offer care to your friend, you will need to find a safe and loving
home. If you take vacations you must consider what will become of your pet
during this time. There may be boarding facilities near you, a friend or
family member may help. Or in some cases you may even take your
pet with you.
EDUCATION: Often overlooked, education should be of paramount importance. Are you prepared
to take the time to learn about the proper care of a Blue & Gold Macaw? They
have specialized needs including a widely varied diet and many other important
factors critical to the health and well-being of your macaw.
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Do all the research you can, talk to owners of macaws and try to meet a macaw or two to see if you are still interested. Once you've done all that, and you still feel you would like to add a macaw to your family.... you may find your life is enriched beyond words.
Blue & Gold macaws - despite their noise & mess - are magnificent creatures capable of great affection. They are often good mimics and some will learn to talk quite well. They can be gentle and provide great entertainment with their comical antics. Once you've welcomed a B&G into your life .... and can tolerate the noise & mess......you'll only wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
DIET: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked rice, grains, sprouted seeds, seeds, nuts,a wide variety of food.
LIFESPAN: 40 - 50+ years.
HOUSING: 36" x 36" x 36" MINIMUM cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary.
PET QUALITY: Moderate to very good. Excellent for experienced persons.
SIZE: Large size parrot approx 34" - 36" 900 - 1200 grams.
NOISE LEVEL: LOUD with good/fair talking abilities.
EXTRA COMMENT: Blue & Gold Macaws can make wonderful pets however consideration must be given to their LOUD calls which can annoy people in your home and even nearby neighbors. These birds are not suited to apartment living. B&G Macaws require a large, sturdy cage and plenty of time outside the cage. A large aviary or room is better suited to their size. They are heavy chewers who require a large amount of wood chew-toys and natural (untreated and chemical-free) branches. Their diet is widely varied and they need fruits and veggies, nuts, grains etc..... so much more than a plain pellet or seed diet. Because of the damage they are capable of inflicting it is wise to keep your face and eyes a safe distance from the large beak - regardless of how 'tame' your pet may be.
~ AFRICAN GREY PARROTS ~ GOFFIN'S COCKATOOS ~ UMBRELLA COCKATOOS ~
~ BLUE & GOLD MACAWS ~
