The Blue-and-gold Macaw

Facts

The Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the group of large Neotropical parrots known as macaws. It can reach 29.9 to 33.9 inches long, weighs 2 to 3 lbs and can live for 60 years. It is vivid in appearance with blue wings and tail, dark blue chin, golden under parts and a green forehead. Its beak is black, and very strong for crushing nuts. The naked face is white, turning pink in excited birds, and lined with small black feathers.

There is little variation in plumage across the range. Some birds have a more orangey or "butterscotch" underside color, particularly on the breast. This was often seen in Trinidad birds and others of the Caribbean area, and appears to be due to environmental factors. The Blue-and-gold Macaw uses its powerful beak for breaking nutshells, and also for climbing up and hanging from trees.

Blue-and-gold Macaws are popular pets because of their eye-catching appearance and ability to talk. However, their large size makes housing them a challenge. They require much more effort and knowledge from owners than usual pets like dogs or cats. They are intelligent and social, so for someone who can provide for their needs, they make good and loving companion parrots. Blue-and-yellow Macaws bond very closely to their owners. They tend to be more aggressive during mating season, typically 6–8 weeks in the spring time.

Blue and gold macaws are intelligent, alert, and loyal. They enjoy playing games and can imitate human words loudly and clearly. Their spectacular appearance and great companionship makes them very popular.

Even the most well-tended Blue-and-gold Macaw will "scream" and make other loud noises. Loud vocalizations, especially "flock calls", and destructive chewing are natural parts of their behavior and should be expected. Blue-and-gold Macaws need a lot of room. Pet care should include providing large macaw toys, chewable items such as fir branches, pine cones, and bird-safe wood, large perches, swings, ladders, and regular bathing (2 to 3 times a week using a spray bottle or shower).

They require a varied diet; a seed only diet will lead to health problems such as vitamin deficiency. An example of a good diet would be a quality pelleted mix, in conjunction with a mix featuring seed, nuts, and dried fruits, with fresh vegetables (greens and roots) and fruits fed regularly; furthermore, it is quite common (and appreciated by the parrot) to partake with their human owners of safe foods like pasta, bread, etc.

Care and Feeding

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, berries, pears, grapes, broccoli, and carrots. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Macaws appreciate quality and variety in their food.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage that is at least 36" W x 28" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1" apart, makes a good home for your parrot; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended.

A variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.