Macaws are undeniably gorgeous birds and have been popular pet parrots for decades. They are intelligent and affectionate and have exceedingly long lifespans, making them ideal for bird lovers around the world.
Many of the reasons that they are such unique and sought-after pets are also what make them a challenge for many owners; their large size, long lifespan, and noise levels are certainly not for beginners. There are 17 different species of Macaws, some of which make better pets than others and others that are endangered and should not be kept as pets.
Parrot rescue organizations are often filled with Macaws because people want to own one of these gorgeous birds but do not realize the full weight of the responsibility and eventually cannot manage it. Macaws most definitely make great pets, but whether they are the right pet for you is another consideration altogether.
In this article, we look at the aspects that make Macaws such great pets and the more difficult traits to be aware of. Let’s dive in.
The 7 Most Common Types of Macaws
Image Credit: Sandro Riedmann Shutterstock
Macaws are hugely popular pets among bird enthusiasts, and there are several reasons for this. There are quite a few species of Macaws that are commonly kept as pets, including:
There is no denying the exotic beauty of a Macaw, no matter the species that you choose to keep as a pet. Blue and Gold Macaws are among the most popular, known for their beautiful blue-and-yellow plumage and affectionate relationships with their owners. Macaws can reach up to 3 feet tall, and they have large beaks and long tails and various striking color combinations. This is one of the main reasons that they are such popular pets — their appearance is simply unrivaled by other parrot species.
In the wild, Macaws are social birds that gather in flocks of 10 or more birds. When you keep a Macaw as a pet, you are now a vital member of their flock, and as such, they will develop a powerful bond with you. While they are wary of strangers and it’s unlikely that a Macaw that you’ve just met will want to cuddle up to you, they are almost puppy-like in affection with the people whom they know well. This is especially true if you’ve raised your Macaw from a young age, but even adopted adult Macaws will eventually warm up to their trusted companions.
Macaws typically mate for life, share their food with their mates and young, and have been shown to recognize their young and siblings and have long-term relationships with them.
3. Intelligent and trainable
Image Credit: khairicherus, Pixabay
Most experts agree that Macaws are among the most intelligent parrots in the world, second only to African Greys. Macaws are logical and discerning birds — hiding their food and picking out seeds that they don’t enjoy — and they have even been shown to be creative and solve complex puzzles with ease. Experiments in IQ and EQ have shown that Macaws are on par with a 2-3-year-old human child, and Macaws are known to display both love and jealousy in the same way too.
Macaws are highly trainable, can be taught a wide variety of tricks, and can mimic dozens of words and phrases and other sounds, like laughing, ringing phones, and singing.
4. Healthy and hardy
Image Credit: K.K.T Madhusanka, Shutterstock
Macaws have long lifespans of 50-75 years, often even more than that, and many will outlive their owners. With the right diet, plenty of exercise, and a happy, peaceful environment, these birds are exceedingly healthy and rarely suffer from any major health issues.
Why Macaws are so difficult to take care of
It’s easy to see why Macaws are such beloved pets for so many people, but keeping a Macaw is certainly not easy and has a unique set of challenges. They can be difficult to take care of, especially for novice bird owners, and there are a few vital points to consider before bringing one of these birds home as a pet.
They need tons of attention. Since Macaws are such social animals in the wild, as pets, they do not enjoy being left alone and need a ton of attention. How much they need depends on your Macaw, but they need at least a couple of hours of direct interaction and plenty of time outside the cage where they can be a part of whatever it is that you’re doing.
They are noisy. If you live in an apartment or have any neighbors close by, a Macaw is certainly not suitable for you. Not only do they chat and vocalize almost constantly throughout the day, but they are also incredibly loud, and this is enough to prevent most people from keeping one as a pet.
They cost a great deal of money. The initial purchase of a Macaw can cost you thousands of dollars, and caring for a large bird like a Macaw is expensive too. Their cage, toys, food, and vet visits can cost a ton of money in the long run, and you also need to bear in mind that this bird will be with you for many years to come.
They are messy. Macaws love to chew on things, they molt often, and their cage needs to be spot-cleaned daily. They also make a mess while eating. Keeping a Macaw as a pet involves a large amount of unavoidable cleaning.
They bite. Even the most well-trained, affectionate Macaw will be prone to nipping occasionally. Like humans, parrots have bad days too, and when things are not exactly the way that they like them, they can get easily irritated, which may lead to biting. Macaws have massive, powerful beaks, and a bite from them can be severely painful.
Final Thoughts
In general, Macaws make great pets overall — for the right owner. As long as you understand that Macaws are high-maintenance animals that need a ton of time and attention to care for properly, they can make wonderful companions. They are certainly not birds for novice owners, though, and if you’ve never owned a bird before, you may be better off going with a different parrot first.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
