Common name: Blue and Gold Macaw
Latin name: Ara ararauna
Length: 84 cm/33 inches
Weight: 1000-1100 grams
Life Span: up to 60 years
Origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Mexico
Noise Level: Loud! Amongst the most raucous of parrots
Blue and Gold Macaw intelligence
Blue and Gold Macaw are highly intelligent and playful. However, they can also be voracious chewers and very destructive. Their large beaks are capable of inflicting quite deep and painful bites.
Blue and Gold Macaw talking ability
Very good but loud!
Feather plucking in Blue and Gold Macaws
Whilst it is not as common in these macaws (as in African Grey parrots or cockatoos), to feather pluck, it does still happen. They do require loads of mental stimulation.
Housing for your Blue and Gold Macaw
- The cage that you purchase must be as large as possible.
- As a rule the cage size should be a minimum of 68" x 36" x 28"
- The cage should be situated in a part of the house where the bird will have lots of contact with people, in other words, a high people-traffic area.
- Strong toys are a must, as blue and gold macaws are prolific chewers!
- They should be allowed a minimum of 3 - 4 hours out of cage time per day.
Blue and gold macaws have been selectively bred with scarlet macaws to create a sought-after hybrid: the Catalina macaw.
Feeding your Blue and Gold Macaw
- They are not known to be fussy eaters.
- Blue-and-gold macaws require more fat in their diet than other parrots. This you can provide with a pellet-based diet, fresh fruit and vegetables (at least 50%), high quality mixed seeds, soaked pulses, whole grains and occasional nuts (Brazils).
- Provide some extra protein in the form of cooked lean chicken and boiled egg.
- Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be washed daily.
Conclusion
In summarising, their sociability and even temperaments make them great pets - but for experienced bird people only. Their intelligence, willingness to learn, and talking ability only helps make them more precious in the eyes of all bird lovers. They are really only suited to owners who are dedicated, responsible, and very well informed.