Macaw Parrots

Life with a macaw parrot is a long-term commitment. These stunning birds live for approximately 60 years. Some of the more common companion macaw species include the Blue and Yellow Macaw, Hyacinth Macaw, Military Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Red-shouldered Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, and Yellow-collared Macaw. 

For the most part, macaws are large birds that require big enclosures a minimum of 15 m (50 feet) in length, where they can fly for at least part of the year. In their natural habitat, macaws spend much of their days flying around, foraging for food. In companion care, they enjoy a healthy variety of sprouted seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread, cubes of cheese, as well as nutritionally complete kibble.  

Macaws are vigorous chewers that require plenty of unsprayed bird-safe branches and perches such as fir, pine, willow, and elder to sink their beaks into. Heat sterilized pine cones, wooden and leather toys also provide a lot of chewable satisfaction. Other good sources of enrichment include swings, ladders, and complex toys to help keep their active minds engaged and prevent feather plucking and other damaging behavious.

Macaws, like other parrots, should be supervised while they are enjoying their toys to ensure that they don’t accidentally swallow toy parts or otherwise injure themselves.