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Blue-And-Gold Macaw birds

Blue-and-Gold Macaw
Blue-And-Gold Macaw Stats
Scientific Name:  Ara ararauna
Size:  Large, up to 33 inches
Native Region:  South America
Life Expectancy:  60 years average, up to 80 years
Noise Level:  Loud
Talk/Trick Ability:  Very Good
Blue-And-Gold Macaw Species Profile
Traits:  The well-known blue-and-gold macaw enjoys plenty of attention, head scratching and cuddling, but also likes to play and chew, so provide it colorful hard wooden blocks to destroy. They need lots of room to stretch their wings, so the largest possible is ideal. Blue-and-gold macaws are sociable, easy-going birds that are affectionate and tolerant creatures.

Behavior/Health Concerns:  As with all macaws, blue-and-gold macaws are big and will sometimes play rough and enjoy screaming, but love attention and training can reduce biting and other problem behavior. If their nipping is not properly dealt with the bad biting habit can develop into a potential problem. With enough interactive time with those in the household, this macaw's nippiness and moods can be solved. As a baby, the blue-and-gold macaw are larger than most parrots, and need patience and understanding during their development. Blue-and-gold macaws require more fat in their diet than other parrots, which you can provide with pellet-based diet, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the occasional nut. They are prolific chewers, so offer toys to chew and destroy often. They are susceptible to overgrown beaks, papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also known as “macaw wasting” disease), psittacosis and vitamin-A sensitivity.

Expert Advice

“Rowdy, loving, intelligent and LOUD.”

Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC

“Make great pets, but must be worked with daily to keep them from becoming overbearing little brats! Good talkers. Medically, only species documented to have inhalant allergies often due to other bird's down and dust, especially cockatoos. With proper cared and good nutrition, these birds can live long lives. Obesity is not uncommon on seed diets.”

Samuel Vaughn, DVM, Dip. ABVP – Avian Practice

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