Care guide
Blue-and-gold macaw care
- Typical lifespan
- 40–60 years
- Size
- Large
- Noise level
- Very loud
Blue-and-gold macaws are large, powerful, very loud parrots that live for decades. They need lots of space, time and strong toys, and suit experienced homes that can give them years of daily attention.
A lifelong commitment
With good care many live 50 years or more, so plan for who will care for your bird if your life changes.
Macaws can be heard a long way off; they aren't suited to shared walls or neighbours close by. Their beaks are strong enough to injure people and destroy furniture, so handling needs care and training.
Housing and exercise
A very large, strong cage (at least 1.5 m wide for the biggest macaws) with heavy bars, plus a play stand or a bird-safe room. They need several hours out every day to climb, flap and chew.
Give hard wood, natural branches and tough foraging toys, and expect to replace them often.
Diet
A quality large-parrot pellet with fresh vegetables, some fruit, and nuts in the shell as treats and foraging rewards.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.