Macaw Care Guide: Space, Diet and Noise
Macaw care guide: cage and out-of-cage space, a pellet-and-fresh-food diet, enrichment, how loud macaws really are, lifespan and what to check before buying.
Quick answer
Macaws are clever, affectionate and striking to look at. They are also among the hardest pet birds to keep well. A large macaw needs a very big cage and several hours of supervised time out of it every day. It needs a varied diet built on pellets and fresh food, an endless supply of things to chew, and an owner who can put up with very loud calls. They can live for decades, so you are signing up for life.
Types of macaw
| Group | Examples | Length (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large macaws | Blue-and-gold, scarlet, green-winged, military | 70–95 cm (28–37 in) | Very loud, powerful beaks, long-lived |
| Hyacinth macaw | Hyacinth | Up to about 100 cm (39 in) | Largest parrot by length; needs more fat in the diet; expensive |
| Mini macaws | Hahn's, severe, Illiger's | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) | Still loud and demanding, but more manageable in size |
Many macaw species are protected under CITES and national wildlife laws, and the rules on keeping and selling them differ by country. Buy only captive-bred birds with papers showing legal origin, and find out what paperwork your country asks for.
Space and housing
The cage
For a large macaw, get the biggest cage you can fit. It has to stand up to a macaw's beak and be wide enough for the bird to spread its wings fully without touching the sides. A commonly suggested minimum for one large macaw is around 120 cm wide × 90 cm deep × 165 cm high (48 × 36 × 66 in). Plenty of owners go bigger, or use an aviary.
Check for:
- Heavy-gauge bars with spacing suited to large parrots.
- Secure locks, since macaws learn to open simple latches.
- Safe materials: stainless steel or powder-coated cages free of zinc and lead.
- Multiple perches of different diameters and natural wood, placed so the tail feathers don't drag.
Out-of-cage time
Macaws need several hours a day outside the cage, with someone watching. A sturdy play stand or a bird-safe room gives them room to climb, flap and join in. Bird-proof the space first. Cover windows and mirrors, take out toxic plants, hide electrical cables, keep other pets away and switch off ceiling fans.
Placement
Put the cage in a busy family room where the bird can see people. Keep it out of the kitchen, away from draughts and out of full sun all day. Fumes from non-stick (PTFE) cookware heated to high temperatures, aerosol sprays, scented candles and smoke can kill birds, so keep the air clean.
Diet
A good macaw diet is varied and mostly fresh.
| Food | Role |
|---|---|
| High-quality parrot pellets | Often recommended as a large part of the diet for balanced nutrition |
| Fresh vegetables and leafy greens | Daily; dark leafy greens, peppers, carrots, sweet potato (cooked), broccoli |
| Fruit | Some daily, in moderation |
| Nuts | Useful for enrichment and training; hyacinth macaws naturally need more fat and nuts than other species |
| Seeds | Small amounts only; seed-heavy diets are linked to nutritional problems |
| Fresh water | Changed at least daily |
Be patient with new foods, because parrots are often suspicious of anything unfamiliar. Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, very salty, sugary or fried foods, or fruit pits and apple seeds. An avian vet can help you adjust the diet to your bird's species and health.
Enrichment and chewing
A macaw has a powerful beak and a mind that needs something to do. Short of stimulation, many start screaming or destroying their feathers (see Why Is My Parrot Plucking Its Feathers?).
Give them destructible toys of wood, cardboard, rope, palm leaf and vegetable-tanned leather, and replace them often, because they will be shredded. Foraging toys make the bird work for its food, and bird-safe branches are good for chewing. Rotate toys weekly.
Train with positive reinforcement. Step up, target training and recall are all useful, and a session wears a macaw out mentally.
Most macaws also like a shower or a misting with plain water, which keeps the feathers in good condition.
Noise: be realistic
Large macaws are some of the loudest parrots there are. Their contact calls carry a long way and come most often at dawn and dusk, when they are calling to their "flock". It's natural behaviour and you won't train it out completely.
You can cut down excessive screaming by:
- Keeping a predictable daily routine.
- Giving plenty of attention, out-of-cage time and enrichment.
- Rewarding calmer sounds and ignoring screaming when it's safe to, rather than rushing over (which teaches the bird that screaming works).
- Teaching a quieter alternative call, such as a whistle.
- Making sure it gets enough sleep, around 10–12 hours of quiet darkness.
If you live in an apartment or close to neighbours, think hard before getting a large macaw. A mini macaw or a smaller parrot may suit you better.
Social needs and handling
Macaws are flock birds and bond strongly with their people. They need daily company, not just food in the bowl. A bored or neglected macaw gets frustrated and can turn aggressive. A macaw bite can do serious damage, so learn the body language. Pinned eyes (pupils rapidly shrinking and enlarging), raised nape feathers and a lowered head can all be warnings. Children should only handle the bird with an adult supervising.
Health
A healthy macaw is active and alert, with bright eyes, smooth feathers, clean nostrils and a clean vent. Find an avian vet before the bird comes home and book a first health check.
See an avian vet promptly if your macaw:
- sits fluffed-up, sleeps more than usual or is reluctant to move;
- stops eating, or loses weight;
- has changes in droppings that persist (colour, consistency or amount);
- has discharge from eyes or nostrils, or breathes with tail bobbing;
- is plucking or chewing feathers;
- has a damaged beak, bleeding or an injury.
Birds hide illness well, so take any change seriously.
Before you buy
- Spend time around macaws first so you know what the noise and energy are really like.
- Ask about age, diet, health checks, hand-rearing and papers showing legal origin.
- Look for an alert bird with good feathers and no discharge.
Our guide How to Tell if a Parrot Is Healthy Before You Buy has a full checklist. When you are ready, you can browse birds from verified sellers on Paalo.
Frequently asked questions
How long do macaws live?
Large macaws commonly live several decades, often 30 to 50 years and sometimes longer with good care. Mini macaws usually have shorter but still long lifespans. Plan for who will care for the bird if it outlives you.
Are macaws good talkers?
Many macaws learn some words and phrases, but they are not usually as clear or prolific as African greys. Choose a macaw for its personality, not its talking ability.
Can a macaw live in an apartment?
It is difficult. Large macaws are extremely loud, need a big cage and several hours out of it daily, and can damage furniture. Neighbours often find the noise hard to live with.
