Should You Get a Macaw Parrot? Pros, Cons & Must-Know Owner Tips
Few birds captivate the eye quite like the macaw parrot — with its massive size, rainbow plumage, and playful intelligence. Social media loves to show off these stunning birds riding skateboards or mimicking speech. But behind the colorful feathers lies a companion that’s not for everyone.
Macaws are high-maintenance, high-intelligence birds that demand daily time, space, and lifelong commitment. Many macaws outlive their owners and end up in rescues due to poor planning.
This guide walks you through the real pros and cons of owning a macaw, plus must-know tips to ensure you’re truly ready for this feathered challenge.
Quick Overview: Is a Macaw Right for You?
| Traits | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 40–60+ years (some over 80!) |
| Size | Up to 40 inches, 2–4 lbs |
| Noise Level | Very loud (not apartment-friendly) |
| Social Needs | Extremely high |
| Mess Factor | High (feathers, food, droppings) |
| Training Ability | Excellent (highly intelligent) |
Pros of Owning a Macaw
1. Incredibly Intelligent and Trainable
Macaws are among the smartest bird species on the planet. They can:
- Mimic human speech and sounds
- Solve puzzles and perform tricks
- Learn complex routines with consistency
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, macaws show cognitive abilities comparable to toddlers.
2. Affectionate and Loyal
Despite their wild looks, macaws are deeply bonded companions. They often form lifelong connections with one or two people and thrive on attention.
- Enjoy cuddles, neck scratches, and time on your shoulder
- Will often follow you around the house
- Can show jealousy or sadness when ignored
3. Visually Stunning
Few birds compare to the macaw’s vibrant colors — from the Scarlet Macaw’s red and gold to the Hyacinth Macaw’s deep cobalt blue.
Owning one is like having a flying piece of art — and yes, they know they’re beautiful.
4. Long Lifespan
With proper care, many macaws live 40–60 years, and some even exceed 80. This makes them lifelong companions (and commitments).
Learn more about long-living pets in: How Long Do Parrots Live?
Cons of Owning a Macaw
1. Extremely Loud
Macaws scream — and not softly. These calls are a way to:
- Communicate needs
- Express excitement or distress
- Locate their “flock” (you)
If you live in an apartment, macaw noise may result in complaints or legal issues.
2. Need Constant Social Interaction
Macaws crave attention. Left alone for long periods, they can become:
- Depressed or anxious
- Destructive (chewing walls, furniture, wires)
- Aggressive or nippy
Plan to spend 2–4 hours daily interacting with your macaw.
3. Expensive to Care For
Costs go far beyond the initial purchase ($2,000–$5,000+). Ongoing expenses include:
- Large stainless-steel cage ($500–$1,000+)
- Daily fresh food (nuts, fruits, pellets)
- Vet care with an avian specialist
- Toy rotation to avoid boredom
Explore our full guide: Parrot Life Expectancy: How Long Different Parrot Species Live
4. Messy and Destructive
Macaws love to chew — and their beaks can crack coconuts. Without stimulation and boundaries, they can:
- Destroy furniture or doors
- Shred toys in minutes
- Leave feathers, food bits, and droppings everywhere
5. Very Long-Term Commitment
Their long lifespan means:
- You may need to include them in your will
- They can outlive your career, relationships, or home
- You must plan for travel, boarding, and emergencies
Must-Know Owner Tips for Keeping Macaws Happy
1. Invest in Proper Enrichment
Macaws need mental and physical stimulation. Offer:
- Foraging toys
- Training games
- Wood blocks and safe destructibles
- Supervised out-of-cage time
Check out: Bird Food Breakdown: Are Seed Mixes Good for Pet Birds?
2. Feed a Species-Appropriate Diet
Avoid seed-only diets. Instead:
- Base diet: pellets formulated for macaws
- Add: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw nuts
- Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol
Learn more in: How to Breed Parrots at Home?
3. Establish a Routine
Macaws thrive on structure:
- Fixed sleep hours (10–12 hours of dark, quiet time)
- Consistent feeding and play schedules
- Predictable interaction to reduce anxiety
4. Partner with an Avian Vet
Macaws require specialized care:
- Annual exams and beak/nail trims
- Preventive bloodwork
- Emergency treatment for feather plucking, infections, etc.
Use AAV’s directory to find certified avian veterinarians.
Conclusion: A Macaw Is Not Just a Pet — It’s a Lifetime Partnership
If you’re ready for a bold, brilliant, and deeply emotional companion who will challenge and charm you for decades, a macaw may be the perfect fit.
But if you’re not prepared for the noise, mess, expense, and time commitment, this stunning bird is best admired from afar.
Explore more expert bird care guides, breed profiles, and enrichment tips at IAMPETLOVERS.com
FAQs: Should You Own a Macaw Parrot?
Yes! Macaws are excellent mimics. While vocabulary varies by bird, many can learn dozens of words and phrases.
No. They’re better suited for experienced bird owners due to their demanding nature.
They can. Bites often occur from stress, fear, or lack of training. Early socialization and positive reinforcement reduce the risk.
Macaws can live solo with a bonded human. But they require daily social time, or they may become lonely or anxious.
