Macaws are among the most stunning and charismatic members of the parrot family. Known for their vibrant colors, playful personalities, and impressive intelligence, macaws can make super cool pets. However, owning a macaw isn’t for everyone. 

While they can be loving and entertaining companions, macaws also come with some challenges. If you’re considering bringing a macaw into your home, here are 5 key pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Vibrant and Eye-Catching Colors

Native to South America, macaws are renowned for their vibrant plumage (covering of feathers), which can include bright blues, yellows, reds, and greens. Their stunning colors make them a visual delight, drawing attention wherever they go. In addition to its feathers, the macaw’s creamy white, almost featherless face is a striking feature you cannot ignore. Owning a macaw means having a living piece of art in your home. So, if you want to stand out, amaze your guests, and have them remember you, a macaw is the perfect choice for a pet.

Highly Intelligent and Trainable

One of the best things about macaws is their intelligence, which enables them to bond with you and learn quickly. With the right techniques, you can teach your macaw new tricks like solving puzzles. You can even train them to understand and respond to your commands and form routines. In fact, macaws’ intelligence makes them highly engaging pets. This intelligence also means that macaws require ongoing challenges to stay mentally healthy. You must teach them new words and tricks and offer complex toys to keep their minds sharp and reduce boredom.

Long-Term Companionship

A pet’s short lifespan is a common problem pet owners face. However, you won’t face this issue with a macaw. Macaws can live for 30 to 50 years or more (with adequate care and love), making them a perfect long-term companion. This means your macaw can be with you through major life changes, growing alongside you and your family. This can create a deep, enriching bond that lasts a lifetime. So, if you are looking for a pet that stays with you just like your friends and family, Macaw is the right pet for you!

Social and Affectionate Pets

Macaws are known for their affectionate and highly social personalities. Many macaws enjoy being close to their owners, sometimes acting like a friendly dog that follows you around the house. They can be very social and often crave interaction. Their affectionate nature can make them feel like a true part of your family, offering companionship and comfort. However, this also means that macaws don’t do well in isolation. Your macaw would want to frequently interact with you to stay happy and well-adjusted.

Great at Mimicking Sounds and Speech

Macaws are excellent mimics and can learn to say a variety of words and phrases. This ability makes them particularly engaging pets, as they can “talk” to you in their unique way. And not just words, your macaw can also imitate sounds such as doorbells, ringing phones, or even the sound of laughter. Hearing a macaw mimic words or sounds around the house can be entertaining and delightful, adding a unique charm to your daily life. It’s like bringing home a fun-loving entertainer.

Requires Lots of Space to Thrive

Macaws are large birds with wingspans that can exceed 40 inches, and they need plenty of room to move. A small cage may not be good enough for these active birds. You will need a spacious cage and an area where your macaw can safely stretch its wings and play. Without enough space, a macaw, in fact, any bird for that matter, can become stressed and may develop behavior problems, such as feather plucking. So, if you are planning to bring a macaw, make sure ample space is available for your feathered friend. 

Naturally Loud and Vocal Birds

Macaws are not quiet pets. They have a natural tendency to be loud, using their powerful voices to communicate. This is a natural trait for macaws that helps them communicate within their flock in the wild. Although this vocalization is normal for them, it can be disruptive in a household, especially if you live in an apartment with next-door neighbors. Their loud calls can be a dealbreaker if you value a quiet home environment or live in a neighborhood where residents value peace/silence over a beautiful appearance.

Needs Daily Attention and Care

Owning a macaw is not like a one-off thing. Macaws are like a growing child. You need to offer daily mental stimulation, social interaction, and physical exercise. If you fail to offer enough attention, your macaw may become bored or even depressed, which might lead to negative behaviors. Macaws feel happy when they are engaged in activities, but neglect can lead to serious mental and physical health issues. Therefore, if you want your macaw to be happy, you have to invest time and provide it with the required attention.

Expensive to Own and Maintain

Having a premium bird like a macaw as your pet can be expensive. For instance, purchasing a blue-and-gold macaw can cost thousands of dollars. And the expenses don’t end here. You will have to buy a large cage and toys to keep them comfortable and engaged. Also, you will have to regularly buy them good food to ensure good health. Moreover, regular visits to the vet can also add to the cost of ownership of a macaw.

Health Issues Without Proper Care

Macaws, like many large parrots, can develop health problems if you fail to efficiently manage their diet, exercise, and environment. They are susceptible to conditions like macaw wasting syndrome, which is a common disease in Macaws that leads to weight loss, muscle wasting, and more. Also, stress and boredom can force macaws to engage in activities like feather plucking, which can lead to skin-related problems. Look for early signs and schedule regular vet visits to ensure your macaw stays happy and healthy.