The Ultimate Guide to Owning an Intelligent Parrot
By ParrotsBirdFarm – Your Trusted Macaw Breeder in North America
Thinking about bringing home a Blue and Gold Macaw in the USA or Canada? You’re not alone. These dazzling parrots are among the most popular exotic birds in North America—and for good reason. With their brilliant feathers, playful energy, and exceptional intelligence, Blue and Yellow Macaws are truly unforgettable companions.
At ParrotsBirdFarm, we specialize in hand-raised, well-socialized macaws and are proud to serve responsible pet owners across the U.S. and Canada. Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or a seasoned avian enthusiast, this guide will help you decide if a Blue and Gold Macaw is the right fit for your home.
What Is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, this species is one of the most recognizable members of the macaw family.
Key Characteristics:
- Scientific Name: Ara ararauna
- Size: Up to 34 inches (86 cm) long
- Weight: 900–1,200 grams (2–2.6 lbs)
- Lifespan: 50–60 years (some up to 80!)
- Talking Ability: Great mimics with a fun personality
- Temperament: Social, affectionate, playful
They’re more than just beautiful—they’re incredibly smart, capable of learning tricks, imitating sounds, and forming deep bonds with their owners.
Natural Habitat & Conservation
Native to South and Central America—including Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela—Blue and Gold Macaws thrive in rainforests, swamps, and open woodlands.
Due to habitat loss and illegal trade, these birds are protected under CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. At ParrotsBirdFarm, we comply with all U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Canadian CITES guidelines to ensure legal, ethical ownership.
Why Choose a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Here’s why these majestic birds are so popular with American and Canadian bird lovers:
🧠 1. Intelligence & Train ability
Macaws rank among the smartest birds in the world. They love learning tricks, talking, and solving puzzles—making them interactive pets.
❤️ 2. Strong Emotional Bonds
These birds form deep connections with their owners. With daily interaction, they’ll become your best friend (and maybe your favorite roommate).
🗣️ 3. Talking & Mimicking
While not as articulate as an African Grey, a Blue and Gold Macaw can easily learn 15–50 words and imitate household sounds like doorbells, microwave beeps, and even laughter.
🎨 4. Vibrant, Iconic Coloring
Their deep sky-blue wings and golden-yellow chest are unmistakable—and stunning. They’re often called the “supermodels” of the parrot world.
Blue and Gold Macaw vs Other Popular Parrots
| Feature | Blue & Gold Macaw | African Grey Parrot | Amazon Parrot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large (34″) | Medium (12–14″) | Medium (13–15″) |
| Color | Blue & yellow | Grey with red tail | Green with yellow/red |
| Talking Ability | Very good | Excellent | Very good |
| Temperament | Playful & outgoing | Intelligent & reserved | Bold & vocal |
| Lifespan | 50–80 years | 50–60 years | 40–50 years |
If you want a colorful, affectionate, and entertaining parrot with a long life span, the Blue and Gold Macaw is hard to beat.
Where to Buy a Blue and Gold Macaw in the USA or Canada
At ParrotsBirdFarm, we’re proud to offer:
- Hand-fed, fully socialized Blue and Gold Macaws
- USDA and CITES-compliant documentation
- Delivery available across the USA and Canada (with safe airline shipping)
- Lifetime customer support and care advice
Whether you’re in Texas, Florida, New York, California, Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia, we’re your trusted source for ethically raised macaws.
🛒 Search Tip: Use keywords like “Blue and Gold Macaw for sale USA,” “talking parrots Canada,” or “buy Blue and Yellow Macaw North America” to find reputable sources.
Price: How Much Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Cost?
💵 Blue and Gold Macaw Price (USA & Canada):
- Typical Range: $2,500 – $4,000+
- Ongoing Costs:
- Large Cage: $500–$900
- Toys & Enrichment: $100–$200
- Vet Visits: $100–$200/year
- Food: $40–$80/month
🚨 Be cautious of suspiciously cheap macaws online. Always verify breeder legitimacy and ensure health records are available.
Cage & Home Setup
Macaws need plenty of space to stretch their wings and climb.
📦 Minimum Cage Size:
- Dimensions: 4 ft x 4 ft x 6 ft (or aviary-style)
- Bar Spacing: 1–1.5 inches
🧸 Enrichment Essentials:
- Rope swings, wooden perches, chew toys
- Puzzle feeders and foraging trays
- Regular out-of-cage flight time
Place the cage in a central room, like a living room, where your macaw can interact and feel part of the family.
Diet & Nutrition
✅ What to Feed:
- Pellets: 60–70% of their diet (Harrison’s, Zupreem, Roudybush)
- Fresh Produce: Apples, carrots, leafy greens, berries
- Nuts & Seeds: Walnuts, almonds (as treats)
- Cooked Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa
❌ What to Avoid:
- Chocolate, avocado, caffeine
- Onions, alcohol, salty or sugary snacks
🥦 A well-fed macaw = healthy feathers, a strong immune system, and a sharp mind.
Training & Socialization
Macaws are extremely social and thrive on interaction.
🏠 Tips for Success:
- Spend 2–3 hours daily bonding and playing
- Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise)
- Start with simple commands: step-up, wave, speak
- Encourage talking by repeating words clearly
🦜 Bored macaws may scream or develop behavioral issues—so keep their minds and beaks busy!
Health & Vet Care
Signs of a healthy Blue and Gold Macaw:
- Clear eyes and nostrils
- Smooth feathers
- Active and vocal
- Good appetite
🔎 Schedule annual wellness exams with a certified avian vet. In the U.S., check AAV.org. In Canada, visit CAHFS.ca for certified exotic vets.
Do Blue and Gold Macaws Get Along with Other Birds?
Generally, yes—with other large parrots like:
- Green-winged Macaws
- Scarlet Macaws
- Amazons
- Umbrella Cockatoos
However, they may be too dominant for smaller birds like budgies or cockatiels.
👀 Supervise interactions and introduce new birds gradually.
Legal & Ethical Ownership
In the U.S. and Canada, no special license is required—but:
✅ Always buy from USDA/CITES-certified breeders
✅ Avoid imports from unregulated sources
✅ Keep records of health and origin documentation
FAQs
Q: Are Blue and Gold Macaws loud?
Yes. They are naturally vocal and may scream at sunrise/sunset or for attention.
Q: Can I leave my macaw alone during the day?
They tolerate short absences but need 1-on-1 interaction daily.
Q: Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Absolutely. Many learn dozens of words and phrases with training.
Conclusion: Is the Blue and Gold Macaw Right for You?
If you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and eye-catching companion, the Blue and Gold Macaw is an unbeatable choice. With proper care, socialization, and attention, your macaw can bring joy to your life for decades.
🛒 Ready to bring one home?
Visit ParrotsBirdFarm.com today to browse available Blue and Gold Macaws for sale in the USA and Canada. Every bird comes with health certification, DNA sexing, and our expert guidance—for life.