Macaw Care Guide
Large, beautiful, and sociable, macaws are the bird most people picture when they hear the word “parrot.” They have large beaks, long tails, and come in a wide variety of colors. Originating from South America, macaws include about 19 different species, and many hybrids exist as well. Commonly kept species include blue and gold, scarlet, green-winged, hyacinth, military, Hahn’s, and severe macaws, as well as hybrids such as harlequin and Catalina macaws. Macaws can live 30–60+ years in captivity.
Enclosure
Macaws should be housed in a large cage or aviary with minimum dimensions of 48″ long × 36″ wide × 60″ tall, though larger enclosures are preferred. Numerous perches of varying width and texture should be provided. Good options include:
- Natural wood perches — manzanita, java, and dragonwood branches
- Cotton and sisal rope perches
- Pumice perches — useful for keeping nails trim, but use with caution. Limit to one pumice perch per cage and place it where the bird will not stand on it for most of the day
Wooden dowel perches should not be the only type offered, as this can lead to bumblefoot (pododermatitis). Sand paper perches should be avoided.
Living with these large birds requires a large cage, plenty of space for out-of-cage time, and a tolerance for noise. Their large beaks can cause significant damage to whatever they decide to chew on — keep valuables out of reach and design the cage with this in mind.
Temperature
As a tropical species, macaws prefer warm temperatures in the 70–85°F range. Supplemental heating may be required if the temperature drops below 60°F.
Humidity
Macaws prefer a humidity level of 40–60%, which can be measured with a hygrometer. A humidifier can be used if necessary. Many birds appreciate a warm misting or shower 1–2 times per week to encourage healthy skin and feathers.
Lighting
UVB exposure is recommended for all birds. UVB radiation allows birds to naturally produce vitamin D3, which enables calcium absorption from the diet. Calcium is essential not just for a healthy skeleton, but also for egg laying, muscle contractions, and normal nervous system function. The best source is unfiltered outdoor sunlight — glass windows block all UVB radiation. Always monitor your bird closely outdoors to prevent overheating or escape.
If safe outdoor access isn’t possible, a UVB lamp such as ZooMed’s Avistar 5.0 is a good alternative. Place it 12–18 inches from the bird and run it for about 6 hours a day.
Diet
It is recommended that 60–80% of the diet be in the form of a pellet. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains should make up the remainder. Macaws may require slightly more protein than other parrot species — a variety of nuts is a great way to supplement this need. Offering nuts in the shell adds an extra foraging challenge. Healthy nut options include walnuts, almonds, and cashews.
If you are switching your macaw to a pellet diet and need help, please refer to our handout on tips for diet conversion.
Enrichment
Macaws can enjoy a wide variety of enrichment including foraging, puzzle feeders, toys, trick training, and time outside of the enclosure. Ensure all toys and devices are appropriate for macaw size and strength to prevent accidental injury or ingestion of toy pieces.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Macaws should have an annual wellness examination and bloodwork. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, fecal testing and infectious disease screening may also be appropriate. DNA sexing can be performed to determine if your bird is male or female. Microchipping is available and can help your bird find its way home in the event of an escape.
