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What Are the Pros and Cons of Macaws as Pets?

Nicole Etolen
Nicole Etolen

Macaws are one of the most popular types of parrots that are kept as pets, and like all animals, there are many pros and cons of owning macaws as pets. Macaws can be very affectionate birds, especially when bred in captivity and hand-fed by humans. They are also intelligent, and can be quite entertaining. On the other hand, macaws are very loud, require a good amount of attention, and can be destructive, especially when they are bored or lonely.

One of the greatest pros of owning macaws as pets is their level of intelligence. They are among the best talkers in the parrot order, and their antics can be highly entertaining to their owners. While macaws can learn to mimic speech and sounds simply by listening to those around them, training them to speak on command is a little trickier. Bored macaws can be extremely loud, to the point where nearby neighbors may complain.

Macaws can be very affectionate birds, especially when bred in captivity and hand-fed by humans.
Macaws can be very affectionate birds, especially when bred in captivity and hand-fed by humans.

Macaws as pets can also be very affectionate towards their owners. They typically tend to form the strongest bond with one person, but if everyone in the family works with them, they will be affectionate towards others. The earlier the bird is socialized, the better it will behave around people. Wild-caught macaws, which are illegal in most places, are harder to socialize than those bred in captivity.

Owners should instruct children to keep their hands out of birds' cages.
Owners should instruct children to keep their hands out of birds' cages.

In general, macaws are not afraid of people. While this is a large pro for macaws as pets, it can also be a con, as since they re not naturally scared of humans, they have no qualms about biting if they feel threatened. Macaws have massive, sharp beaks that can be harmful, especially to a child. Owners should instruct children to keep their hands out of the birds’ cages, and closely monitor any interaction between parrots and children. Until a macaw becomes familiar with its owners, it is also best to avoid allowing the bird to perch on shoulders or close to the face.

Red-fronted macaws are highly sought after as pets.
Red-fronted macaws are highly sought after as pets.

Those large beaks can also do a fair amount of damage throughout the home, especially if the bird is craving attention. Macaws as pets require a fair amount of interaction with their owners, and when left on their own, they may chew anything they can reach, including wallpaper, tables, and even chunks of the wall itself. Cages should be kept several feet away from the wall. Macaws that are allowed out of their cages regularly should be monitored closely.

Macaws as pets typically have a very long lifespan similar to that of a human, which can be both a pro and a con. On the pro side, owners will have many years together with their pet. On the con side, the birds can often outlive their owners, so arrangements need to be made to determine who will care for the macaw after the owner has passed away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of having a macaw as a pet?

Macaws are known for their vibrant plumage and sociable nature, making them visually stunning companions. They possess remarkable intelligence, often learning to perform tricks and mimic words, which can provide endless entertainment and bonding opportunities. Their long lifespan, potentially over 50 years, allows for a lasting relationship with their owners.

What challenges come with owning a macaw?

Owning a macaw can be demanding due to their need for social interaction and mental stimulation. Without adequate attention, they may develop behavioral issues. Macaws require spacious cages and environments to thrive, which can be costly and space-consuming. Additionally, their powerful beaks can cause damage if not properly managed, and they can be quite loud, which might be disruptive.

Are macaws good pets for families with children?

Macaws can be good family pets if socialized properly, but their size and strength require supervision around children. They can form strong bonds with family members but may become jealous or territorial. It's crucial to educate children on how to interact safely and respectfully with these birds to prevent any accidental harm to either party.

How much does it typically cost to care for a macaw?

The cost of caring for a macaw can be substantial. Initial expenses for a cage, toys, and the bird itself can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Ongoing costs include a diet of specialized pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and veterinary care. According to the Spruce Pets, annual costs can exceed $1,000, not including potential emergency medical expenses.

What kind of diet is required for a macaw's health?

Macaws require a balanced diet consisting of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables to meet their nutritional needs. Occasional nuts and seeds can be offered as treats. It's important to avoid foods like chocolate, caffeine, and avocado, which are toxic to birds. Consistent access to clean water is also essential for their health.

How much time do macaws need outside of their cage?

Macaws are active birds that need several hours of out-of-cage time daily for exercise and social interaction. This helps prevent boredom and promotes physical health. A safe, bird-proofed area is necessary for them to explore and play. Interaction with their human family during this time strengthens their social bonds and mental well-being.

Discussion Comments

Mor

@Iluviaporos - I don't think many people understand that you can only really have one or the other though. If you want to have a companion macaw that will play with you and want to be around you, then you probably won't be able to have two of them. Naturally they will prefer each other's company to yours.

I've never kept macaws, to be honest, but I've kept other kinds of birds and they will usually only become very attached to people if they have no other alternative.

As soon as an alternative is presented, they will revert to preferring that company.

But while they are alone and friendly to people, they are also desperately needy, because they are social animals and need companionship. So you can't just abandon them for any length of time or they will become stressed. Which is fine for people who intend to put a lot of effort into their parrot, but terrible if they are basically getting a bird as a novelty item.

lluviaporos

@Fa5t3r - You're assuming that the macaw is going to be kept like a pet inside with only humans for company and that they are only going to bond with a single person. If you have a group setting, with multiple people for them to bond with, there would be no problem with one of them going away on vacation. And, even better, if you have a proper aviary set up outside (or inside, I suppose) where you have multiple birds and ways for them to entertain themselves, then there's no reason a parrot can't be left to its own devices without human company. In that case, all you would need to do is make sure someone is feeding it and otherwise keeping it healthy, but you wouldn't have to worry about its mental wellbeing.

Fa5t3r

The thing you have to remember is that macaws live a long time and they are extremely difficult to keep entertained and happy. So if you get one, you can say goodbye to having vacations, for pretty much the rest of your life. They will get attached to you and then they will become destructive when you go away. It's not like a dog or a cat where you can put them in a cattery until you come back and they will essentially be fine.

Not to mention that a macaw is expensive. I wouldn't want someone looking after my fragile, thousand dollar bird while I was away.

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    • Macaws can be very affectionate birds, especially when bred in captivity and hand-fed by humans.
      By: Vladimir Melnik
      Macaws can be very affectionate birds, especially when bred in captivity and hand-fed by humans.
    • Owners should instruct children to keep their hands out of birds' cages.
      By: Picture Partners
      Owners should instruct children to keep their hands out of birds' cages.
    • Red-fronted macaws are highly sought after as pets.
      Red-fronted macaws are highly sought after as pets.