Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Hygiene
Worming
Mites and Lice
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Ash and the Birdsville team. Ash is a former zoo keeper.
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also called the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large South American parrot with bright blue wings and back, a golden yellow chest and a white face lined with tiny black feathers. Blue and Gold Macaws are playful, comical, intelligent and affectionate, and they bond strongly with their family, but they’re also loud, powerful chewers that can live for 60 years or more. They need a very large cage, plenty of time out of it, a diet of seed, pellets, vegetables and fruit, and a constant supply of toys and enrichment. This page covers where Blue and Gold Macaws come from, their size and lifespan, cages, diet, hygiene and health, enrichment and training. Birdsville in Alexandria specialises in everything a macaw needs, and we rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them.
Blue and Gold Macaw Key Takeaways
Blue and Gold Macaws are large, intelligent South American parrots that bond closely with their owners.
They can live 60 years or more in captivity, so a macaw is a lifelong commitment.
They’re very loud, so they may not suit apartments or homes with young children.
They need the largest cage you can fit, plus several hours a day out of the cage on a play stand or play area.
Feed a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, with plenty of vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats.
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks for Blue and Gold Macaws.
Enrichment is essential. Rotate toys often to prevent boredom, plucking and screaming.
Birdsville specialises in macaw supplies and rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue.
Blue and Gold Macaw Quick Facts
Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Other names: Blue and Yellow Macaw
Size: about 81 to 91cm long, including the tail
Weight: about 1 to 1.5kg
Lifespan: 30 to 35 years in the wild, and 60 years or more in captivity with good care
Native range: northern South America and Panama, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
Habitat: rainforest, flooded forest, woodland and savannah with large trees
Temperament: playful, intelligent and affectionate, very loud
Talking ability: good
Experience level: experienced keepers
Sexing: males and females look alike, so DNA testing is needed
Where Do Blue and Gold Macaws Come From?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from tropical South America and Panama, covering much of the northern half of the continent.
They live in rainforest, seasonally flooded forest, woodland and savannah, wherever there are big trees. In the wild they’re usually seen in pairs or small flocks, cracking hard nuts with their huge beaks and eating seeds, fruit, leaves and bark. They’re still common in the wild, but numbers are falling in some countries. Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-and-yellow_macaw) has more on Blue and Gold Macaws in the wild.
What Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Look Like?
A Blue and Gold Macaw has a green forehead that fades into bright blue over the nape, back, wings and tail, with a golden yellow chest, belly and underwings.
They have a large black beak and bare white skin around the eyes and face, lined with rows of tiny black feathers. They grow to about 81 to 91cm from head to tail tip, and weigh around 1 to 1.5kg. Males and females look the same, so DNA testing is the only reliable way to sex them.
Is a Blue and Gold Macaw a Good Pet?
A Blue and Gold Macaw can make a wonderful pet for the right home, as they’re playful, comical, very intelligent and often warm and loving.
Their intelligence makes them keen to learn, and many become good talkers. They crave attention and form a strong bond with their family. But macaws are also big, powerful and capable of extremely loud calls, so they may not be the best choice for apartments or for homes with young children. They live for decades, and they need daily time, space and enrichment. If you’re thinking about a macaw, talk to our team first, and consider adopting one that needs a new home.
What Size Cage Does a Blue and Gold Macaw Need?
A Blue and Gold Macaw needs the largest, strongest cage you can fit, with room to fully spread its wings and space for toys, perches and food and water bowls.
A big cage helps prevent boredom while your macaw is inside. Choose heavy duty bars that a macaw can’t bend or chew through, and set up a mix of natural perches of different thicknesses. Macaws also need plenty of time out of their cage every day. A play stand that can be moved around the house with the family, or a dedicated play area, gives them a change of scenery. Any play area must be bird proofed, because macaws will go after power cords, chew wooden furniture and destroy anything within reach.
What Do Blue and Gold Macaws Eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a balanced diet of a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of vegetables, some fruit, nuts as treats and fresh water.
Seed
Our top pick for Blue and Gold Macaws is Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg), made fresh in store with seed, grains, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, dates, banana chips, legumes, vegetables and chillies. Young macaws do well on a parrot mix, but as they mature we move them to a lighter mix with less sunflower, such as the sunflower free Birdsville Blends Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-parrot-4kg). Be wary of supermarket seed that may have been stored for a long time. Our Large Parrot Seed page (https://birdsville.net.au/seeds-grains/large-parrot-seed/) has more.
Pellets
Offer pellets in a separate bowl from the seed. Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg) give large South American parrots the extra fat and protein they need, and Vetafarm Nutriblend Pellets Large (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-nutriblend-pellets-lge-1-6kg) and Harrison’s High Potency Coarse (https://petsville.com.au/products/harrisons-high-potency-super-course-454g) are also great choices. Don’t top up the seed bowl until the pellets have been eaten, or your macaw will pick the seed every time.
Vegetables and Fruit
Offer fresh vegetables every day, such as broccoli, carrot, green beans, squash, zucchini, cucumber and sweet potato. Fruit such as apple, orange, pear, banana, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, pawpaw, strawberries and melons can be given in smaller amounts. Never leave fruit and vegetables in the cage long enough to go off.
Nuts and Treats
Macaws need a little more fat than most parrots, so they can have a few more nuts. Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g) is our nut, fruit and vegetable mix for macaws, and Passwell Fruit and Nut (https://petsville.com.au/products/passwell-fruit-nut-330g) makes a good training reward. Don’t overdo oily foods like sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds, as too much can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease and feather loss.
Vitamins and Water
Every bird benefits from a regular vitamin boost, so add Vetafarm Multivet (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-multivet-50ml) to the water regularly. Fresh, clean water should be available all day.
How Do You Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw Healthy?
Keep a Blue and Gold Macaw healthy with a clean cage, fresh water every day, regular worming and a watch for mites and lice.
Hygiene
Clean the cage regularly, and don’t let old food build up in the cage, on perches or in bowls. Change the water every day, and remove fresh food before it goes mouldy. A bird safe cleaner such as Vetafarm Aviclens (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-aviclens-water-cleanser-100ml) helps keep water bowls clean.
Worming
Worming is important for your macaw. Wait a few weeks to two months after bringing your bird home before the first worming, and check with our staff about timing. After that, worm every 6 months with a bird wormer such as Vetafarm Wormout Gel (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-wormout-gel-50ml).
Mites and Lice
Mites and lice are the two most common parasites of cage birds. If your macaw is unusually itchy and scratching a lot, it may have one of them, but they’re easy to control with Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml). A macaw that sits fluffed up and quiet may be unwell, so see an avian vet. Our Common Bird Illnesses page (https://birdsville.net.au/common-bird-illnesses/) lists the warning signs.
Why Do Blue and Gold Macaws Need Enrichment?
Macaws need enrichment because parrots simply can’t thrive with only perches, food and water, and bored birds are far more likely to pluck, self harm and scream.
As a former zoo keeper, Ash learned that every animal needs a variety of environmental enrichment to stay healthy and entertained, and the same goes for a tame parrot at home. Birds given plenty of enrichment are less likely to develop problems such as feather plucking and excessive squawking. Enrichment also helps a macaw’s mental and physical development, and during training you’ll end up with a friendlier, more relaxed, less fearful bird that learns more easily. Our Feather Plucking (https://birdsville.net.au/pet-bird-advice-and-training/feather-plucking/) and Squawking (https://birdsville.net.au/screaming-and-squawking-parrots-how-to-stop/) pages explain more.
Toys and Enrichment Ideas
Choose toys that make your macaw think, toys it can chew and destroy, and some strong, durable toys that will last. Good options include wooden toys, shredding toys, leather toys, acrylic toys, ropes, swings, ladders, bells, balls, plain cardboard, small boxes, wicker baskets, trays of wheat grass, bird baths, food kabobs and nuts in the shell. Try the Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1) for chewing and the Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive) for shredding. See our Natural Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/natural-toys/), Foraging Bird Toys (https://birdsville.net.au/foraging-bird-toys/) and Bird Swings (https://birdsville.net.au/swings/) pages for more ideas.
You can also collect enrichment from your own area, such as pine cones with food hidden inside, twigs, bendy branches and safe flowers like bottlebrush, grevillea, eucalyptus, melaleuca, hibiscus, marigolds, dandelions, roses and violets. Anything you bring in from outside must be non toxic and free of pesticides, and should be washed and disinfected first.
A Tip From Our Staff
The trick to keeping a macaw entertained is to rotate its toys regularly. A bird that sees the same toys day after day gets bored, but swap them every week or so and it’s like getting a whole new toy each time.
How Do You Train a Blue and Gold Macaw?
Train a Blue and Gold Macaw with short, calm sessions in a quiet, relaxed setting, and spend as much time with your bird as you can.
Training is a big part of having a well behaved macaw. Don’t over stress your bird in the first few weeks at home. Let it settle, then build trust with gentle handling every day. The more time you spend with your macaw, the better it becomes. Get it used to being touched all over from a young age, as many macaws love a scratch behind the head and under the wings. And be careful what you say around your bird, because macaws are excellent mimics. Our Parrot Biting page (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-biting/) has tips if your macaw starts to nip.
How Does Sydney’s Weather Affect Blue and Gold Macaws?
Blue and Gold Macaws come from the tropics, so they cope well with Sydney’s warm months but need protection from cold winter draughts and the hottest summer days.
In summer, keep your macaw out of direct afternoon sun and give it shade and fresh water at all times. Many macaws love a bath or a gentle mist of water on a hot day. In winter, keep the cage away from cold draughts and air conditioning vents, and cover the cage at night.
Blue and Gold Macaw Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blue and Gold Macaws live?
Blue and Gold Macaws live around 30 to 35 years in the wild, and with a good diet, exercise and vet care they can live 60 years or more in captivity. That means a macaw may outlive its owner, so plan for its future care before you take one home.
Are Blue and Gold Macaws good pets?
Blue and Gold Macaws can be wonderful pets for experienced owners with the time and space for them. They’re playful, intelligent and affectionate, and many learn to talk. But they’re very loud, chew everything and live for decades, so they may not suit apartments, busy households or homes with young children.
Can Blue and Gold Macaws talk?
Yes, Blue and Gold Macaws are intelligent birds and many become good talkers. They learn best with short, regular training sessions and lots of time with their family. They also copy sounds and words they hear often, so be careful what you say around your macaw, because it may repeat it.
What do Blue and Gold Macaws eat?
Blue and Gold Macaws eat a quality seed mix and pellets in separate bowls, plenty of fresh vegetables, some fruit and nuts as treats. Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot and Vetafarm Macaw Nuts are our top picks. Limit sunflower seeds and nuts in adult birds to prevent weight gain and fatty liver disease.
How big is a Blue and Gold Macaw?
A Blue and Gold Macaw grows to about 81 to 91cm long from head to tail tip and weighs around 1 to 1.5kg. They’re one of the larger macaws, so they need a very large, strong cage with room to spread their wings, plus several hours a day out of the cage.
Can I adopt a Blue and Gold Macaw in Sydney?
Yes. Birdsville rehomes Blue and Gold Macaws and other large parrots through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue, and we rehome macaws more often than we sell them. Visit our rehoming page or call us on (02) 9669 1766 to find out which birds are looking for a new home, and our team will help you prepare.
Where Can I Get Blue and Gold Macaw Supplies in Sydney?
Birdsville specialises in everything a Blue and Gold Macaw needs, from seed, pellets and nuts to large cages, play stands, toys, perches and health care, at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015, servicing the Eastern Suburbs and Inner South Sydney. We rehome Blue and Gold Macaws more often than we sell them, through Sydney Pet Bird Rescue (https://birdsville.net.au/re-homing-parrot-adoption/). Visit us or call (02) 9669 1766, and our team will help you with diet, setup and training advice. We’re open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday, with directions on our Contact page (https://birdsville.net.au/contact-birdsville/). Follow us on TikTok ([ADD TIKTOK LINK]), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BirdsvilleRosebery/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/petsvillesydney/) for live updates and macaw care tips.
We also offer wing and nail clipping (https://birdsville.net.au/wing-clipping-nail-clipping/) and bird boarding (https://birdsville.net.au/parrot-bird-boarding-sydney/) for when you’re away.
Petsville (https://petsville.com.au/) ships macaw food and supplies anywhere in Australia, including our Birdsville Blends seed mixes. Seed can’t be sent to WA or Tasmania because of quarantine laws.
Popular Blue and Gold Macaw supplies on Petsville:
Birdsville Blends Tropical Large Parrot (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-tropical-large-parrot-1kg)
Vetafarm Macaw Nuts (https://petsville.com.au/products/vetafarm-macaw-nuts-2kg)
Birdsville Blends Nut Magic (https://petsville.com.au/products/birdsville-blends-nut-magic-400g)
Bird Kabob Grande (https://petsville.com.au/products/bird-kabob-grande-42cm-1)
Shredz Party Box (https://petsville.com.au/products/bainbridge-shredz-party-box-destructive)
Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray (https://petsville.com.au/products/fidos-avitrol-bird-mite-and-lice-spray-125ml)
About Birdsville
Birdsville has been at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 since 1985, and we believe we’re now the oldest bricks and mortar bird shop still trading in Australia. Owner Ash brings experience from vet clinics and from the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas, now Wildlife Habitat. We’re a small business that does things in a big way, and we keep our products the best of the best.
Sources
Size, weight, lifespan, wild range and habitat: Wikipedia, Blue-and-yellow Macaw
Diet, hygiene, worming, enrichment and training advice: Ash and the Birdsville team
Product details: Petsville product listings
