How much does a macaw cost ?

Macaws are great for people looking for a different kind of pet or companion. They originated from Central and South America and have attracted the attention of people because of their beauty and intelligence. Owning a breathtaking bird comes with a cost though, and maintaining proper care is not cheap. If you’re interested in taking care of a macaw, read on as we will be answering all your lingering questions in this informative article.

How much does a macaw cost?


The average prices of a macaw are around $700 to $5000 for the bird alone. But expensive ones can go as high as $20000. Other components like supplies for your initial setup such as a cage, perches, lights, feeding plates, harnesses, stands, and covers, will cost $500 to $1000. Meanwhile, your monthly maintenance for food, healthcare, and toys can reach up to around $100 to $500 per month give or take

What are the different types of macaws and their costs?


Depending on the breed of the Macaw you’re interested in, the prices will highly vary. Factors from the color of the bird as well as its size will also be taken into consideration. Below are the list of different Macaw breeds and their average price points for you to know which one fits your budget.

Blue and Gold Macaw ($1200 – $1500)


Blue and Gold Macaws are some of the most common macaws you’ll find on the market. They grow up to three feet from their beaks to the tip of the tail. They are, however, not for novice bird owners because they rival canines and felines in terms of social needs. Blue and Gold Macaws are also notorious for being very loud. They have a lively personality and easily bond with their owners making them highly sought after by pet enthusiasts.

Green-Winged Macaw ($2500 – $3500)


Like Blue and Gold Macaws, a Green-Winged Macaw needs time and attention from its owners. It needs a lot of social interaction and responds well with proper training. Green-Winged Macaws have a sweet personality and usually thrive in a nurturing environment.

Hahn’s Macaw ($700 – $1200)


Hahn’s Macaws are the smallest of the family and are highly sociable. These little birds can become good talkers with practice. Although they share the same loudness as other macaws, they are ideal for pet owners who aren’t ready to take care of a large bird.

Hyacinth Macaw ($5000 – $20000)


Hyacinth Macaws are the direct opposite of Hahn’s Macaws as they are some of the largest of their species. They’re large, beautiful, smart, and very expensive. The kind is recommended for veteran bird owners that can devote time and attention as these birds are definitely not for newbies.

Hybrid Macaw ($1000 – $5000)


These birds are bred strictly for their color and pet quality. As such, they have the combined personalities of their species. Only highly experienced bird owners with a thorough understanding of their behavior should even consider getting Hybrids as pets.

Military Macaw ($1200 – $2500)


Military Macaws are curious birds and like to socialize a lot with their owners. They are known for being pleasant and even-tempered when properly trained. Like other types of macaws, they require a ton of time and attention from owners if you want them as a pet.

Scarlet Macaw ($2000 – $3000)


These birds are known to be hyperactive. They tend to get bored easily. Pet owners should have a lot of toys for these birds to play with as well as provide daily socialization and stimulation. Scarlet Macaws are very affectionate to their owners especially when they’re hand-fed.

Severe Macaw ($2000 – $2500)


Severe Macaws are a favorite among bird lovers due to their comical and friendly nature. They bond quickly with their owners and respond very well to training. They also boast quite hefty speech abilities. They’re charming companions with large personalities making them one of the popular macaw breeds on the market.

Yellow-collared Macaws ($2000 – $2500)


Yellow-collared Macaws are known for being mischievous escape artists. That’s why it’s important for Yellow-collared Macaw owners to have a safe and secure cage for these birds. They have a reputation for resourcefulness and will likely seek your attention by any means necessary, making them a good family pet for the household.

There are a lot more species you can choose from depending on your preference. Most macaw species fall within the $1000 to $3000 price range so you’ll have a lot of options. Hyacinth Macaws meanwhile are already a protected species due to their dwindling population so they’ll be quite expensive. Bear that in mind if that’s the bird that you like.

Where can I buy a macaw?

Macaws are not readily available for sale in most pet shops because they require a lot of special care and space. They need experienced handlers to raise and watch over them. This is why you’ll only often see them from special pet shops and breeders. A lot of the macaw species are also protected due to their endangered status so you also must be sure that your macaw is legally bred or obtained, or you might face fines or penalties.

You can also try going to your local animal shelter or rescue group as these birds are usually a challenge to maintain. Animal shelters are sometimes happy to give them away for prospective owners provided you can take care of them. Always have an enclosure ready before even considering taking one home so that your pet macaw will not find it hard to acclimate to its new environment.

What are the initial setup and accessories that I need to care for my Macaw?


Cage ($100-$500)


Unlike other small pet birds, macaws need a larger cage for them to be able to flex their wings sufficiently. They also have to be able to move freely as they are very active birds. The typical price of cages built for macaws is in the region of $100 to $500. It’s preferable to get a bigger cage or one that can house more than one bird so that your pets can freely move around their new home.

Having a smaller cage and upgrading as your pet grows will cost you more in the long run. Having too small of a cage can also lead to stress as well as emotional problems for your macaw. Your cage should be at least 30” deep, 48” wide, and at least 60” tall for your pet macaw to enjoy their life with you.

Cage Accessories ($50-$150)


Once you have the cage of your choice, you’ll need supplies so your macaw can live comfortably inside it. The essentials will be a harness and perches for your macaw to sleep on. Lights, feeding plates, water cups, as well as stands are also important. If you skimp out on just one, expect your macaw to chew on everything as they’re highly mischievous and will definitely cause a mess if you’re not prepared.

Food ($50-$100 per month)


Be ready to have food prepared the moment you bring your macaw home. Their diet is usually more expensive than the usual parrot food as macaws need variety in order to maintain a healthy diet. You should focus on fruits, vegetables, seeds, pellets, and whole foods for your macaw. The costs of these foods will generally depend on the brand, nutritional value, and quantity. Have a budget of $50-$100 per month for your pet food as this will be one of your monthly expenses to take care of your macaw.

Toys ($20-$50 per month)


As you know by now from reading the article, macaws are highly active, intelligent, and emotional birds. Macaws need a lot of physical and mental stimulation in order to maintain their overall well-being. As such, you need to invest in toys that can keep them occupied for hours so they will not get bored and create a fuss in the household. Get a variety of toys that can be chewed on or clawed by your pet. Macaws spend a lot of time chewing on things so toys that are made from leather, cardboard, non-toxic wood, or paper, are great for shredding and chewing.

Toys are widely available from pet shops and online so you don’t have a reason to keep your pet bored. Expect to replace their toys regularly, and have a budget of at least $20 to $50 per month as macaws find joy in shredding and chewing their toys.

Grooming ($5-$50 per month)


Your grooming budget generally comprises bird soap, shampoo, cage liners, and cleaning supplies. You also need to include the occasional nail, beak, as well as feather trimming. Perches inside the cage help with trimming their nails. You can also invest in mineral blocks for your macaws to keep their beak well maintained. If you find grooming your macaw uncomfortable to do yourself, then set up a visit to the vet to have your pet’s grooming needs handled by a professional.

Health and Medication ($10-200 per month)


It’s recommended to have semi-annual check-ups so that you’ll know if any health concerns need to be addressed. Macaws also require medication when they’re sick so be prepared if your pet is acting unusual. There are pet insurance policies available from a lot of companies so it’s also a good idea to research and decide for yourself if pet insurance is right for you.

What are my expected monthly expenses for owning a Macaw?


Owning a macaw is expensive. Have a prepared budget every month before you even consider getting one for yourself. Your total monthly budget for your pet macaw should be around $100-$300 per month. The biggest chunk of your budget when taking care of a macaw will definitely come from their complex dietary needs. Maintenance of their cage, grooming, as well as their toys, are not necessarily a recurring monthly expense but you need to be prepared just in case so that you can keep your macaw happy and healthy.

What are the usual personalities and behavior of a macaw?


Before deciding to get a pet macaw for your home, you should understand their different traits and see if you can handle it. They’re the ultimate pet birds but getting them can be a serious mistake if you don’t know what you’re getting into. Macaws are affectionate, intelligent, and are highly trainable.

However, these birds also need a lot of space and are really loud. Adult macaws normally produce several minutes of very loud noises a few times a day. If you live in closed quarter apartments, then expect to receive noise complaints from your neighbors.

Macaws are also extremely social and will bond with their owners immediately when shown affection. They tend to not sit around quietly when they see their owners and will need routine human interaction as this is one of their fundamental characteristics. They have a quirky sense of humor and will almost always try to get your attention whenever possible. Macaws also love to sing so be prepared to protect your eardrums when they decide to belt out with great enthusiasm.

What’s the typical lifespan of a macaw?


The typical lifespan of a macaw is usually around 35 to 50 years. Macaws that are well taken care of can go past that as the oldest pet macaw has lived for more than 100 years. Larger macaws tend to live longer than their smaller counterparts so if you want your pet to keep you company for a long time, then it’s better to invest in the larger ones.

Conclusion


Macaws are an expensive pet to own and maintain. Be ready to shell out as much as $3000 for the bird alone and another $500-$1000 or more for its abode. Once you have your macaw at home, it’s best to budget at least $100-$300 per month for its food, grooming, toys, as well as vet visits and check-ups. Macaws do not come cheap but do not let the price let you off potential ownership as a lot of owners attest to how amazing it is to own one.

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