Each and every member of the wonderful group of parrots known as macaws is unique and special. And of those that are commonly kept as pets, each species has its own devoted fans. Yet there is one macaw that is perhaps the most popular of all... the Blue & Gold Macaw.
Genus Ara ararauna, sometimes also called the Blue & Yellow Macaw, is a native of a wide region of South America, almost the entire northern half of the continent. They are primarily forest and rainforest birds in their natural setting, often congregating in large flocks, though usually paired up with a mate or buddy.
Hand-fed baby Blue & Gold Macaws can make sensational pets. They are playful, mischievous, quite intelligent, and often very lovable and loving. When properly socialized as a youngster, these birds will be playful and ever-entertaining members of the family.
The Blue & Gold is a large bird, but not quite as large as Scarlet, Greenwing or Hyacinth Macaws. They should be housed in very large cages which will allow for play, wing-flapping and other activities to forestall boredom. Food, toys and a variety of fresh (untreated) branches will go a long way toward keeping your macaw happy when it is enclosed in its cage.
Few pets combine the magnificent beauty and potential for sweet companionship as does the Blue & Gold Macaw. Those who love them know what treasures they can really be... your own little piece of a tropical rainforest.