https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/general/pet-macaws-the-good-the-bad-and-the-wildly-funny
*Parrots are intelligent, social birds that thrive on interaction and routine. The Parrot Education Hub covers key topics like diet, mental stimulation, talking and training, and long term health - giving you the tools to create a fulfilling life for your feathered friend.
Chewy editorial team reminds potential bird owners that while large macaws are stunning, intelligent, and emotionally engaging companions, but they are also high maintenance parrots that come with significant challenges.
Their naturally loud vocalizations, destructive tendencies, and intense need for social interaction make them unsuitable for quiet households, apartments, or owners with limited time.
Macaws are hardwired to chew, scream, and test boundaries - not out of disobedience, but because these behaviors are instinctual.
Without proper training, structure, and consistent engagement, their size and strength can become overwhelming for inexperienced caretakers.
Territorial behavior around cages and lunging at unfamiliar people are common, but manageable through positive reinforcement and routine training.
That said, for owners willing to embrace the full reality of macaw ownership - including the noise, the mess, and the emotional intensity - these birds can be deeply affectionate and entertaining companions.
With strong, confident leadership and a home designed to meet their needs, macaws thrive on interaction, play, and food-based learning. They form close bonds and often display complex humor, intelligence, and loyalty.
By setting clear expectations, offering safe outlets for natural behaviors like chewing and vocalizing, and building mutual trust, owners can develop deeply rewarding relationships with their macaws.
Chewy editorial team encourages anyone considering a macaw to fully educate themselves before bringing one home - because while the rewards are great, so are the responsibilities.
