How Much Should A Blue And Gold Macaw Weigh?

The other day, I began to wonder about the varying sizes and weights of birds until I landed upon the infamous blue and gold macaw.

They are the most famous parrot of the species, often seen in films and cartoons, but in real life how much should a blue and gold macaw weigh? 

To answer this question, blue and gold macaws should weigh around about 1kg once they have matured and entered adulthood. Their weight can be a good indicator of their overall health. 

In this article, we will be looking at the recommended weight for a blue and gold macaw, their diet, their fluctuation of weight, and their overall health.

So, on that note, let’s begin!

 

What is a healthy weight for a blue and gold macaw? 

The recommended weight for an adult blue and gold macaw is 1kg or ranging between 900 g to 1.2 kg, so around about 2 to 4 lbs.

So, they are fairly heavy when they are fully grown.

As a chick, they will normally weigh about 20 grams.

As your blue and gold macaw grows from a chick it is important to monitor their weight gain, often with the use of a growth chart. 

Blue and gold macaws are fairly large birds as they can reach up to a height of 90cm and their wingspan can reach up 41 to 45 inches.

They are stunning birds whose tails can extend roughly two feet outward and have 12 feathers. 

Due to their weight and overall size, they need extra care as they need a large cage and a specific diet.

Also, the weight of a captive blue and gold macaw needs to be monitored closely as they do not have the full experience as a wild one does. 

 

When are blue and gold macaws fully grown? 

By the age of 10 weeks old a blue and gold macaw will be fully grown.

Blue and gold macaws start to present adult behavior around the ages of 2 to 3 years old.

Although, they do not fully mature until they are 5 to 7 years old.

There can be varying answers between wild blue and gold macaws and captive ones and also between males and females, making it easier to tell them apart.

The macaw species are known to be very large, in comparison to the other species of parrot. Although, many of them can range in size and weight. 

 

What is the best diet for a blue and gold macaw? 

For blue and gold macaws a varied, healthy diet is important so that they can get all the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

They are herbivores and find sustenance from varied seed mixtures, fresh fruit, and vegetables which should be a part of your blue and gold macaw’s daily diet.

The best fruit and veg for you blue and gold macaw are apple, carrot, peas, corn, broccoli, and spinach.

Although, these foods need to be cleared regularly as bacteria can quickly grow.

You will also need to consider the consistency of what you feed them, as some vegetables or fruit should not be given in every meal.

For example, broccoli should only be given twice a week.

Blue and gold macaws cannot eat lettuce, avocado, and apple seeds.

Seeds are an incredibly important part of a blue and gold macaw’s diet as it helps them grow and maintain their weight due to the fatty nutrition it holds.

Awareness of your blue and gold macaw’s diet is key to caring for their overall health and weight.

Freshwater has to be continuously available and changed daily and to ensure they get all the vitamins needed; some owners recommend vitamin supplements. 

Diet is an incredibly important factor when considering the weight and overall health of your blue and gold macaw. 

 

What impacts your blue and gold macaw’s weight? 

Your blue and gold macaw’s weight can be a good indicator of their overall health.

Many factors can impact their weight, but it can be a cause for concern.

With some birds, it may be because they are picky eaters, but if they are losing weight for no obvious reason then your blue and gold macaw may be suffering from an illness.  

 

Possible Reasons for Weight Loss

Macaw wasting disease often presents itself by your blue and gold macaw rapidly losing weight.

Weight loss can be a symptom of a variety of infections or diseases.

These diseases could be Proventricular Dilatation Disease, Bacterial Hepatitis, Polyoma, Psittacosis, and Avian Tuberculosis, to name a few.

All of these diseases have one symptom in common, and that is rapid weight loss. 

 

Possible Reasons for Weight Gain 

Weight gain may be caused by or present in fatty tumors, fatty liver syndrome, Lipornatosis, and Fatty Liver syndrome.

Weight gain can also occur due to heart, liver, and metabolic problems.

Although, it can mostly be a result of lack of exercise, or inappropriate diet.

Therefore, owners need to be aware and knowledgeable about the type of diet, cages, and exercise that a blue and gold macaw need. 

Paying attention to your blue and gold macaw’s weight is pertinent to understanding their overall health and wellbeing as if you notice rapid weight gain or loss you will be able to source any cause of distress for your pet.

The most important thing, if you are worried about the weight of your bird, is to seek veterinary help and advice. 

A blue and gold macaw’s weight is incredibly important to know how your pet bird is growing and progressing.

Most often, blue and gold macaws will weigh between 900 to 1500 grams when in adulthood.

Continuously monitoring your pet bird’s weight is important to know their overall health and condition.

Weight loss and weight gain can be a sign of them experiencing health problems, so your awareness as an owner is incredibly important for the care of your bird.

 

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