Macaws are big, bright and beautiful. They are playful and you can teach them many words over time. If you are looking for a pet that can also act as a companion, then a Macaw is the perfect choice for you. However, there is a debate over the lifespan of a Macaw. Different subspecies live for a different amount of years. Also, there is a difference in the lifespan of wild Macaws and of those bred in captivity. If you are looking to get one for yourself, then we hope that this article comes as a help.
Wild Macaw Lifespan
The lifespan of a Macaw is much shorter when it is in the wild. This is due to a number of reasons. The primary factor is the chance of being preyed upon by larger birds and wild animals. In the wild, their main focus is on survival which is threatened by a number of factors.
Their living habitat is shrinking as manmade societies are digging deeper into the wild and taking over the forest area. This leaves a lesser area for them to look for food and breed. Lesser area means smaller hunting grounds which in turn means less food.
Another reason for their short lifespan is the lack of proper breeding in the wild. As they are popular pets, illegal capturing and black marketing has thinned their herd. According to National Geographic, their average lifespan is up to 60 years.
Pet Macaw Lifespan
The life of a pet Macaw is substantially longer than in the wild. A well looked after Macaw can live for as long as humans. There are many factors that determine the well being of your pet. They are social animals and leaving them alone or without any company can lead to aggression or depression in them. Make sure that you provide the company of other species of birds and regular playtime for your pet.
Feeding them a proper diet and maintaining a strict vigil over their surroundings can ensure that they live for as long as 25 to 60 years. In some cases, certain Macaws have been found to live for close to even 90 years. They are often the longest living pet that you can get.
Factors Affecting Pet Macaw Lifespan
The subspecies of your pet also determines their lifespan. Certain subspecies live for longer than others. If you want a pet that can accompany you for your lifetime then it is advisable that you look up the subspecies before purchasing them.
- Don’t lead to the development of a barrier between your relationships with your pet as it may, over time, refuse to eat the food that you serve them.
- Daylight is another equally important factor besides proper nutrition. Hence, make it a point to keep your Macaw caged in a particular area of a room that receives proper sunlight.
- It’s an open secret that a Macaw has a longer lifespan when in the wild. Therefore, it’s important that you provide a similar setup when keeping a Macaw as a pet.
- Timely medical attention is very important. There’s no point in keeping a pet if you do not care it enough. So plan regular checkups for you Macaw to prevent sudden setbacks.