Care guide
Hyacinth macaw care
- Typical lifespan
- 50–60 years
- Size
- Large
- Noise level
- Very loud
- CITES
- Appendix I
Hyacinth macaws are large, powerful, very loud parrots that live for decades. They need lots of space, time and strong toys, and suit experienced homes that can give them years of daily attention.
A lifelong commitment
With good care many live 50 years or more, so plan for who will care for your bird if your life changes.
Macaws can be heard a long way off; they aren't suited to shared walls or neighbours close by. Their beaks are strong enough to injure people and destroy furniture, so handling needs care and training.
Housing and exercise
A very large, strong cage (at least 1.5 m wide for the biggest macaws) with heavy bars, plus a play stand or a bird-safe room. They need several hours out every day to climb, flap and chew.
Give hard wood, natural branches and tough foraging toys, and expect to replace them often.
Diet
Hyacinths need more fat than other macaws: their diet in the wild is mostly palm nuts. Feed a quality pellet with vegetables and fruit, and plenty of nuts such as macadamias and Brazil nuts in the shell. Ask an avian vet to help plan it.
The largest parrot, a hyacinth needs an extra-large, very strong enclosure.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 14, 2026.