Should I Get One or Two Macaws?

Macaws are among the most intelligent and socially complex parrots kept in captivity. Prospective owners often ask whether they should adopt one macaw or keep a pair. As an avian veterinarian, I approach this question based on behavioral science, welfare considerations, and long-term care responsibilities. This article examines the pros and cons of keeping one versus two macaws and outlines the factors you must consider before making a decision.

1. Understanding Macaw Social Behavior

In the wild, macaws are flock birds. They form lifelong pair bonds, fly in social groups, and rely heavily on companionship for emotional stability, grooming, foraging, and communication.

Key behavioral traits:

• Highly social and bonded birds
• Require extensive mental stimulation
• Depend on vocal and physical interaction
• Experience stress when isolated
• Use flock contact calls to maintain connection

This foundation is essential when evaluating whether one or two macaws are appropriate for your home.

2. Should You Keep a Single Macaw?

Keeping a single macaw is possible—and common—but only under specific conditions.

2.1 Advantages of One Macaw

1. Stronger Human–Bird Bond

A single macaw typically forms a deeper bond with its primary caregiver, often becoming affectionate and interactive.

2. Easier Training and Behavior Management

With no other macaw influencing behavior, training sessions are more predictable.

3. Lower Financial and Space Requirements

You need only one large enclosure, one training program, and one lifelong care plan.

2.2 Risks and Challenges of One Macaw

1. Loneliness and Emotional Stress

A single macaw may become distressed if left alone for long periods.

2. Higher Risk of Behavioral Disorders

Common problems include:

• Screaming
• Feather plucking
• Aggression
• Destructive behavior

3. Extremely High Time Commitment

A single macaw requires:

• 4–6 hours of daily interaction
• Regular flight time
• Social enrichment
• Training and mental engagement

If you cannot commit to this level of involvement, a single macaw may struggle.

3. Should You Keep Two Macaws?

A pair may be a healthier and more natural option—but comes with unique challenges.

3.1 Advantages of Two Macaws

1. Companionship and Emotional Stability

Two macaws can groom, communicate, and play together, reducing stress and preventing loneliness.

2. Lower Risk of Behavioral Issues

Feather-destructive behavior and attention-seeking screaming often decrease when a bird has a bonded partner.

3. More Natural Lifestyle

The birds experience social enrichment closer to conditions in the wild.

3.2 Challenges of Two Macaws

1. Weaker Human–Bird Bond

A bonded pair may prefer each other’s company, reducing your role in their social dynamic.

2. Higher Costs and Larger Space Needs

You must invest in:

• A significantly larger aviary
• Double the enrichment
• More food, veterinary care, and training supplies

3. Potential for Aggression

Not all macaws are compatible. Pairing must be done carefully and sometimes fails entirely.

4. Breeding Behavior

A strongly bonded pair may exhibit hormonal behaviors, territoriality, or attempts to breed—requiring management expertise.

4. Essential Questions to Determine Whether You Should Get One or Two Macaws

4.1 Time Commitment

• Can you spend several hours daily interacting with a single macaw?
• Do you travel often or work long hours?

4.2 Space Availability

• Can you accommodate two large aviaries or one very large shared aviary?
• Do you have a safe indoor free-flight area?

4.3 Budget

Macaw ownership is expensive. Multiply by two:

• Food
• Toys and enrichment
• Veterinary exams and emergency care
• Housing upgrades
• Destructive behavior repairs

4.4 Behavioral Expectations

• Do you want a highly human-social bird?
• Are you comfortable with a pair that may prefer each other?

4.5 Experience Level

Keeping two macaws requires:

• Advanced behavior reading
• Safe introduction techniques
• Management of hormonal cycles
• Knowledge of flock dynamics

Beginners are often better suited to a single macaw.

5. Veterinary Recommendation: One or Two?

If you want a deeply bonded companion and have significant daily time available:

One macaw is appropriate.

If you cannot provide constant interaction or want to simulate natural social life:

Two macaws are a better welfare choice.

If you are inexperienced, lack space, or have a limited budget:

Start with one macaw.

6. Best Practices for Either Choice

For a Single Macaw

• Commit to daily social interaction
• Provide flight time and environmental enrichment
• Use foraging toys and training to prevent boredom
• Avoid leaving the bird alone for long periods

For Two Macaws

• Introduce birds gradually and carefully
• Ensure compatibility before co-housing
• Provide a large aviary with multiple feeding and perch stations
• Monitor behavior during breeding season
• Maintain individual training sessions to preserve human interaction

7. Conclusion

There is no universal answer to whether you should get one or two macaws.
Your lifestyle, resources, experience, and long-term commitment will determine which option supports the bird’s welfare and your relationship with them.

• One macaw requires intensive human interaction but can form a deep bond.
• Two macaws provide each other with companionship but demand more space, cost, and avian-handling knowledge.

The most important factor is ensuring that any macaw—one or two—receives the physical, emotional, and environmental care needed to thrive over a lifespan of 40–80 years.