Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw eggs hatch after 26–28 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 90–100 days and are weaned and independent at about 100–140 days. A typical clutch is 2–3 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 900-1300 |
| Length (cm) | 76-86 |
| Clutch size | 2-3 |
| Incubation (days) | 26-28 |
| Fledging (days) | 90-100 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 100-140 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 36–72 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 35-60 |
| Breeding season | Winter-spring |
| Sexing | DNA. |
Origin: South America — Scientific name: Ara ararauna
Size: 85 cm, 1-1.3 kg
Breeding and care tips
Needs a huge, chew-proof enclosure. Hybridises with other macaws (Catalina = scarlet x B&G, Harlequin = B&G x greenwing) - label hybrids.
Mutations and colours
Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Blue (blue-and-white), NSL lutino.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Cockatiel
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw eggs take to hatch?
Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw eggs hatch after 26-28 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw lay?
Usually 2-3 eggs per clutch.
When do Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 90-100 days old.
When are Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 100-140 days.
At what age can a Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw breed?
A Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw reaches breeding age at about 36–72 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw breeding season?
Winter-spring
How do you tell a male Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw from a female?
DNA.
How long does a Blue-and-gold blue-and-yellow macaw live?
About 35-60 years with good care.