Severe Macaw – Ultimate Guide to This Mini Macaw

Published: 29 Apr 2025

Are you thinking of adding a Severe Macaw to your family? These stunning, mid-sized parrots are known for their bright green feathers, playful personalities, and strong bonds with their owners. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about caring for a Severe Macaw from diet and training to lifespan, price, and how they compare to other macaws.

Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or looking to expand your flock, this detailed article will help you decide if a Severe Macaw is the right choice for you.

👉 Discover everything about the Severe Macaw in this in-depth guide. Learn about its care, personality, diet, lifespan, price, and more.

Table of Content

What Is a Severe Macaw?

The Severe Macaw (Ara severus), also known as the Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, is the largest of the mini macaws. It comes from Central and South America and is known for its intelligence, playful personality, and medium size.

Despite being smaller than the larger macaws, Severe Macaws have big personalities. They bond closely with their human companions and can live for many years with proper care. These birds love attention and are highly social, making them ideal for owners who want an interactive pet.

Severe Macaw Size and Appearance

Severe Macaws grow to about 18 to 20 inches in length from head to tail. They weigh around 350 to 450 grams, making them larger than Hahn’s Macaw but smaller than a Blue and Gold.

Their feathers are mostly bright green, with brownish-red patches on their forehead and underwings. They also have bare white facial patches with black feather lines, a signature trait of all macaws. Their curved black beak is strong and used for both climbing and chewing.

Personality and Temperament

Severe Macaws are friendly, curious, and high-energy birds. They love to explore, climb, and interact with their environment. When socialized from a young age, they form deep bonds and can become very affectionate.

These parrots thrive on routine and interaction. They can be loud at times but are generally quieter than large macaws. However, without enough attention, they may become bored and start feather plucking or screaming.

Severe Macaw Lifespan – How Long Do They Live?

With proper care, Severe Macaws can live up to 30 to 40 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is usually shorter due to predators and food scarcity.

To help them live a long and healthy life, owners must offer a balanced diet, regular vet checkups, and mental stimulation. These parrots are a long-term commitment, so be prepared for decades of companionship.

Severe Macaw Diet – What Should They Eat?

Feeding your Severe Macaw a nutritious diet is essential for its health and happiness. Their meals should include pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and occasional seeds.

Avoid feeding them processed human food, chocolate, caffeine, and anything salty or sugary. A proper diet keeps their feathers vibrant, immune system strong, and mood balanced.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Pellets

Offer fresh foods daily, such as:

Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, mango, melon (no seeds)
Vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes
Pellets: Formulated pellets should make up 60-70% of the diet

Rotate their food to keep mealtime exciting. Always provide fresh water.

Housing a Severe Macaw

These active birds need a large cage—at least 36″ wide x 24″ deep x 48″ high—with bar spacing of ¾ to 1 inch. The cage should include multiple perches, toys, and safe chewable items.

Place the cage in a well-lit, busy room where the bird can observe family life. Outside-the-cage time is just as important—they need at least 2-4 hours of supervised freedom daily.

Training and Socialization

Severe Macaws are smart and love to learn. Start positive reinforcement training early with treats and praise. Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes—and repeat daily.

Teach basic commands like “step up,” “stay,” and even tricks like waving. Socialization helps reduce fear and aggression, and it keeps your bird mentally active.

Talking Ability – Can Severe Macaws Talk?

Yes, Severe Macaws can talk! They are among the best talkers of the mini macaws and can learn 10–20 words or phrases with clear pronunciation.

They also mimic sounds like doorbells, microwaves, and phone rings. While not as vocal as larger macaws, their voice is sharp and can be loud during excited moments.

Common Health Problems in Severe Macaws

Like all parrots, Severe Macaws are prone to certain health issues. The most common include:

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
Respiratory infections
Feather plucking (usually from stress or boredom)
Vitamin A deficiency

Schedule annual avian vet checkups and watch for signs like changes in droppings, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. A clean cage, healthy diet, and attention are the best prevention.

Severe Macaw Breeding Guide

Breeding Severe Macaws requires knowledge and preparation. Provide a nesting box (12″ x 12″ x 24″), high-protein food, and a peaceful environment.

Breeding pairs need to be bonded and mature.

Breeding Age and Sexing

Ideal breeding age: 4–6 years old
Clutch size: 2–4 eggs
Sexing: DNA sexing is required—males and females look identical

Both parents usually help in feeding chicks, and eggs take around 26 days to hatch.

Cost of Owning a Severe Macaw

Severe Macaws are not cheap. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Purchase price: $1,500 – $3,500
Cage and setup: $500 – $1,000
Monthly care: $50 – $100 (food, toys, vet visits)

The total annual cost can range from $800 to $1,500. Keep in mind, this bird will be with you for decades.

Severe Macaw vs Other Macaws

Here’s a quick comparison chart:

Feature	Severe Macaw	Hahn’s Macaw	Blue & Gold Macaw
Size	18-20 inches	12 inches	33-36 inches
Talking Ability	Moderate to good	Moderate	High
Noise Level	Moderate	Low	High
Lifespan	30–40 years	20–30 years	50+ years
Price Range	$1,500–$3,500	$800–$1,500	$2,000–$4,000

Pros and Cons of Having a Severe Macaw as a Pet

Pros:

Intelligent and trainable
Strong bond with owner
Beautiful and unique appearance

Cons:

Can be loud
Needs lots of attention
Expensive to maintain

Legal and Ethical Ownership Considerations

Severe Macaws are protected under CITES Appendix II, meaning their trade is regulated. Always buy from reputable, licensed breeders.

Never support wild-caught birds. Ethical ownership means providing your bird with a safe, enriched, and long-term home.

How to Bond with Your Severe Macaw

Spend consistent time with your bird daily. Talk, whistle, or just sit near them during their quiet time.

Offer treats, hand-feed fruits, and engage in gentle head scratches. Avoid forcing interaction; let the bird come to you. Trust grows slowly but lasts a lifetime.

Travel and Outdoor Safety for Your Macaw

If you take your bird outdoors, use a parrot harness or secure travel cage. Never let a macaw free-fly unless it’s fully trained.

When traveling by car, place the cage securely and away from direct air vents. Always bring food, water, and familiar toys to reduce stress.

Conclusion

So, guys in this article we have discussed Severe Macaw in detail. Severe Macaws are energetic, affectionate, and intelligent parrots that thrive in homes where they receive plenty of love, time, and stimulation. Their medium size, good talking ability, and playful nature make them popular among experienced and first-time bird owners alike. However, they are not low-maintenance pets and require long-term dedication. If you’re ready to commit to a lifelong companion who will keep you entertained and challenged, a Severe Macaw might just be the perfect parrot for you.

Want to learn more? Explore our other macaw care guides and become the best bird parent you can be!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Severe Macaw , with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

1. What is the personality of a Severe Macaw like?

Severe Macaws are playful, curious, and very intelligent. They love attention and form strong bonds with their human families. With the right care, they can become very affectionate companions.

2. Are Severe Macaws loud?

Yes, they can be loud, especially in the mornings and evenings. However, they are quieter than large macaws and often make pleasant sounds when content. Regular interaction can reduce excessive screaming.

3. How much does a Severe Macaw cost?

They typically cost between $1,500 and $3,500. The total cost of ownership, including cage, food, toys, and vet care, can reach over $1,000 annually. They are a big commitment both financially and emotionally.

4. What should I feed my Severe Macaw?

Feed them a mix of pellets, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Avoid processed foods, avocado, chocolate, and caffeine. Always offer fresh water and rotate their meals to prevent boredom.

5. Do Severe Macaws make good pets for beginners?

They can be great pets for dedicated beginners willing to learn. However, they require time, attention, and patience. It’s best to do thorough research and consult breeders or avian experts.

6. How can I tell if my Severe Macaw is healthy?

A healthy Severe Macaw has bright eyes, clean feathers, and regular eating habits. Watch for signs like fluffed feathers, watery droppings, or lethargy. Regular vet visits are essential for early detection of issues.

7. Can Severe Macaws talk and mimic sounds?

Yes, many can learn to say words and mimic household sounds. Each bird is different—some are better talkers than others. Training and repetition help improve their speech.

8. How often should I clean the cage?

Clean the cage bottom every 1–2 days. Disinfect food and water bowls daily, and deep clean the entire cage weekly. Cleanliness helps prevent infections and keeps your bird healthy.

9. What toys are best for Severe Macaws?

Offer wooden chew toys, ropes, foraging puzzles, and bells. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. Toys prevent boredom and encourage natural behaviors.

10. How can I safely travel with my Severe Macaw?

Use a sturdy, secure travel cage or backpack carrier. Ensure proper ventilation, bring familiar toys, and avoid extreme temperatures. Always supervise your bird while traveling.