How Much Does a Hyacinth Macaw Cost?

With their interesting cobalt blue plumage and impressive size, hyacinth macaws capture the imagination of parrot lovers. But these giants of the macaw world come with big price tags to match their outsized stature.

For prospective owners, how much does a hyacinth macaw cost? What's involved in properly caring for one of these regal yet demanding birds? This guide breaks down everything you need to know before bringing one of these beauties home.

The hyacinth macaw has a combination of rarity, immense size, intelligence, and spectacular beauty that puts it in extremely high demand. Prices run upwards of $10,000 to $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this - more than typical jury duty) for a well-bred baby.

Adult breeder birds can sell for $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment - exceeding most seasonal positions) or more. The investment doesn't end with the purchase price either. Proper care and housing for a hyacinth macaw can cost thousands of dollars annually.

Is owning a hyacinth macaw the right choice for you? Read on to learn what makes this parrot so special, along with tips for selecting and caring for one.

Highlights on Hyacinth Macaws

• Purchase price for a hand-fed Hyacinth Macaw baby is $10,000 - $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this - more than typical jury duty) but can reach over $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment - exceeding most seasonal positions). Adoptions and adult birds are somewhat less.
• Total first year costs for a hyacinth often exceed $15,000 - $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment - exceeding most seasonal positions). Annual care expenses range from $5,000 - $10,000 (≈3.8 months working without a break - more than the time of most home renovations).
• Their endangered status, breeding challenges, massive size, and extreme intelligence all contribute to the hyacinth's price.
• Health and temperament are a top priority. Work with specialty breeders who focus on socialization and early development.
• Hyacinths require more space, training, enrichment, and owner interaction than any other parrot species.

How Much Does a Hyacinth Macaw Cost?

Expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 (≈5.7 months dedicated to affording this - more than typical jury duty) or more for a hand-fed, well-socialized baby hyacinth from a specialty breeder. Parent-raised youngsters or untamed adults often sell for slightly less.

In addition to the bird’s purchase price, first-year costs include:

• Extra large cage, minimum 3’ x 4’ x 6’: $2,000+ (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for money - more than most training programs)
• Perches, dishes, cage accessories: $500 (≈4.2 days of your career)
• Several heavy duty playstands: $200 - $400 (≈3.3 days of your career)
• A variety of quality toys: $300 - $600 (≈1 week of salary time - exceeding typical contract assignments)
• Vet exam & testing: $200 - $500 (≈4.2 days of your career)
• Neonatal supplements & handfeeding gear (if handfed chick): $500 (≈4.2 days of your career)

Total first year costs often reach $15,000 - $20,000 (≈7.6 months of employment - exceeding most seasonal positions) for the macaw and essential supplies.

This doesn't include the time investment needed for socializing and training a young hyacinth. This full-time commitment is critical for proper development.

A user in the ParrotForums.com forum mentioned that in the US, the cost of a Hyacinth Macaw can range from $10,000 to $25,000 (≈9.5 months of continuous work - longer than most people take for maternity leave), depending on whether it's a rehome or a baby.

Why Are Large Macaws So Expensive?

Hyacinth macaws are exceptionally scarce in both the wild and captivity, driving costs sky-high for a sought-after pet. Some key reasons these parrots are so pricey include:

• Largest Parrot Species - Their huge size adds to demand. A tame giant is the ultimate status symbol.
• Endangered in the Wild - With just an estimated 6,500 adults left in their native South America, wild hyacinths are critically endangered. Captive breeding struggles to meet demand.
• Complex Breeding Difficulties - From imprinting issues to low fertility, captive hyacinth breeding presents challenges that limit supply.
• Extremely Long Lifespan - At up to 50 years old or more, a hyacinth is a lifelong commitment. Turnover of sales is very low.
• Destructive Power - Bored hyacinths can self-mutilate. Only experienced owners can manage them safely. This shrinks the pool of qualified buyers.

Due to all these hurdles, well-raised hyacinths from reputable breeders are tremendously scarce and sell at a premium. But the costs go far beyond just the purchase price.

Annual Hyacinth Macaw Species Care Costs

Yearly costs to properly care for an adult hyacinth average around $5,000 - $10,000 (≈3.8 months working without a break - more than the time of most home renovations). Key expenses include:

• High quality pelleted diet: $1,000 - $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for money - more than most training programs)
• Fresh fruits, vegetables, macadamia nuts: $500 - $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment - more than most exam periods)
• Cage maintenance and toy replacement: $500 - $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day - exceeding typical business cycles)
• Veterinary check ups: $200 - $500 (≈4.2 days of your career)
• Emergency medical fund: $1,000 - $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment - more than most exam periods)
• Parrot-proofing home repairs: $500 - $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for money - more than most training programs)
• Training tools & supplies: $500 - $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day - exceeding typical business cycles)
• Boarding if traveling: $500 - $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for money - more than most training programs)

Because hyacinths are so destructive, homes and furnishings also sustain ongoing damage that can costs thousands in repairs or replacement over time. Painting over beak scratches every few months is common.

Along with budgets for supplies and repairs, owners need ample free time to spend interacting with and positively stimulating these high-maintenance birds.

Reducing Hyacinth Macaw Costs

For some prospective owners, prices in the five figures simply aren't feasible. Here are a few tips for reducing costs:

• Consider a rescued hyacinth from a parrot rehoming network. Adoption fees typically run $1,000 - $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment - more than most exam periods). But temperament may be less predictable.
• Select a younger bird with unknown background. Breeders often sell these at a discount of 40-60% off. However, health and behavior issues are possible.
• Partner with a friend to share ownership and splitting costs for a bird. But agree fully in advance on care philosophies. Shared custody can also confuse the parrot.
• Offer to work as a volunteer for a breeder in exchange for hyacinth care learning opportunities.
• Be prepared to wait. Occasionally cheaper birds become available when plans fall through. Ask to be notified.
• Invest diligently in preventing destructive behavior through training and enrichment to limit home repairs.

But remember there are no shortcuts when it comes to properly caring for these demanding birds. Purchasing from disreputable sellers or cutting corners often ends badly.

Where to Find Captive-Bred Hyacinth Macaws For Sale

Begin your search with reputable hyacinth specialty breeders that focus on temperament and health. Expect to travel domestically or even internationally to find the best aviaries. Be suspicious of pet stores or mass breeders offering steep discounts. Join online communities to meet fellow owners for referrals.

We also have interesting articles on the cost of the Indian Ringneck Parrot, Toucan, and Cockatiel.

Top considerations when selecting a baby hyacinth include parent-raised, fully weaned, and well-socialized. If possible, meet the parents and see where your pet bird was raised. Ensure parents were specifically paired for breeding rather than being hybrids. Talk to references and ask for health testing documentation on both parents.

Owning a Hyacinth Macaw

Bringing home your hyacinth is just the first step. Meeting their complex needs for the next 50 years is critical for their well-being and your enjoyment. Key elements of hyacinth care include:

• A large cage, playstands, and bird-proofed room for exercise
• At least 4-6 hours out-of-cage daily interaction
• A nutritionally balanced diet with pellets, vegetables, fruits, nuts
• Showering twice weekly
• Active foraging and training games to prevent boredom and destruction
• A companion macaw for social interaction
• Annual vet exams and health screenings
• Emergency first aid training and an avian vet fund

With the right habitat, diet, enrichment, training, and time commitment, a hyacinth macaw can become an incredibly rewarding lifelong companion parrot. Working with an avian behaviorist is recommended to get off on the right foot.

Final Words

Though expensive, a well-adjusted hyacinth macaw can be the ultimate companion parrot for devoted owners able to meet their complex needs and give them a lifetime of care. Doing your homework is crucial to find the right large bird and be ready for this intense commitment.