That is the first step. Well done. Amazons are fun. BUT NOT a STARTER bird. Not for beginners and not an impulse buy If you have no experience with birds... get a smaller one please.
* An Amazon is full of mischief and needs an owner that is both patient and willing to take the time to train the bird. Amazon parrots will not stop it's unwanted behavior without many short-training sessions, it is not that they are not learning,It is that they enjoy doing their own thing. They are also loners. Meaning they keep to them selves more then socialize with your company. And yet also want to tell you amazons need attention.* And can not be cooped up in a cage 24/ 7
* Training from the start is a must.*
Amazons are good climbers and love to flap their wings so they need to spend time out of their cage. They need play gyms and LOTS of toys and need to be encouraged to flap and fly (wings clipped of course). If you long for silence do not bring an Amazon into your home :-) . They are not known as the quiet type. They have silent times yes. BUT.... Like with Children. They are not silent. :-)
Amazons are like having a toddler in your home for the rest of your life. You should make arrangements for them in case the unthinkable happens. Make sure it is to a person that your baby knows. Try to get you baby used to everyone in your life. It will be much friendlier.
Amazons have a contact call... to make sure you are there. They are not screaming. (If they scream then something is wrong) They are wanting you to return. So when that happens reassure her by coming back into the room. At least for a sec. But do not let that get out of control. There are times when you have to ignore it as long as you see her then ignore the call ( sample of Coboos Call )
They can mimic many things...phones, alarms, people (if she is in your bedroom. Sshhhhh! LOL) .. So be prepared. Please, discourage the sailor talk. It might be funny but not fair your Amazon. THEY LEARN.... So watch what you say... please.
PLEASE Find an AVIAN Specialist before you purchase. A regular vet is okay BUT an Avian vet is the best. From personal experience when buying a new baby get a warrantee and have it tested for Psittacosis. I have to stress that since My first guy Cody had it before I got him and I was not able to get him treated in time. My vet is 100 miles west of me. He is a specialist for birds and he tried to help Cody as best he could. I also bought my new guy from a reputable breeder rather a store that had my Cody on Consignment. I am not saying pet stores are bad. I am saying that it is best to buy from someone that knows. Would you buy a car from a person that has never driven????
Amazons live 40 to 80 years or more and they LOVE to chew so a word to the wise Keep Them away from heirlooms and things of value.
Blue Fronted Amazons are great. They eat anything. I mean that. Cody, my first one ate a diamond out of my earring. BUT. You should never give them Chocolate, Avocados, Alcohol, Tobacco, Caffeine,or carbonated drinks
You should not get one if you smoke. That is how toxic tobacco can be. ( my opinion)I only recommend you buy a bird from a reputable breeder. Not a pet store. And when you buy from a private owner. Get the bird checked out at an avian vet BEFORE you pay for him/her. I do not recommend anyone buying a bird from a pet store. Only a reputable Breeder. If you decide to get a parrot I recommend a sex test.
To avoid surprises and so you can name it properly.
I thought My guy was a girl for two weeks til the results came back a male.
I think Coboo is mad still.You should let the kids socialize with the birds too. I mean if you and your wife can no longer care for them. They need a familiar face. :-) Allowing a child near a bird is the parent’s decision and I respect that :-) BUT NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNSUPERVISED. Take your time when you bring the new baby home to my stress, meeting the family a new home ...Let her get used to the surroundings and You first. Then introduce the family. So remember, You first. Then bring others in. not in one day. Over time. Let them visit with her in a cage first, then holding no poking. Never. Do not tease or hit your Amazon. Treat your new baby the way you wanted to be treated
I recommend that you also keep your new bird away from any other birds you have in your home for no less then 30 days. There is a quarantine time you need to respect for the safety and health of your birds
A lot of TLC. And patience. Teach them you are the boss the king of the Flock. Be strong. Use command words like Step up and come here. Teach with treats and praise. Rewards for good behavior.
Never let them on the cage top. Never show fear. They learn from that and will take control
The Younger the bird the better. The older ones are okay too. BUT if you get an older one. Find out about its temperament and health and reasons for it selling first. Make sure the Amazon is Fully weaned. Hand feed is best
As you get to know your amazon he/she is getting to know you. HAVE FUN.
And if you THINK you own and Amazon.. THINK AGAIN.. The Amazon OWNS YOU LOL. And I do not call my self an "Owner". I am owned.. I am a MOMMY... never do I call myself an owner..
This is all from my personal experience and some information from the March 2001 issue of * Bird Talk Magazine. I am a subscriber :-)
If you have any questions please email me.
If I can not answer them I will
forward you to someone that can.
This Page was created in memory of
Cody
June 5, 1995 to February 26 1999
Hoping others learn how to care for an amazon before they buy. Hoping his death will save the lives of others
bathing / Coboo furry kin /Coboo fears the FURBIE! /
Coboo's first summer 1999 /Coboo's FIRST Christmas 1999 /
Webrings / Pictures / Parrot Pal members
Sites of interest
