An Amazon parrot is a classification of several different types of parrots native to Central and South America. There are over 30 species of Amazons; 10 types are common as pets. Most Amazon parrots have green bodies. Depending on the species, they can have distinct feather colorations on their heads including red, lilac, yellow, purple, blue, etc. Some display different colors on the shoulders, tail feathers and beak.
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| Amazon Parrots: Caring Guide For A Pet Amazon Parrots |
These medium to large sized birds can live for decades with the right care. They require constant attention, a varied diet, space to exercise and train, especially if you want a gentle, less noisy bird. Several species are also very good talkers and mimics.
This is an informative article. Nodisk One is not permitted to make a diagnosis or recommend any form of veterinary care. If your pet is in pain or ill, we recommend that you take him to the vet.
Species Overview
- COMMON NAMES: Double Yellow-headed Amazon, Yellow-naped Amazon, Yellow-fronted Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, Orange-winged Amazon, Green-cheeked Amazon, Panamanian Amazon, White-fronted Amazon (Spectacled Amazon), Mealy Amazon, red lilac-headed amazon, lilac-crowned amazon
- SCIENTIFIC NAME: Amazon
- ADULT SIZE: Approximately 10-20 inches from head to tail (varies by species)
- LIFESPAN: 30+ years
Behavior And Temperament Of The Amazon Parrot
Amazons are bright, playful birds that like to be the center of attention. They require a lot of time and affection from their owners. They are agile and inquisitive, and they appear to love amusing their owners with silly antics. Amazons that have been hand tamed from a young age are generally comfortable with handling and make affectionate and affectionate pets.
However, Amazon parrots can be somewhat moody when they reach sexual maturity and can become aggressive if not trained and handled properly. This is called a bluff step. Although the phase passes, it can sometimes last up to two years. During the bluff phase, Amazons may bite and show other aggressive behaviors. This is more apparent in males, and some birds act more than others. For this reason, you may want to consider a female parrot or an older bird.
Owners can learn to read their Amazon's body language to understand their mood. For example, a parrot with constricted pupils and raised head feathers might be overexcited and prone to biting if it doesn't get a chance to calm down.
In general, most Amazon species can learn to speak. As with other vocalizations, Amazons can be quite vocal and chatter frequently. They are also good howlers, but not as loud as cockatoos or macaws. Birds use loud vocalizations to communicate with one another and with their flock, mainly to signal danger, rage, excitement, or to attract attention.
Except spending several hours a day interacting with your bird, as well as feeding it and maintaining its habitat. Amazons can become bored, depressed, and destructive if left alone too much. They can enjoy the company of other birds, although they should be introduced slowly and carefully to ensure they are well matched. They can also often co-exist with other well-behaved pets, including cats and dogs, but should be supervised.
Size Information
In general, Amazons are about 10 to 20 inches long from head to tail. Between one and two pounds is usually what they weigh.
Housing
An Amazon parrot's cage should be as large as possible and as you can afford. At a minimum, the cage should be 2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet, but the bigger the better. Some owners even set aside little spaces as aviaries where their pet birds can fly freely. Make sure the spacing of the cage bars is narrow enough that your bird cannot get any part of its body trapped.
In the enclosure including toys, swings, ladders and perches of different sizes. Amazons love to chew, so make sure all items in the cage are safe and non-toxic. Also, include food and water dishes placed in a place where bird droppings will not fall into them.
Specific Substrate Needs
Many owners cover the cage floor with dye-free paper, paper towels, or similar material. Cages with grids allow waste to pass through, so your bird won't walk in the droppings. However, if the cage floor is a grid, make sure your bird has access to a flat surface somewhere to rest its feet.
What Do Amazon Parrots Eat And Drink?
In the wild, Amazon parrots consume a wide range of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and vegetation. Pet amazons should eat a pelleted bird food daily, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Discuss quantity and variety with your veterinarian, as nutritional needs may vary depending on size, age, and activity level.
Birds like to graze throughout the day, so place a day's worth of pellets in a chew-proof dish and tip in the cage. Dishes made of stainless steel that fasten to the cage's side are a good choice. After 24 hours, throw away any uneaten pellets before adding the portion for the following day. Fresh food should be fed in a separate dish, ideally in the morning when your bird wakes up and is hungry. Remove them after a few hours to prevent them from spoiling.
Lastly, make sure your parrot has access to clean water at all times. You can either use a water bowl or a bottle that attaches to the side of the enclosure. Many birds like to dip food into water dishes or even bathe in them, so bottles are generally easier to keep hygienic. But make sure your bird knows how to drink from the bottle before removing its water bowl. Refresh the water daily.
Common Health Issues
Amazons are relatively healthy and long-lived birds. But they are generally susceptible to the following conditions:
- Obesity
- Picking feathers (picking feathers because of boredom, skin issues as well as other issues)
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium)
- liver disease
- Respiratory diseases and other infections
- Household injuries (such as ceiling fans, toxic fumes, electrical wires, etc.)
Tip: Not every veterinarian considers birds as patients. Check to see whether there is an avian veterinarian nearby who can treat a parrot before buying one.
Training Your Amazon Parrot
Hand taming is the primary training most owners do with their birds to acclimate them to household life. Let your parrot settle in for at least a few days after you bring it home. Sit close to him and talk to him so he feels comfortable with your presence. Start offering treats through the bars of the cage to encourage the parrot to come to you.
Once he is comfortable with this, hold a perch in front of the bird's stomach and give the command "mount". You can press the perch very gently against his stomach and hold a treat in front of the perch to encourage him to sit up. Always hold the perch steady and discontinue training if your bird becomes stressed.
Finally, once your Amazon is comfortably on a perch, give the same "rise" command while holding your hand in front of the bird's stomach. Offer treats and praise to make handling a positive experience.
Exercise
Because Amazons love to eat and are prone to obesity, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Physical activity also provides essential mental stimulation for their smart brains. An Amazon needs at least three hours of out-of-cage time a day where she can move freely and stretch her muscles.
Keep toys inside and outside the cage to encourage activity. A bird playroom outside the cage is a great option to get your bird interested and moving. Puzzle toys can also provide both mental stimulation and exercise.
Grooming
Most Amazon parrots love to bathe. And regular baths help keep the bird's feathers in good condition. You can mist your bird with warm water from a spray bottle or offer it a shallow dish to splash around in. Some birds even like to take a shower with their owners. Offer a bath a few times a week (sometimes your bird might not be interested) and make sure your bird never gets cold with wet feathers.
Additionally, Amazons generally need periodic nail trims because they don't wear down their nails naturally as they would in the wild. A veterinarian can trim your bird's nails for you and teach you how to do it at home.
Pros And Cons Of Keeping An Amazon Parrot As A Pet
Amazon parrots can make excellent pets that are also quite enjoyable and affectionate. Most are quite social with their owners. However, this is a long-term commitment, which may not suit everyone's situation. And they need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Pet birds similar to the Amazon parrot are:
- Cockatoo
- Blue and gold macaw
- Eclectus parrot
Buy or adopt your Amazon parrot
It is best to go to a reputable breeder or rescue organization to acquire an Amazon parrot. You can see them in some pet stores, but these stores aren't always able to give good information about the bird's health, history, and temperament. Amazons can cost between $100 and $1,000 on average, although this can vary greatly depending on factors such as the age of the bird. Adoption fees are generally less than the breeder's costs.
Maintenance Costs
Your main monthly cost for your Amazon will be its power supply. Expect to spend around $15-$25, although this may vary depending on the types of food you offer. You'll also need to periodically replace worn-out toys and other items in your bird's habitat, which costs about $10 to $25 on average. Also, be sure to budget for routine vet visits, such as checkups and nail clippings, and emergency care.
Breeding / Reproduction
Local avian vets might be able to direct you to a good breeder or Amazon parrot rescue. These birds are often seen for adoption because owners cannot keep them for their entire lifespan. The main advantage of going to a breeder is that you will likely have a greater selection of young birds.
Try to visit the bird before bringing it home. Look for a bird that is active, alert, and in good physical condition. Ask the seller about the bird's daily routine, diet, health, level of tameness, and any other questions you may have before you commit.
Additionally, in some Amazonian species you can distinguish males and females by sight while others require a DNA test. If you want to keep more than one bird of the same species, ask the seller or a veterinarian to confirm their sex, to avoid unexpected breeding.
FAQs
Is an Amazon parrot a good pet for children?
For older children who can handle them gently, amazon parrots can be good pets. It's usually not ideal to put teenage Amazons who might be aggressive with children.
Are Amazon parrots hard to care for?
The moderate upkeep required for Amazon involves a varied diet and several hours of daily care.
Do Amazon parrots recognize their owners?
Amazon parrots will eventually learn to identify their owners. In general, they enjoy spending time with their favorite people and will even act funny.
Only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, are used by Nodisk One to substantiate the information in our articles.
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