Help with new double yellow head amazon...

[Geo]

My GF just bought a double yellow head amazon. He is 1 year and 4 months. He had been living with a family that could not care for it anymore since they had 3 kids and one on the way. Needless to say we got a deal for $500 with cage and perge.

Now, since he is in a new home now, we need to know what steps to take to minimize his stress in this next few days/weeks/months....?

So far he did not want to step up from the cage. He flew out and after that he stepped up and had no problem swithching from my GF to me many many times. The owner said they would leave the cage open on top at all times. The bird even slept with the top of the cage open. Is that ok? If not, will it be ok to just close it and cover the cage with a blanket?

Please I need suggestions on how to keep him well and not stressed out too much. I have a B&G but they will not be staying in the same house. Please advise on how to get them together from time to time also.

Thanks in advance!
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[CALVINS MOM]

He's probably used to coming and going as he pleases. Take it slow - very slow You are dealing with an Amazon. Hopefully you know the warnings they will give you prior to biting. I would not leave any bird unattended outside of the cage. That may be a starting point to having him step up (the fact that he is not out all day long). Just go slow. Remember, the poor guy is probably scared to death with the unfamiliar surroundings and having just lost his "family." It took me about 3-4 months with a rescue macaw I have (Calvin) to trust me. That is the key -trust. Good luck with him. I am no expert, but have had birds for 30 years (my first being a wild caught BF Amazon). Also, I would not cover the cage. If he is not used to that, it may scare him even more. I also would not put him with your macaw. Way too risky.

Initially, let him come out on his own and have him step up from the top of the cage. Eventually, try having him step up from inside the cage (after a good couple of weeks). Let him feel comfortable.

How big is the cage? Does he have a lot of toys and good diet? That is imporatant too. I am also a fan of natural perches as opposed to the dowels that come with cages. They are not good for their feet.

[Geo]

The cage is good for his size. we did get him some new toys and he started playing with them right away.

He eats sunflower seeds, zoo zupreme (however its spelled) diet, baby carrots..

What would you suggest?

[CALVINS MOM]

Delete the sunflower seeds and use them only as a treat or for training purposes or a reward. Sunflower seeds are not the best diet for any bird - especially an amazon as they tend to become obese very quickly. I assume the Zupreem diet are pellets? Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, too! :)

How is he doing today? Is he coming around any more?

[Geo]

I have not seen him in two days now. My girl says he is doing great.

[Joanie Doss]

The main thing is to move slowly and do not expect too much of him until he is completely at ease in his new surroundings. I like to read to new birds. Children's books with a few words on each page work well. Read and reread the same stories to him and he will soon become acquainted with the sounds of human language.

Amazons learn the majority of their vocabulary between 1 year and until they become sexually mature. That does not mean they won't learn any more, it is just that they learn quicker and more during that time.

When the bird begins to take food treats from your hand and eats them in front of you, it is time to start on handling. A bird that has any reservation about his new people or surroundings will drop the food to the floor if given any by hand. That means he still feels he must keep all his senses in tune for flight if the occasion arises.

Once he is taking food regularly from your hand you can lure him onto your arm by holding a treat so that he has to step onto your arm to get it. Do not move your arm at first. Only when he is completely confident on stepping onto your arm should you try to move it when he steps onto it.

Take your time in training. Amazons live for a long time so there is no need to rush them.

Joanie Doss
The Amazing Amazons
http://www.parrothouse.com/bodylanguage.html