For New Amazon Owners

[jylu97]

I see that the recent posts here are from new amazon owners and I wanted to post this here about amazons.

Amazons tend to suffer from vitamin A deficiency, this manifests itself with serious respiratory and skin problems. It's best to supplement daily with papaya, mango, carrots, or a common favorite, sweet potato (I steam mine) -- these have beta-carotenoids which are precursors to vitamin A. One can cause vitamin A overdose/toxicity by giving vitamin A supplements, but one cannot overdose a bird with beta-carotenoids. You can buy dehydrated fruits (without the sulfur dioxide). Seeds or pellets with vitamin supplements are not enough. This is a small price to pay compared to the pain of having an amazon with chronic sinusitis and foot problems for life. I didn't know this (even my vet didn't know this "back then"), so my bird has lost her papilla in the back of her mouth. I've actually become a believer in red palm oil.

Amazons love showers and benefit from at least weekly showers.

Amazons are prone to obesity and fatty liver disease. So careful with nuts and fatty foods.

Please chime in if you have more to add. I really wanted to mention the problems with vitamin A deficiency because this is a big problem with zons.

Liz

[charline]

hiya, my name is charline and i have a blue mealy amazan, he will not let me touch him unless he is realy excited, he make a bubley bub bub sound and fluters his wings, as thats the only time i ever get to touch him and thats when he gives me his hand to hold, ive had loudow for four weeks now and ive never been so happy but i realy want him to trust me and let me hold him without eating me, can you help me.or any advise you may give me as ive made sure that he is getting a proper diet so that he is healthy and happy but no one out there will help, as they all say(well dear he is too old) loudow is only 2, haw is he to old

[charline]

hi there, i posted you today to ask for help with my loudow, if you can email me on id be so greatfull, i just want loudow to be one of the family and not just a pet as i love him so much and he hasent had much love at all, thankyou, charline

[Tiffany and Mitcheri]

My two new guys shouldn't have a problem with vitamen A deficiency as they get offered papaya everyday and sweet potato, which they already are starting to sample (along with any other native to Trinidad fruit or veggie that I have in the fridge..which is a bunch). Really great information for all of us Amazon people!! Thanks

[tracie]

I am "patiently" waiting for my baby amazon to wean out. He should be ready within a month and I was wondering if you could elaborate on diet. I have cockatiel's, but I haven't had a larger bird in many years. I know he is weaning them on Zupreem pellets, fruits and veggies and cooked foods, but do they need any seeds? If so what type? Also, I am not familiar with red palm oil. How do you feed it to them? I appreciate any help.

Tracie