New owner of an amazon who needs badly trained (long post)

[darkserenity]

Ok. His name is Baby, and he is a blue-fronted amazon.
We know he is at least fifteen. I say this because...
My family (My mother, little sister, and I) met Baby 4-5 years ago. He belonged at the time to my mother's boyfriend, who we lived with. At the time, we were told he was over 10. All his previous owners, including the guys ex, had been abusive, doing things like even throwing the cage with Baby in it.. At his location with the boyfriend, Baby was completely ignored and left in a cold back room in a cage that was never, ever cleaned. The cage was more of a dog kennel.
When Mom broke up with him, we took Baby with us.
The bird has never been hand-trained. He's aggressive and distrustful, although in the three years I still lived with my mom I got him better than he was.
Since I moved out, Baby was pretty much never let off the cage, at the most he was let to stand on it... Mom would freak if he was off it, because she won't touch him since he bites. The one time he bit her she threw him. Much of the time, his cage was covered. His water was rarely changed, just had it added when it was low. Also, Mom is a heavy smoker, and doesn't bother watching out for what is bad for the bird. Also, she works a lot and has three cats and a dog to care for also, so you know...
So I offered to take him off her hands. Well, I and my boyfriend offered. We want to get him hand-trained and taken care of. Get his nails trimmed and all. That I know of, he's never even been to a vet.
We got Baby 24 hours ago now. When we brought him home, we cage him a shower. After, we get smelling something burning. The smell was coming from Baby. His feathers smell of smoke.
We bought Baby a large cage which goes downstairs in the living room, and a small perch that goes in our bedroom. The perch is slightly too small, I'll admit, and we'll get a longer one when we can. Here is Baby on the bedroom perch, where he'll be when he's where we spend the majority of our time. YouTube - Baby's First Day (parrot)
As said, I know it's too small.
Here he is on the cage. He seems really quiet. YouTube - Bby on a perch(Amazon)
I honestly don't know how much time I should have him on each right now. If he's on the cage, he'll be alone. If he's on the little perch, he'll be in the same room as me.
I don't know how to tell if he's grooming or picking at his feathers. Since we got him yesterday, this many feathers have come off him.
They're just little ones, but it still worries me.
Another pic of him on the cage.
By the way, for comparison, here's how active he was when Logan and I got him off the cage at my mom's. YouTube - Crazy parrot with mellow cat
He's barely been talking since we brought him home.
Here is a close-up video of him. I can't tell if he's overweight or not. YouTube - Baby Close-Up (amazon)Until now, he had a diet almost entirely of loose seeds and nuts, like sunflower seeds. We got him these little fruit and seed balls, but he's barely touching them and I'm worried. Don't even know how much is a healthy amount to feed an amazon each day. If he refuses to eat much of the new food, should we wean him slowly from what he's used to?

I just want the bird to be healthy and happy. Since he has shown up, he has been mostly really quiet. Barely even goes near his water bowl. Is he maybe depressed at the change in environment? And as I asked before, which of the two locations is better? Better for him to be on the small perch around me or the large perch downstairs, alone? How long should it take him to at least be happy?

[Sashagirl]

What a sad story of Baby.What you can do is start introducing fruits and vegetables as well as pasta and beans to his diet.Also try and switch to pellet diet if you can.I think it's great that you took Baby in and decided to help him.(No avocado,chocolate and there's a list of things you shouldn't use around him)I will try and find the list and post it unless someone beats me to it.When it is possible I would try and get Baby seen by an avian vet so he can have a physical considering what he has been through
and the exposure to cigarette.I had a few that had similar lives.I hope everything turns out for the best for Baby and you.Baby will be a little shy until he gets used to his new surroundings.Try sitting near Baby's cage talk,sing to him anything so he gets used to you.Offer him treats no junk food
healthy treats.Lets face it he has been through a lot and it may take a little time.But it will eventually pay off.Try not to make any sudden moves.Time will help him to recover what he has been through.

Marcia

[darkserenity]

Thanks. You should be happy to know, by the way, he has a appointment for the avian vet the day after tomorrow.
And btw, he loves pasta. His favorite food is Chicken and noodles, and he also like potatoes.
Is meat a fatty food for birds?

[darkserenity]

I forgot to mention something important. I know parrots love toys, and that it's bad for them to be bored, but Baby is afraid of ANY object foreign to him, has been since my mother got him, and won't go near such objects. This means toys and everything.
How can I get him over this?

[Sashagirl]

Meat is okay but lean meat like chicken,fish without the skin and fat.It is okay to give him the chicken bone just not everyday.Feed in moderation.No salt or sugar.I will get the list of do's and don't.I'm glad he has an appointment and I hope he comes back with a clean bill of health.I will try and follow your thread.I'm owned by 2 BFA.

Marcia

[becca623]

Thank you for taking in Baby! It's definitely time he had the good life. I hope everything goes well at the vet tomorrow. He's a nice looking guy. I am owned by a female blue front amazon. They are great birds. Enjoy him!

[darkserenity]

I certainly will. If nothing else, I think I need to get him some wooden chew toys... I gave him a loose dowel and he is happily ripping it to shreds. O_O
And anyway, the meats he normally eats is loose poultry.
About how much food should he eat each day? Example: Half a cup.
And how much should he drink? Because as I said, he's barely been touching his water. I haven't seen him touch the water bowl up here even once. You can see the bowl in the video of his first day here.

[ndeben]

I am so glad you have taken Baby, I found my DO NOT FEED THE BIRDS LIST
DO NOT FEED BIRDS OFF THIS LIST !!!!!!
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is a wonderful treat to share with human family members, but it can be harmful or fatal to your pet bird. Chocolate poisoning first affects a bird's digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. As the condition progresses, the bird's central nervous system is affected, first causing seizures and eventually death.
2. Apple Seeds
Believe it or not, apples - along with other members of the rose family including cherries, peaches, apricots, and pears - contain trace amounts of Cyanide within their seeds. While the fruit of the apple is fine for your bird, be aware that in addition to the poisonous seeds, there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse and core any apple pieces that you share with your bird to avoid exposure to these toxins.
3. Avocado
The skin and pit of this popular fruit had been known to cause cardiac distress and eventual heart failure in pet bird species. Although there is some debate to the degree of toxicity of avocados, it is generally advised to adopt a "better safe than sorry" attitude toward them and keep guacomole and other avocado products as far away from pet birds as possible.
4. Onions
While the use of limited amounts of onion or garlic powders as flavorings is generally regarded as acceptable, excessive consumption of onions causes vomiting, diarrhea, and a host of other digestive problems. It has been found that prolonged exposure can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia, which is followed by respiratory distress and eventual death.
5. Alcohol
Although responsible bird owners would never dream of offering their pet an alcoholic drink, there have been instances in which free roaming birds have attained alcohol poisoning through helping themselves to unattended cocktails. Alcohol depresses the organ systems of birds and can be fatal. Make sure that your bird stays safe by securing him in his cage whenever alcohol is served in your home.
6. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and have been known to cause digestive upset in companion birds. Caps and stems of some varieties can induce liver failure.
7. Tomato Leaves
Tomatoes, like potatoes and other nightshades, have a tasty fruit that is fine when used as a treat for your bird. The stems, vines, and leaves, however, are highly toxic to your pet. Make sure that any time you offer your bird a tomato treat it has been properly cleaned and sliced, with the green parts removed, so that your bird will avoid exposure to any toxins.
8. Salt
While all living beings need regulated amounts of sodium in their systems, too much salt can lead to a host of health problems in birds, including excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and death. Be sure to keep watch over the amount of salty foods your bird consumes.
9. Caffiene
Caffinated beverages such as soda, coffee, and tea are popular among people - but allowing your bird to indulge in these drinks can be extremely hazardous. Caffeine causes cardiac malfunction in birds, and is associated with increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyperactivity, and cardiac arrest. Share a healthy drink of pure fruit or vegetable juice with your bird instead - this will satisfy both your bird's tastebuds and nutritional requirements.
10. Dried Beans
Cooked beans are a favorite treat of many birds, but raw, dry bean mixes can be extremely harmful to your pet. Uncooked beans contain a poison called hemaglutin which is very toxic to birds. To avoid exposure, make sure to thoroughly cook any beans that you choose to share with your bird.

[ndeben]

and this is the good list.. sorry its kinda long.
RECOMMENDED LIST OF VEGGIES AND FRUITS
Try a variety of vegetables such as:
• Carrots (root and tops)
• Sweet potatoes
• Leafy greens such as collards, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, Swiss chard, beet greens and dandelion greens
• Parsley
• Green beans
• Sweet red, yellow and green peppers
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli (head and leaves)
• Eggplant
• Sugar snap or snow peas
• Squash
• Romaine or green/red leaf lettuce (small amounts)
• Corn (kernels, or on the cob for larger birds)
• Cucumber
Remember: no avocado!
Fruits
Again, you want to feed a wide variety, not just a favorite few. Many birds love fruit and will overdo it so limit fruits to a fairly small portion of the overall diet. As with vegetable, many of the more deeply colored fruits contain more nutrition, and it is good to try feeding a variety of more tropical type fruits parrots might be exposed to in their native habitats. However, make sure they do not eat pits or apple seeds as these can be toxic. Try fruits such as:
• Mango
• Papaya
• Kiwi
• Berries
• Pomegranates
• Pineapple
• Cranberries
• Cantaloupe (without the rind), other melons
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes
• Apples
• Grapefruit
• Tangerines
3. Sprouts
Do you like alfalfa sprouts on your salad? Your bird will like them too! Be sure to thoroughly wash any sprouts that you offer your bird. Some may have come into contact with pesticides in their journey from the garden to your local supermarket, and you don't want to pass these toxins on to your pet.

4. Vegetables
Wild birds feast on an amazing variety of vegetables in their natural habitats, so it only makes sense that fresh veggies are good for captive birds as well. Try offering your pet some thoroughly cleansed broccoli, cauliflower, or greens next time you serve these veggies in your home. Other avian favorites include carrots, asparagus, and peas.
5. Pasta
No matter whether it's cooked or uncooked, birds love pasta. The good thing is, it's full of energy enhancing carbohydrates! Try boiling some bowtie pasta with vegetables and serving it to your bird when cool. If your pet prefers his pasta crunchy, fill a few raw macaroni noodles with peanut butter for a fun and tasty snack.
6. Bread
Whole grain breads taste great, and are a wonderful source of fiber. Try offering your pet small bites of bread as a treat for good behavior. Your pet will think he's in hog heaven!
7. Popcorn
Believe it or not, many pet birds enjoy snacking on popcorn! You can serve your bird either popped or unpopped kernels. If you choose to serve the popcorn unpopped, boil the kernels for a bit in plain water to soften the tough hulls. If you desire, you can pop the kernels for your bird using a very light amount of pure vegetable oil. Be sure to never give your bird microwave popcorn. These varieties are extremely high in fat and salt, which can be harmful to your pet's health.
8. Cereal / Grains
Grain farmers often complain when flocks of wild birds descend on their crops to feast. A hungry group of birds can strip a field of grain in no time -- because grains are nutritious, and very good for them! Whole grains are another good source of vital protein, not to mention beneficial carbohydrates. Try serving your bird oats or shredded wheat, and watch the feeding frenzy begin!
9. Nuts
Nuts are extremely high in fat, and should be used sparingly to prevent obesity in your pet. They are, however, very tasty, and many birds appreciate them as special treats. Nuts can be used as exercise toys as well as treats, many birds will spend hours exercising their beak and jaw muscles on the shells of some varieties. Always make sure that any nuts that you serve your bird are clean and unsalted.
10. Peppers
Although many humans have trouble eating spicy peppers, birds can definitely take the heat. It seems that our avian friends lack the taste receptors that pick up on a pepper's stinging bite, which makes them a favorite of birds around the world. Try giving your pet a nice fresh chile or banana pepper and watch him chomp through it to get to the meat and seeds inside. You may find out that you have quite a hot little tamale on your hands!

[ndeben]

I am glad you are taking him out of such a sad situation, smelling like smoke cant be good. I have a new parrotlet that was fed only seeds. I put a few seeds on fresh fruit and veggies, he ends up eating or at least tasting the good stuff. just be patient, you just became a parrot slave.. we here love being parrot slaves.